Blood values and your metabolism
Your blood values make your metabolism visible. Sugar, fats and thyroid all help decide how easily you lose weight. Look up a value below. Each one gives the normal range and what a deviation means.
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Platelets (Thrombocytes)
The platelet count is simply how many platelets circulate per litre. On a weight-loss programme that number is worth watching.
Potassium
Potassium supports heart rhythm and blood pressure regulation, both increasingly important with age. Regular testing helps maintain cardiovascular stability.
Prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone that can influence reproductive function and overall hormonal balance. In older adults, elevated prolactin may sometimes be associated with certain medications or other factors.
RDW
RDW shows how much your red blood cells vary in size. Anaemia becomes more common as you get older and can go unnoticed for some time.
Reticulocytes
A reticulocyte count measures the number of young, immature red blood cells in your blood.
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
According to the NVKC, SHBG is a protein (globulin) produced in the liver; it holds testosterone and oestradiol firmly and takes them through the blood in a non-working form.
Selenium
Selenium supports immune resilience and cognitive health, both of which may benefit from extra attention as you age. Regular monitoring helps maintain antioxidant protection.
Sodium
Sodium balance is important for blood pressure management and cognitive function, both of which may need more attention with age. Regular monitoring supports cardiovascular well-being.
TPO Antibodies
TPO antibodies may signal autoimmune thyroid activity. In adults over 60, thyroid autoimmunity may have developed gradually over years.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
Your TSH value shows how hard your pituitary is pulling on your thyroid, and when you are losing weight it is one of the first numbers people look at.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol management becomes increasingly important with age. Regular screening supports cardiovascular risk awareness and heart health in later years.
Total Testosterone
Total testosterone measures the overall testosterone level in your blood.
Transferrin
According to the NVKC, the iron in the blood is carried by the protein transferrin, to which it is bound.
Transferrin Saturation
According to the NVKC, iron from food is absorbed in the gut and bound directly to transferrin, the protein that carries iron through the blood.
Triglycerides
Triglyceride management is important for cardiovascular health as metabolic efficiency changes with age. Regular monitoring supports heart and metabolic health in later years.
Urea (BUN)
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the liver makes urea, the waste product left when the body breaks down protein from food, and the kidneys filter it out of the blood.
Uric Acid
Uric acid levels and gout risk tend to increase with age. Regular monitoring supports joint health, kidney function, and metabolic well-being in later years.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A measures retinol levels, a fat-soluble vitamin that may become increasingly important to monitor with age.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is considered important for energy metabolism, which may become less efficient with age. Some older adults may have reduced absorption.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is considered especially important for older adults, as absorption may decline with age. Low levels have been associated with cognitive changes and anaemia.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is considered important for energy metabolism and antioxidant protection, which may be especially relevant for older adults. Absorption and dietary intake may change with age.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B3 (niacin) is considered important for NAD+ production, which may support cellular repair and energy metabolism in older adults. Age-related changes may affect niacin status.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is considered important for cognitive function, immune health, and metabolism in older adults.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Vitamin B7 (biotin) is considered important for maintaining hair, skin, and nail health in older adults. Age-related dietary changes may affect biotin intake.