Athletic Performance & Recovery

Why it matters for athletes: RBCs transport oxygen to muscles; hemoglobin increases oxygen transport 70-fold; critical for aerobic performance. Anemia reduces cardiac output and oxygen to tissues.

Why it matters for athletes: Iron deficiency is #1 nutritional limiter of performance; critical for oxygen transport. Athletes need higher ferritin levels for optimal oxygen transport.

Why it matters for athletes: Kidney function ensures proper protein metabolism and hydration. Monitors overtraining stress on organs.

Why it matters for athletes: Elevated BUN may indicate dehydration or excessive protein intake in athletes.

Why it matters for athletes: High levels can cause gout, affecting training. May indicate dehydration.

Why it matters for athletes: Despite fitness, athletes can have poor lipid profiles from high-calorie diets.

Why it matters for athletes: Higher HDL protects against cardiovascular disease despite high training stress.

Why it matters for athletes: Can be elevated in athletes despite good fitness due to diet.

Why it matters for athletes: High triglycerides impair oxygen delivery and indicate poor metabolic flexibility.

Why it matters for athletes: Best cardiovascular risk predictor for athletes. Superior to LDL-C for assessing true heart disease risk despite good fitness.

Why it matters for athletes: High homocysteine with high cholesterol creates compounded cardiovascular risk. Important for athletes despite good fitness levels.

Why it matters for athletes: Genetic cardiovascular risk that exercise cannot modify. Essential for athletes with family history of heart disease.

Why it matters for athletes: Even subclinical hypothyroidism reduces VO2 max and performance.

Why it matters for athletes: Active thyroid hormone directly affects metabolism and performance. Critical for proper energy production.

Why it matters for athletes: Precursor to active T3 hormone. Many athletes have conversion issues that TSH alone misses.

Why it matters for athletes: Detects autoimmune thyroid disease which affects 1 in 5 people. Critical for proper thyroid interpretation.

Why it matters for athletes: Second thyroid antibody test. Together with TPO provides complete autoimmune thyroid screening.

Why it matters for athletes: Chronic inflammation impairs recovery and adaptation to training.

Why it matters for athletes: Elevated in overtraining and chronic inflammation.

Why it matters for athletes: Additional inflammation marker beyond CRP for complete assessment.

Why it matters for athletes: Poor glucose control limits explosive power and endurance.

Why it matters for athletes: Stable glucose essential for sustained energy and performance.

Why it matters for athletes: Insulin sensitivity determines nutrient partitioning - whether calories build muscle or store fat.

Why it matters for athletes: Deficiency affects muscle strength, testosterone production, injury prevention.

Why it matters for athletes: Critical for red blood cell production; higher needs in athletes due to increased turnover.

Why it matters for athletes: Important for red blood cell production and recovery. Better marker of long-term folate status.

Why it matters for athletes: Essential for muscle contraction and bone health under training stress.

Why it matters for athletes: Critical for energy production, muscle function, and recovery. 45% of population deficient according to research by Rhonda Patrick.

Why it matters for athletes: Important for testosterone production, immune function, protein synthesis. Depleted through sweat in athletes.

Why it matters for athletes: Electrolyte balance crucial for performance; imbalances cause cramping and fatigue.

Why it matters for athletes: Monitors liver stress from training, supplements, or diet.

Why it matters for athletes: Indicates liver function and red blood cell turnover.

Why it matters for athletes: Albumin levels indicate protein status and liver function.

Why it matters for athletes: Key growth factor regulating muscle protein synthesis; higher IGF-1 associated with muscle mass and athletic performance.

Why it matters for athletes: Primary driver of muscle protein synthesis and athletic performance.

Why it matters for athletes: More accurate measure of available hormone for muscle building and performance.

Why it matters for athletes: Regulates bioavailable testosterone and estrogen. Higher SHBG = less free hormone available for muscle building.

Why it matters for athletes: Important for both male and female athletes for bone density, recovery, and cognitive function.

Why it matters for athletes: Precursor to testosterone; low levels suggest adrenal fatigue from overtraining.

Why it matters for athletes: Assesses stress response and recovery capacity. Critical for training adaptation and preventing overtraining in both male and female athletes.

Why it matters for athletes: Essential for monitoring recovery and preventing overtraining. THE recovery marker for athletes - peaks 1-4 days post-exercise.