ABT reference ranges

Red Blood Cell Panel

Rationale

_{Red blood cell variation is observed among athletes during different stages of the season. Parameters such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, MCV, and reticulocytes can differ for the athletic population as compared to a sedentary population. Based on published research, higher hemoglobin and hematocrit levels can be beneficial for athletic performance. Lower levels can be a sign of micronutrient deficiencies or anemia. Athletes can be at higher risk of iron deficiency anemia. Our optimal levels in this panel are based on published research that prioritizes the prevention of reduced hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.}

White Blood Cells

Rationale

_{White blood cells at the low end of the reference range may represent adaptive changes to training. Our reference range aims to point out that lower white blood cell counts within the normal range for athletes are consistent with published research.}

Ferritin/Iron

Rationale

_{ABT ranges for serum iron and ferritin prioritize the prevention of iron deficiency with and without anemia. In addition, researchers have demonstrated that athletes’ physiological demand for iron exceeds the general population, and the prevalence of iron deficiency is higher in the athletic population. Therefore, a higher ferritin level in the blood ( within normal ranges) can help prevent iron deficiency and may aid in athletic performance.}

Sodium

Rationale

_{ABT ranges for serum sodium prioritize the prevention of hyponatremia longitudinally over a training and competition season and arriving at race day with sodium levels at, or above, a range in which a decrease of 4-5mmol/l is still within normonatremia range.}

Vitamin B12

Rationale

_{Altered vitamin B12 concentrations can reduce hemoglobin levels and impact athletic performance. ABT ranges for vitamin B12 prioritize the prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency and promote healthy hemoglobin levels. In addition, studies suggest that concentrations higher than established lab ranges may be beneficial for the athlete.}

Folate

Rationale

_{Folate plays an important role in red blood cell production and tissue repair. It’s also an important component of cell division, particularly in cells with higher turnover rates. In athletes, red blood cells have a higher turnover rate due to the stresses of training. Lower levels of folate in athletes were found in several studies, suggesting that higher folate intake may be beneficial for athletes. Therefore, higher folate levels are desirable due to higher turnover rates of red blood cells and keeping up with the demands of training.}

Vitamin D

Rationale

_{ABT ranges for vitamin D are consistent with literature-established reference ranges for athletic performance. Vitamin D deficiency levels are routinely debated in the scientific community. ABT prioritizes reducing the risk of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in the athletic population.}

Potassium

Rationale

_{Potassium is one of the body’s most important electrolytes. Nearly 70% of the potassium in the human body is found in bodily fluids including blood and sweat. Therefore if you sweat heavily, as many athletes do, potassium is lost through sweat. Potassium also increases rapidly and acutely during exercise, therefore requiring additional potassium for optimal athletic performance. Low potassium levels can reduce energy and endurance, two crucial components of athletic performance.}

Magnesium

Rationale

_{ABT ranges for serum magnesium to prioritize the prevention of hypomagnesemia and marginal magnesium deficiencies. Published literature points to the important role magnesium has in athletic performance. Our reference range aims to reduce the risk of performance-related deficits due to inadequate magnesium status.}

Testosterone (total and free)

Rationale

_{Lower circulating testosterone concentrations can negatively impact athletic performance and recovery. ABT ranges prioritize the prevention of low testosterone through natural methods. *note – ABT is a strong proponent of clean sport and does not endorse the use of exogenous testosterone without the supervision of a medical doctor and in adherence to anti-doping regulations.}

DHEA

Rationale

_{Lower levels of DHEA, combined with other blood markers and variables can be sign of overtraining. ABT reference ranges prioritize the prevention of low DHEA-s and aiming for higher levels than lab established reference ranges.}

SHBG

_{High levels of SHBG can reduce levels of circulating free testosterone and other sex hormones which can hinder athletic performance. ABT reference ranges mitigates risk of elevated SHBG by pursing a narrower reference range.}

Cortisol

_{Intensive physical training can raise cortisol levels in the athletic population. A single elevated serum cortisol concentration can be an acute response to exercise. Conversely, low cortisol levels have been linked to overtraining. ABT references range allows for a slight increase in serum cortisol concentrations and raises the lower reference point to account for the risk of cortisol suppression due to overtraining. ABT recognizes the limitation of single serum cortisol measurement.}

TSH

Exercise intensity and its effects on thyroid hormones