Table 2 Selected hematology and serum biochemistry parameters and their anticipated relation with body condition.

Albumin (g/dL)

Protein metabolism (main serum protein; decreased in severe malnutrition)

Positive

^35,36

Urea (mg/dL)

Protein metabolism (protein content of the diet)

Positive

^{35,36,37,38,39,40}

Creatinine (mg/dL)

Protein metabolism (muscular catabolism)

Negative

^{35,36,38,39,40}

Cholesterol (mg/dL)

Lipid metabolism (dietary lipids)

Positive

^{35,36,38,39,40}

Triglycerides (mg/dL)

Lipid metabolism (mobilization of lipid stores)

Negative

^{35,36,38,39,40}

Globulins (g/dL)

Immune system proteins (humoral immune function and acute phase proteins)

Positive

^35,36,39

Total bilirubin (mg/dL)

Physiological fitness (metabolite of hemoglobin degradation; erythrocyte turnover)

Negative

^35,36,41

Hemoglobin (g/dL)

Physiological fitness (oxygen carrying capacity of the blood)

Positive

^42,43