Our Runner’s Performance and Recovery Blood Panel Explained
What are the tests in the Runner’s Performance and Recovery Blood Panel?
The Epicentre Runner’s Performance and Recovery Blood Panel provides a comprehensive diagnostic tool designed to help endurance athletes monitor key health markers critical for performance, recovery, and long-term well-being. The panel assesses a range of nutritional, metabolic, and physiological indicators to optimise athletic performance and support effective recovery following high-intensity endurance events.
The panel evaluates 12 essential markers, including those linked to energy levels, muscle recovery, hydration status, cardiovascular and liver health, and immune function. It tests for iron profile, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, urea and electrolytes, creatinine, liver function markers, lipogram, glucose, and a full blood count. Zinc testing is available as an optional add-on to further support immune and muscle health.
This panel is particularly valuable for runners recovering from ultra-endurance events like the Comrades Marathon, Two Oceans Marathon, and other marathons and trail runs. It helps athletes identify and address nutritional deficiencies and physiological imbalances that can impact energy, performance, and recovery. With clear, actionable insights, the Epicentre Runner’s Performance and Recovery Blood Panel empowers runners to personalise their nutrition and training plans — ensuring a faster, healthier return to peak performance.
Full package: R2703
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Iron Profile (Ferritin, Iron)
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Description: The iron profile assesses your body’s iron storage and circulating levels. Iron is essential for oxygen transport to muscles and tissues. Low iron levels can lead to fatigue, poor performance, and slow recovery, which are common challenges for runners.
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Vitamin B12
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Description: Vitamin B12 is vital for red blood cell production and energy metabolism. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, and muscle issues, which can affect endurance. Monitoring levels ensures you have the energy needed to perform at your best.
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Vitamin D
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Description: Vitamin D is crucial for bone strength, muscle health, and immune function. Inadequate levels can result in weakened bones, increased injury risk, and slower muscle recovery, which is particularly important for athletes undergoing intense training.
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Calcium
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Description: Calcium supports bone health and muscle function. It plays a key role in muscle contractions and bone strength. For runners, maintaining sufficient calcium levels helps prevent fractures and supports recovery after long runs or races.
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Magnesium
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Description: Magnesium helps regulate muscle function, heart rhythm, and energy production. It is essential for muscle relaxation and can help prevent cramps and fatigue, common issues that arise after long periods of physical exertion like running.
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Urea & Electrolytes (U&E) and Creatinine
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Description: This test combines Urea & Electrolytes (U&E) and Creatinine to assess key physiological markers:
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U&E ensures fluid and electrolyte balance, vital for hydration and preventing muscle cramps.
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Creatinine monitors kidney function and muscle health, identifying potential damage from intense physical activity. These tests ensure your body is effectively managing hydration, muscle recovery, and waste products after endurance events.
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Liver Function Tests (LFT)
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Description: Liver function tests assess the health of your liver, an essential organ for metabolising energy and detoxifying the body. These tests help identify any liver stress from intense physical exertion, energy gels, or supplements commonly used by endurance athletes.
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Lipogram (Cholesterol Levels: HDL & LDL)
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Description: The lipogram measures both HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. For endurance athletes, maintaining a healthy balance of cholesterol is crucial for heart health and overall cardiovascular function, which is vital for long-distance running.
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Glucose Fasting
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Description: A fasting glucose test measures your blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. Stable glucose levels are essential for optimal energy during runs and races. This test helps monitor how your body manages sugar, especially in terms of fueling during prolonged activity.
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Full Blood Count (FBC)
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Description: The full blood count provides a snapshot of overall blood health, measuring components such as red and white blood cells, platelets, and haemoglobin levels. This test helps detect anaemia, immune system issues, or other blood-related conditions that could impact your performance.
Recommended additional tests
Zinc (Optional Extra)
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Zinc is essential for immune function, protein synthesis, and muscle recovery. It helps speed up recovery after intense physical activity and supports overall immune health, especially important during periods of high physical stress.
Folate RBC (Optional Extra)
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Folate (Vitamin B9) is crucial for red blood cell production and DNA synthesis. The RBC test provides a more accurate measure of folate status in the body, helping detect deficiencies that could lead to fatigue, anemia, or impaired muscle recovery.
Book with Epicentre
For over 20 years Epicentre has been studying wellness in South Africa. We are a company founded on a vision, ending disease in South Africa! So we believe in making an IMPACT.
We are an independent organization that is committed to creating a positive impact on health & wellness for all in South Africa. We want to close the gap between unscreened, undiagnosed, and uncontrolled HIV & COVID-19 infections as well as other chronic diseases for all South Africans.
By booking your tests with Epicentre, you are supporting a real local company that has worked for decades in all 9 provinces, from Pollsmoor prison to Constantia; & you’re getting a gold standard service that experts trust!
