Bilirubin
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed when old red blood cells are broken down. The liver processes it so it can leave the body.
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed when old red blood cells are broken down. The liver processes it and passes it into the bile so it can leave the body. The level gives context on the liver and on the turnover of red blood cells.
Fasting and skipped meals raise bilirubin for a while, and hard training and alcohol can affect it. Some medicines play a part, and some people naturally have a somewhat higher level for inherited reasons.
Foods that help
Vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and kale, berries, citrus fruit, fibre from wholegrains and legumes, and enough water.
Foods to limit
Alcohol, fried and highly processed food. Long fasts before the test can raise the value.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →