I am getting labs drawn at end of year to check my iron levels since I am iron deficient. What other labs should I ask for to be drawn? what are the most common or most important ones? Specifically vitamin deficiencies
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I think this is a Scott question really.. just playing devil's advocate though, why do you think you are deficient in vitamins or minerals? As far as I know doctors don't like testing for vitamins deficiency because it means nothing, people metabolise differently and have different requirements, based on build, age, sex, activity levels etc etc
Nutrition is complex, for example taking too much vitamin C can cause a depletion of copper/manganese etc. All vitamins and minerals have co dependencies, this is why taking supplements is generally considered a bad idea, whereas eating a well balanced diet is advised... This can of course be trickier with a pouch...
B12 and folate. I was just found to be in low normal range and have been fatigued. I’m starting B12 shots and folate by mouth now.
I’m sure there are other recommendations, too.
My doc follows my B12, vitamin D, B1 (thiamine), folate. I was deficient in all except for folate. In addition, I get a full battery of other tests (blood counts, liver function, kidney function, thyroid, lipid panel, electrolytes, HbA1c, ferritin, urinalysis).
Jan
Wondering if others have had unfavorable creatinine and BUN values due to dehydration? My GI was concerned about my lab results and now I’m off to an urologist regarding kidney function. In the meantime, my PCP had me recheck BUN and creatinine after making sure I was well hydrated. Results came back in normal range.
I now know if I’m not drinking 32-48 oz water every single day, my urine gets brighter. I’m just wondering if we are more susceptible to kidney damage because we dehydrate so quickly?
I’m glad to check in with a urologist but I feel like I’m on the doctor circuit with endless appointments because of trying to keep all systems balanced.