Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are white blood cells that recognise specific invaders and remember them, so the immune system can respond faster next time.
Lymphocytes are white blood cells that recognise specific invaders and remember them, so the immune system can respond faster next time. There are three main types: B cells make antibodies, T cells coordinate the immune response, and natural killer cells act quickly against infected cells. This memory is the principle behind vaccination. The test counts how many lymphocytes there are in the blood.
A recent cold or other viral infection often raises lymphocytes for a while. Hard training, poor sleep and long periods of stress can lower them temporarily, and cortisone and some other medicines also lower them. Smoking and age play a part too.
Foods that help
A varied diet with vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, fish and enough protein gives the immune system what it needs. Regular exercise, enough sleep and time to recover also matter.
Foods to limit
Large amounts of alcohol, a diet built on ultra-processed food and sugar, and too little sleep put extra strain on the body and can affect the immune system.
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 →