Type
Blood Testing
Biomarkers
9
Duration
15 min
Results
48 hours
Performance-oriented blood panel designed for athletes and active individuals, covering haematology, metabolic health, thyroid function, and key micronutrients (vitamin D, ferritin, magnesium, calcium). Identifies the nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic limitations that most commonly impair athletic performance and recovery. Approximately EUR 103 under GOAe 1.0x rates.
The Sport-Check-Up addresses the specific laboratory needs of recreational and competitive athletes. Training load, body composition targets, and dietary restrictions create unique metabolic demands that routine screening panels miss. The large blood count screens for exercise-induced anaemia -- a condition distinct from iron-deficiency anaemia that results from plasma volume expansion, mechanical haemolysis (footstrike haemolysis in runners), and intravascular shear forces during high-intensity effort. Sports anaemia is characterised by low haemoglobin with normal or near-normal iron stores and requires different management than true iron deficiency. Ferritin is the most reliable marker of iron stores and is critical for athletes because iron depletion impairs oxygen transport and aerobic performance well before frank anaemia develops. Endurance athletes, particularly menstruating women and vegetarians, face elevated risk. Optimal athletic performance requires ferritin above 30-50 ng/mL -- a higher threshold than the standard clinical cutoff of 15 ng/mL. Vitamin D3 25-OH is essential for calcium absorption, bone mineralisation, muscle function, and immune regulation. At Hamburg's latitude (53.6 degrees N), cutaneous vitamin D synthesis is negligible from October through March. Deficiency is associated with stress fractures, impaired muscle recovery, increased upper respiratory infections, and reduced testosterone production in male athletes. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) screens for thyroid dysfunction, which directly affects metabolic rate, energy expenditure, body composition, and thermoregulation. Subclinical hypothyroidism -- elevated TSH with normal free hormones -- can present as unexplained fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and impaired training adaptation. Magnesium participates in over 300 enzymatic reactions including ATP production, muscle contraction, and protein synthesis. Deficiency causes muscle cramps, fatigue, and arrhythmias. Calcium supports bone density and neuromuscular function. The full lipid panel and fasting glucose provide metabolic context, while liver enzymes (GOT, GPT, GGT) screen for hepatic stress -- noting that GOT (AST) is physiologically elevated after intense exercise due to skeletal muscle release. At approximately EUR 103, this panel provides the targeted micronutrient and hormonal data that sports medicine physicians typically order at substantially higher GOAe multipliers.
Key Details
- Biomarkers
- 15+
- Results
- 1-2 days
- Includes
- Vitamin D + ferritin + TSH
Who Is This For?
Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, endurance sports, overtraining investigation, performance optimisation
What's Included
Preparation Required
Fasting for 10-12 hours required. Avoid intense exercise for 24-48 hours before the draw as it elevates CK and liver enzymes. Morning appointment recommended.
Panel Categories
Biomarkers Tested
9The primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol regulates metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and the sleep-wake cycle. Chronically elevated cortisol from stress contributes to weight gain, immune suppression, and metabolic dysfunction.
Metabolite of testosterone.
The primary iron storage protein. Ferritin reflects total body iron stores and is the first marker to drop in iron deficiency. However, ferritin also rises with inflammation, infection, and liver disease, which can mask true iron deficiency.
A mineral essential for oxygen transport (in hemoglobin), energy production, and immune function. Serum iron measures the amount circulating in blood, but ferritin and TIBC provide a more complete picture of iron status.
Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions including energy production, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Magnesium deficiency is common and associated with muscle cramps, anxiety, insomnia, and increased cardiovascular risk.
A metal that causes allergic contact dermatitis in sensitised individuals. Occupational or dietary exposure to elevated nickel levels can affect the respiratory system and kidneys. Common sources include jewellery, coins, and certain foods.
A metal found in canned foods, solder, and industrial materials. While small amounts of inorganic tin are relatively non-toxic, high levels can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Organotin compounds are more toxic and affect the immune and nervous systems.
Essential for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. B12 deficiency can cause anemia, neuropathy, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Common in vegans, vegetarians, older adults, and those taking metformin or acid-reducing medications.
The best indicator of overall vitamin D status. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Deficiency is extremely common, especially in northern latitudes, and linked to increased disease risk.
Approximately EUR 103 total (GOAe 1.0x rates: 15 markers including vitamin D, ferritin, TSH + EUR 4.20 blood draw + EUR 7.40 outpatient fee)
- Category
- Diagnostic
- Sample Type
- Blood (venous draw)
- Duration
- 15 min
- Results
- 48 hours