If you train or start a regimen, the smartest thing to do is rely on objective data. This guide compiles the most important tests, explains what they show, and how to use them to train more safely and progress faster. As well as answering many of the questions you ask yourself every day?
SafetyOptimizationProgress
Why get tested
- Safety: early detection of deficiencies and risks (anemia, electrolytes, liver, kidneys, thyroid).
- Optimization: adjust nutrition, hydration, and supplements according to your values (not "by the book").
- Measurable progress: compare results after changes in diet and training.
- Prevention: prevent a drop in form/recovery even before you feel it. It is also preventive for many diseases.
How often
- Start Full panel for baseline.
- Maintenance Every 6 months (or 3–4 months during aggressive periods: diet for stage, high volume, heat/sauna, travel).
- With symptoms Fatigue, drop in strength, cramps, heart palpitations, cycle/sleep — immediately + consultation.
How to prepare for cleaner results
- 8–12 h fasting (water is OK).
- No heavy training 48–72 h before CBC/enzymes/LDH.
- Normal hydration; note medications/supplements/cycle.
- For lipids — no alcohol and high-fat foods the evening before the test.
Panel for athletes — indicators and interpretation
Blood count and inflammation
- CBC + 5-part diff. WBC — oxygen transport, immunity, anemia. Low Hb/Hct → anemia/deficiencies/overhydration; high → dehydration/altitude. Leukocytes ↑ in acute inflammation/stress; ↓ in viruses/medications. Platelets ↑/↓ in inflammation or hematological causes.
- ESR — non-specific marker for inflammation. ↑ in infections/autoimmune processes/anemias; low is usually not a problem in itself.
Glucose and proteins
- Glucose (fasting) — carbohydrate metabolism. ↑ prediabetes/stress; ↓ reactive hypoglycemia/hunger/medications.
- Total protein, Albumin — nutritional status/hepatic synthesis. Albumin ↓ in inflammation/liver/kidney losses/malnutrition; ↑ often dehydration.
Kidneys and purine metabolism
- Creatinine, Urea — kidney function/protein catabolism. Creatinine ↑ with more muscle/dehydration/kidney dysfunction; urea ↑ with high protein/dehydration.
- Uric acid — purine metabolism. ↑ gout/high-purine diet/metabolic syndrome; ↓ rarely significant.
Lipid profile
- Total, LDL, HDL, VLDL cholesterol; Triglycerides — cardiovascular risk/adaptation to diet. LDL ↑, HDL ↓, TG ↑ → higher risk; HDL ↑ is protective in context. TG jump with sugars/alcohol/sedentary lifestyle.
Liver enzymes and bilirubin
- AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), GGT, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), LDH + Total/Direct bilirubin — hepatocellular injury/cholestasis/hemolysis. ALT/AST ↑ > ALP → hepatocellular type; ALP ↑ > ALT/AST → cholestasis; isolated bilirubin ↑ with normal enzymes → often benign processing (e.g., Gilbert's syndrome). Heavy training temporarily increases AST/ALT/LDH – test after 48–72 h of light activity.
Pancreatic enzymes
- Amylase (total and pancreatic), Lipase — pancreatic irritation. ↑ pancreatitis/obstruction/medications; ↓ rarely clinically significant.
Minerals, electrolytes, Acid-base status
- Calcium — neuromuscular function/bones. Affected by albumin. ↑/↓ in D/parathyroid disorders.
- Magnesium — cramps/arrhythmias/insulin sensitivity. ↓ often with sweating/diuretics; ↑ with kidney/excess supplements.
- Phosphorus — bone-kidney balance. ↑/↓ according to diet/Acid-base status.
- Iron, TIBC — iron transport. Low Fe + high TIBC → deficiency; high Fe → intake/hemolysis/accumulation.
- Sodium — water balance. ↑ dehydration; ↓ overhydration/losses.
- Potassium — heart/muscle. ↑/↓ → risk of arrhythmias/weakness; check with ECG for abnormalities.
- Chlorides — part of acid-base status.
- Bicarbonates — metabolic acidosis/alkalosis (diet, vomiting, diuretics, keto).
Thyroid gland and metabolism
- TSH — screening. TSH ↑ → probable hypothyroidism; TSH ↓ → probable hyperthyroidism. Always interpreted with FT4/FT3 and symptoms.
Insulin and sex hormones
- Insulin (fasting) — in combination with glucose (e.g., HOMA-IR) for insulin sensitivity. ↑ hyperinsulinemia/IR; low — often during low-carb periods.
- Estradiol (E2) — in women: cycle/bones/recovery; in men: balance with T. Low in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea; high in anovulation/medications/increased adipose tissue.
- Prolactin — sensitive to stress/sleep/medications. Markedly ↑ affects sex hormones → requires medical evaluation.
To make it easy, we created a Package for tests under the M.O.R.E. program at Kandilarov Laboratories
A specially selected panel for athletes following the M.O.R.E. system by Kiril Tanev — an optimal start and monitoring of your form.
After the results, you can also request a practical interpretation for your regimen.
Important Disclaimer
This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges and interpretation depend on the laboratory and your personal context (symptoms, medications, cycle, hydration, etc.). Always consult a doctor/clinical specialist before making changes to your nutrition, training, medications, and supplementation.