Minerals
8 markers in this category
Ferritin
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, so your ferritin level shows how large your iron reserve is. Serum iron only measures how much iron is circulating in your blood at that moment; ferritin describes the reserve behind it. That reserve empties before your haemoglobin falls, so a low ferritin can already cause symptoms while your blood count still looks normal. Ferritin also rises with inflammation, infection and liver strain, which is why it can only be read properly alongside a CRP. Commonly used reference values are 30 to 400 µg/l for men and 15 to 150 µg/l for women, but your own laboratory report is what counts.
Iron (Serum)
Serum iron measures the amount of circulating iron in your blood. Iron is essential for haemoglobin production, oxygen transport, and energy metabolism throughout the body.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy production, muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and bone development.
Potassium
Potassium is an essential electrolyte and mineral that helps regulate heartbeat, muscle contractions, nerve signals, and fluid balance. It is one of the most important minerals for cardiovascular health.
Sodium
Sodium is a vital electrolyte that regulates fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve and muscle function. It is the primary cation in extracellular fluid and is closely regulated by the kidneys.
Transferrin
Transferrin is the main protein responsible for transporting iron in the blood. It carries iron from the gut and storage sites to cells that need it, including bone marrow for red blood cell production.
Transferrin Saturation
Transferrin saturation measures the percentage of the iron-transport protein transferrin that is occupied by iron. It is a key indicator of your body's iron status and helps distinguish between different causes of iron-related disorders.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, protein production, and cell division. It is required for the activity of over 300 enzymes.