The most abundant plasma protein in serum, synthesized in the liver, binds to other compounds in the blood and contributes to the plasma osmotic gradient. May be elevated due to dehydration. May be decreased due to infection, inflammation, liver disease, or kidney disease. Plasma is the largest single component of blood. It is a clear, straw-coloured liquid which carries platelets, and red and white blood cells.
Alkaline Phosphatase may be increased due to liver obstruction, cirrhosis, gastrointestinal issues, hyperphosphatemia, and hyperparathyroidism. May be decreased due to nutrient deficiencies (zinc, magnesium, and/or Vit C).
MCV – Mean Corpuscular (cell) Volume. An estimate of the average red blood cell size. It may be elevated (“macrocytic”) due to nutrient deficiencies (Vit B12, folate, Vit C), alcohol consumption, and thiamine deficiency. It may be decreased (“microcytic”) due to iron deficiency, and nutrient deficiencies (Vit B6, copper, zinc, Vit A, Vit C).
A measurement of the variation in red blood cell size. Typically increased due to nutrient deficiency-related anaemias (iron, Vit A, copper, zinc, Vit B6).
Total white blood cell count. Includes the five major types of white blood cells: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. It may be elevated due to stress, acute infection, or inflammation, or certain medications. May be decreased due to chronic infection or inflammation, autoimmune conditions, malnutrition (B12, folate, copper, protein), and pernicious anaemia.
Lymphocytes including B-cells, T-cells, and Natural Killer Cells. May be elevated due to viral infections, Crohn’s and other autoimmune diseases, hypoadrenalism. May be decreased due to zinc deficiency, elevations in other white blood cells.
