Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Most Popular

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein found inside cells that stores iron so your body can use it later. A ferritin test indirectly measures the amount of iron in your blood. The amount of ferritin in your blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in your body.

Also known as: Folate Serum, Folic Acid

Folate, Serum

Folate is part of the B complex of vitamins and is measures the levels of folate in the liquid portion of the blood, the serum or plasma, to detect deficiencies. Folate is necessary for normal RBC formation, tissue and cellular repair, and DNA synthesis.. A deficiency inr folate can lead to macrocytic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia, a type of macrocytic anemia, is characterized by the production of fewer but larger RBCs called macrocytes, in addition to some cellular changes in the bone marrow.

Also known as: Iron and TIBC, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity TIBC, TIBC

% Saturation

Iron Binding Capacity

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test to see if you may have too much or too little iron in the blood. Iron moves through the blood attached to a protein called transferrin. This test helps your doctor know how well that protein can carry iron in the blood.

Iron, Total

Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for many functions. For example, iron is part of hemoglobin, a protein which carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. It helps our muscles store and use oxygen. Iron is also part of many other proteins and enzymes. Your body needs the right amount of iron. If you have too little iron, you may develop iron deficiency anemia. Causes of low iron levels include blood loss, poor diet, or an inability to absorb enough iron from foods. People at higher risk of having too little iron are young children and women who are pregnant or have periods.

Magnesium

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The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic panel contains 4 tests with 6 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic panel is a fundamental health assessment tool designed to provide a snapshot of an individual's nutritional status and potential deficiencies. This panel includes a suite of tests that measure the levels of essential nutrients and minerals in the body, which are critical for various bodily functions and overall well-being. The tests included in this panel are Ferritin, Folate Serum, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), and Magnesium Serum. Each of these tests plays a significant role in evaluating different aspects of health, from anemia and iron metabolism to nerve function and energy production.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: The patient should be fasting 9-12 hours prior to collection and collection should be done in the morning.

When and Why the Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Panel May Be Ordered

Healthcare providers may order the Vitamins & Minerals - Basic panel for a variety of reasons, often as part of a routine health examination or when symptoms suggest a nutritional deficiency or imbalance. Symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and immune system dysfunction can prompt this panel's use. Additionally, it may be ordered for individuals with dietary restrictions, chronic illnesses, or digestive disorders that may impair nutrient absorption, as well as for those who wish to proactively manage their health and ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs.

In-Depth Description of Each Test in the Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Panel

  • Ferritin: This test measures the amount of ferritin in the blood, which is a protein that stores iron. Ferritin levels can indicate the amount of iron stored in the body, providing insights into iron deficiency anemia or iron overload conditions.

  • Folate Serum: Folate is a B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and overall cell function. This test assesses folate levels in the serum, which can help diagnose folate deficiency, a condition that can lead to anemia and other health issues.

  • Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): This test measures the amount of iron in the blood and the blood's capacity to bind iron. It helps evaluate iron metabolism and is crucial for diagnosing anemia, iron deficiency, or iron overload disorders.

  • Magnesium Serum: Magnesium is vital for bone health, muscle function, nerve function, and energy production. This test measures the level of magnesium in the serum, which can help identify deficiencies that might lead to muscle weakness, seizures, cardiac issues, and other health problems.

Expand Your Health Insights with Advanced Panels

While the Vitamins & Minerals - Basic panel offers valuable insights, exploring more comprehensive panels can provide a deeper understanding of your nutritional status and overall health. The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Plus, Vitamins & Minerals - Advanced, and Vitamins & Minerals - Comprehensive panels build upon the Basic panel by including additional tests that cover a broader spectrum of nutrients and markers for a more detailed health assessment.

  • The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Plus panel adds tests such as Prealbumin, QuestAssureD 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Total with D2 and D3, Transferrin, and Vitamin B12, offering insights into protein status, vitamin D levels, iron transport, and B12 status.

  • The Vitamins & Minerals - Advanced panel further includes Homocysteine, Magnesium RBC, and Zinc, providing a more comprehensive view of heart health, intracellular mineral status, and immune function.

  • The Vitamins & Minerals - Comprehensive panel is the most extensive, adding a wide array of tests such as Copper, Iodine, Selenium, various B vitamins, Vitamin A, C, D 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin, E, and K, offering a complete nutritional and wellness profile.

Conditions and Diseases Detected by the Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Panel

The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic panel can help detect several conditions and diseases, including anemia, iron deficiency, and magnesium-related disorders. For instance, low ferritin and iron levels can indicate iron deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells. Low folate levels can lead to folate deficiency anemia, resulting in fatigue, weakness, and irritability. Magnesium deficiency, detected through the magnesium serum test, can cause muscle cramps, seizures, and cardiovascular issues.

Utilizing the Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Panel in Treatment and Monitoring

Healthcare professionals use the results of the Vitamins & Minerals - Basic panel to guide treatment and monitoring strategies for detected conditions. For anemia, supplementing with iron or folate might be recommended, depending on the deficiency. For magnesium deficiency, dietary adjustments or supplements might be prescribed. Regular monitoring through these tests can help track the effectiveness of treatment and adjust as necessary.

The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic panel serves as a foundational tool for assessing essential nutrient levels in the body, playing a crucial role in diagnosing nutritional deficiencies and guiding treatment strategies. It provides a snapshot of an individual's nutritional status, which can be critical for maintaining optimal health and preventing disease.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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