Check-Up Blood Tests for Athletes: Which Markers Matter
Regular blood tests help you catch problems such as prediabetes, anemia or vitamin D deficiency before they cause symptoms. Tests should be ordered and interpreted by a doctor; what follows is for general information only.
Common Markers
- Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1c: your blood sugar status; HbA1c reflects the average over roughly the past three months.
- Blood lipids: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Aerobic exercise and losing belly fat usually lower triglycerides and raise HDL.
- Liver enzymes (ALT and AST): affected by fatty liver and by some medications and supplements. Very hard training in the days before the test can also make AST appear high.
- Creatinine: a marker of kidney function; it may be slightly higher in muscular people and those who take creatine.
- Vitamin D: deficiency is common in Iran and affects bones and muscles.
- Hemoglobin and ferritin: anemia and iron stores, especially in female athletes.
- TSH: thyroid function, which affects weight and energy.
Before the Test
- Fast for 10 to 12 hours (water only)
- Avoid very hard training for 48 hours beforehand
- Tell your doctor about any medications and supplements you take
Record your results in ProGym's lab tests section; out-of-range values are flagged, and you can ask a consulting doctor for an interpretation.
Frequently asked questions
Which blood tests should athletes have?
Common check-up markers include fasting glucose and HbA1c, blood lipids, liver enzymes, creatinine, vitamin D, hemoglobin and ferritin, and TSH. Tests should be ordered and interpreted by a doctor.
How many hours should I fast before a blood test?
Usually 10 to 12 hours of fasting (water only) is required. You should also avoid very hard training for 48 hours before the test.
Does hard training affect blood test results?
Yes. Very hard training in the days before the test can make AST appear high, and creatinine may be slightly higher in muscular people and those who take creatine.
Why should athletes check vitamin D and ferritin?
Vitamin D deficiency is common in Iran and affects bones and muscles. Ferritin and hemoglobin show iron stores and anemia, which matter especially for female athletes.
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