Vitamin D (25-OH)

55ng/ml,

Normal

About

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth. To maintain healthy levels, it's important to eat a diet that includes vitamin D-rich foods, such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products, and to get regular sunlight exposure. Levels are tested to monitor for deficiencies and to ensure that the body is getting enough of this important nutrient. If you have concerns or symptoms, it's best to see your doctor. Deficiencies are more common in patients from the Indian subcontinent due to genetic and cultural factors.

What might a low result mean?

Low levels of vitamin D can lead to depression, headaches, excessive tiredness, bone pain, stomach aches and health problems such as osteoporosis Discuss these results with your doctor.

What might a normal result mean?

Normal levels of vitamin D are essential for good health. A diet that includes vitamin D-rich foods, such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products, and regular sunlight exposure can help maintain these levels.

What might a high result mean?

High levels of vitamin D is most commonly caused by over-supplementation with vitamin D or problems with the parathyroid. This can cause problems with muscles, bones, the heart and brain, so a medical review is needed to discuss these results.

Back

Folate

5.5ng/ml,

Normal

About

A healthy diet and regular exercise can help to maintain normal levels of folate. Folate is important for the production of red blood cells and is also essential for the healthy development of babies during pregnancy. (Note that it is recommended that women trying to conceive take folate supplements; so please discuss this with your GP or pharmacist)

What might a normal result mean?

A normal level of folate confirms that you are getting enough of this important vitamin in your diet.

What might a high result mean?

High levels of folate, also known as vitamin B9, in the body can be caused by consuming too much folic acid from supplements or fortified foods. Symptoms of high folate levels may include stomach upset, loss of appetite, and a metallic taste in the mouth. This result should be discussed with a doctor.

What might a low result mean?

Low levels of folate in the body can be caused by a poor diet, medical problems or medication. Symptoms of low folate levels may include fatigue, weakness, and irritability. This result should be discussed with a doctor.

Back

Vitamin B12

364 pmol/L

Normal

About

Vitamin B12 is essential for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. To maintain healthy Vitamin B12 levels, it is important to eat a balanced diet that includes food sources of Vitamin B12 such as meat, fish, and dairy products. Vitamin B12 levels are tested to monitor for deficiencies that can cause health problems. Some medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can affect Vitamin B12 levels, so it's important to talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking.

What might a low result mean?

Low levels of Vitamin B12 in the blood can be caused by certain medical conditions such as pernicious anemia and some medication. Symptoms may include fatigue, muscle weakness, tingling in the hands and feet and in severe cases, seizures. See your GP to discuss these results.

What might a normal result mean?

A normal level of Vitamin B12 in a blood test is good news as it means that your body has enough Vitamin B12 to function properly. However, if you have any concerns or symptoms, it is always best to speak with your doctor.

What might a high result mean?

High levels of Vitamin B12 in the body can be caused by certain medical conditions such as liver disease, and certain medical treatments such as excessive supplementation. Symptoms may include fatigue, tingling in the hands and feet and in severe cases, confusion and drowsiness. See your GP to discuss these results.

Back

Ferritin

30ng/ml

Normal

About

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body and releases it when needed. It is an important indicator of iron levels and overall iron storage. A ferritin test is used to assess iron deficiency, iron overload, or underlying health conditions. Maintaining healthy iron levels is essential for red blood cell production, energy levels, and overall well-being. Certain conditions, such as inflammation, infection, or liver disease, can also affect ferritin levels.

What might a low result mean?

Low ferritin levels may indicate iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia. This may be caused by insufficient dietary iron intake, blood loss (such as from heavy periods or gastrointestinal bleeding), or conditions that affect iron absorption. Symptoms of low ferritin may include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. See your GP to discuss these results.

What might a normal result mean?

A normal ferritin level suggests that your body has sufficient iron stores to support essential functions such as oxygen transport and energy production. However, if you have symptoms of iron deficiency or overload, it is always best to speak with your doctor.

What might a high result mean?

High ferritin levels can indicate iron overload, which may be due to conditions such as hemochromatosis (a genetic disorder causing excessive iron absorption), chronic inflammation, liver disease, or infections. Symptoms may include joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, organ damage. See your GP to discuss these results.

Back

Total Haemoglobin

160 g/L

Normal

About

Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining energy levels and overall health. A total haemoglobin test measures the amount of haemoglobin in the blood and is commonly used to assess for conditions such as anemia or polycythemia. Maintaining healthy haemoglobin levels depends on factors such as diet, hydration, and underlying medical conditions.

What might a low result mean?

Low haemoglobin levels may indicate anemia, which can be caused by iron deficiency, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, blood loss, or certain medical conditions affecting red blood cell production. Symptoms of low haemoglobin may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and pale skin. See your GP to discuss these results.

What might a normal result mean?

A normal haemoglobin level suggests that your body has enough red blood cells to efficiently transport oxygen. However, if you have symptoms such as fatigue or shortness of breath, it is always best to speak with your doctor.

What might a high result mean?

High haemoglobin levels may be due to dehydration, living at high altitudes, smoking, lung disease, or conditions such as polycythemia vera, a disorder that causes excessive red blood cell production. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of blood clots. See your GP to discuss these results.

Back