Baseline Plus

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is known as 'good cholesterol' as it picks up excess cholesterol in your blood and transports it to your liver for removal. The higher your levels of HDL the lower the risk of developing heart disease.

This is a measurement of the % of HDL a a proportion of total cholesterol.

High sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a measure of the general level of inflammation within the body. CRP is a known risk factor for heart disease.  High levels can also indicate that you body is fighting a bacterial infection.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol from your liver to tissues and organs around your body. If you body has more cholesterol than it needs, it can build up on the artery walls. LDL is therefore known as 'bad cholesterol'.

Total cholesterol can be used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease. Measurement is calculated using different cholesterol components known as HDL, LDL and triglycerides.

Triglyceride is the body's main form of fat. It is important for maintaining energy and provides the fuel for muscles to work. High levels can increase your risk of heart disease.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver although it is also present in small amounts in the kidneys, heart, muscles and pancreas.

ALB (Albumin) is a protein which is made in the liver. It has many roles including the transporting of key molecules such as testosterone and calcium throughout the blood. The amount of albumin in the blood is directly associated with liver function and nutritional health.  It is also used as a marker in the assessment of bone health.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in high levels in the bone and liver. It is a routine test performed as part of series of liver function tests to see how well your liver is functioning or to check the health of your bones. 

Bilirubin is made in the body when old red blood cells are broken down. High levels are associated with jaundice.

Gamma GT (GGT) is an enzyme, which is predominantly found in the liver. GGT helps to transfer amino acids across the cell membrane, and plays an important role in helping the liver metabolise toxins.

Globulin is a group of proteins that is made by the liver and the immune system. Certain globulins bind with haemoglobin while others transport metals, such as iron, in the blood and help fight infection.

Total protein is essentially a measurement of the two types of proteins within the blood plasma; albumin and globulin. Protein is important to the growth and development of cells and tissues.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone which is produced by the adrenal gland. It helps the body to use sugar and fat which can be converted for energy. It also has an important role to play in stress management as well as reducing inflammation. The level of cortisol in the bloodstream changes throughout the day being highest in the morning and lowest last thing at night. The timing of the test sample is therefore very important.

HbA1c provides an average reading of your blood sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months.  It is therefore a better indicator of pre-diabetes than a fasting glucose test which measures the level of glucose in your blood at a single point in time. High levels puts you more at risk of gaining weight, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

The role of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is to regulate the production of hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones help to control the rate at which your body converts food into energy.  Thyroid imbalance can lead to problems with weight, energy and mood. 

Vitamin B12 together with folate are both part of the B group of complex vitamins. They are not produced by the body so have to be absorbed through diet. B12 is required for the formation of red blood cells and also has a role to play in nerve health.  

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is mainly stored in the bones and teeth, keeping them strong and healthy.

Ferritin is a protein in the body which contains iron and is the main form by which iron is stored in the body. The amount of ferritin which is found in the blood reflects the amount of total iron stored within your body.

Folate is supplied to the body through diet. It is required for the production of healthy red blood cells and the repair of tissues.

Vitamin D helps to regulate calcium and phosphate in the body which is essential for the development of healthy bones. It therefore plays an essential role in preserving bone health but has also been linked to many other aspects of health including our immune system, muscle function, energy levels and the reduction of inflammation. Unfortunately, due to the UK weather, many people have low levels particularly during the winter months.