Monocytes

Haematology marker

Monocytes

Category: Haematology
Unit: x10^9/L

White blood cells that differentiate into macrophages. Part of innate immunity.

PED Notes

Not typically significantly affected by AAS. May be elevated with chronic inflammation or infection.

When elevated (monocytosis, >1.0 x10^9/L):

Common causes: Chronic inflammation, recovery from infection, chronic tissue damage. In athletes, may reflect ongoing musculoskeletal inflammation or overuse injury.

Supplements:

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) -- 2-3g/day (anti-inflammatory)
  • Curcumin -- 500-1000mg/day with piperine (anti-inflammatory)

Lifestyle:

  • Address underlying inflammation or chronic infection
  • Persistent monocytosis (>3 months) without obvious cause warrants further investigation
  • Monocytes alone are rarely actionable -- interpret alongside CRP and other inflammatory markers

References:

  • Calder, P. C. (2017). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. Biochemical Society Transactions, 45(5), 1105-1115. DOI: 10.1042/BST20160474
  • Tabrizi, R., Vakili, S., Akbari, M., et al. (2019). The effects of curcumin-containing supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Phytotherapy Research, 33(2), 253-262. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6226

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Reference Ranges

Standard Range

0.2 - 1 x10^9/L

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