Bob and Dina discuss blood biomarkers that are important for plant-based athletes and the context of why, when, and how. You’ll want to tune into this one, especially if you are considering switching to a more plant-based diet (vegan or vegetarian) or if you are already eating a plant-based dietary pattern.
We chat:
· What does “plant-based” mean?
· Understanding the reasons for moving towards plant-based eating
· Why a baseline dietary assessment and supplement check is critical before going to a plant-based pattern
· Higher priority blood biomarkers or panels to have checked include:

CBC (Complete Blood Count) with platelets and differential
Ferritin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation
Hematocrit, hemoglobin
B12, folate
RBC magnesium
Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D)

· Other markers to consider are:

Lipid panel
Omega-3 index
A full thyroid panel (not just TSH)

· Is blood testing appropriate for teen athletes?
· How often should blood testing be done
Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Athlete Blood Test, who provide individualized, athlete-specific blood analysis to discover your unique nutrition, training, and recovery needs. USE CODE ISN22 for a 15% savings on any of their testing panels. Check them out on the web at www.athletebloodtest.comand on Instagram @athletebloodtestcom and Facebook at Athlete Blood Test. You can also email results@athletebloodtest.com for more information.
Got a question related to blood testing? Send us an email to hello@insidesportsnutrition.com. And don’t forget you can learn about the nutrition coaching and testing services we offer: Bob Seebohar at www.enrgperformance.comand Dina Griffin at www.nutritionmechanic.com