Hidden deficit
Target values for well-being are above the minimum laboratory norm (guideline 40–70 ng/ml for symptoms); low ferritin in postmenopausal men and women requires a search for blood loss (gastrointestinal tract! - gastro/colonoscopy nearby). How acute phase protein increases during inflammation is assessed together with CRP. Therapy control - after 2–3 months.
When is it appointed?
- fatigue, hair loss, frequent illnesses - deficiencies;
- anemia - ferritin, B12, folate before treatment;
- pregnancy planning - folate, D, ferritin;
- vegetarianism, gastrointestinal diseases, metformin - B12 control;
- miscarriage, thrombosis - homocysteine.
Deficiencies are proven
Taking “vitamins just in case” is a lottery: deficiencies are measured, doses are selected based on numbers, and monitoring confirms replenishment. Ferritin - iron reserves (depleted long before anemia), D - hormone-like regulator with epidemic deficiency, B12/folate - hematopoiesis and nerves, homocysteine - an integral marker of the folate cycle and vascular risk. The exact number means the exact therapy.
