Micronutrient Check

Calcium is a vital mineral that is required for the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth, as well as for the function of muscles, nerves, and blood clotting. The laboratory value measures the concentration of calcium (total).

A calcium test is recommended for: People with symptoms such as muscle cramps, numbness or tingling Persons with osteoporosis or other bone diseases Patients with chronic diseases such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders (e.g. thyroid, parathyroid) Persons suspected of electrolyte disorders or vitamin D deficiency

The test serves to diagnose disorders in calcium metabolism, such as hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency) or hypercalcemia (excess calcium). These disorders can indicate diseases of the bones, kidneys or endocrine glands.

A low calcium level can be caused by vitamin D deficiency, kidney failure or underactive parathyroid gland and can lead to symptoms such as: Muscle cramps and tremors Numbness or tingling Heart rhythm disorders An elevated calcium level often indicates an overactive parathyroid gland, tumors or excessive intake of calcium supplements.

The test should be carried out if symptoms of a calcium imbalance are present or in chronic diseases that affect calcium metabolism.

The concentration of calcium in the blood is regulated by vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and kidney function. A high or low calcium value should be evaluated in the context of other parameters such as phosphate and parathyroid hormone.

Iron is a trace element that is essential for the formation of hemoglobin and the transport of oxygen in the blood. The laboratory value measures the concentration of iron in the serum and is used to assess iron metabolism.

An iron test is recommended for: • People with symptoms such as fatigue, paleness or shortness of breath (indication of anemia) • Patients with suspected iron deficiency or iron overload (e.g. hemochromatosis) • Monitoring of patients with chronic blood loss (e.g. in gastrointestinal diseases) • Women with heavy menstruation or during pregnancy

The test serves to diagnose iron deficiency anemia, iron overload, or to clarify symptoms that indicate disturbances in iron metabolism. It also helps to monitor the success of iron therapy.

A low iron value indicates: • Iron deficiency due to blood loss or insufficient intake • Chronic inflammation that affects iron metabolism A high iron value can be caused by: • Hemochromatosis (genetic iron overload) • Blood transfusions or iron-containing medications Symptoms of iron deficiency: • Fatigue, paleness, brittle nails • Shortness of breath with exertion

The testing can be carried out at any time of the day and is independent of food intake.

The iron value alone is often not enough; ferritin (iron storage) and transferrin (iron transport) should also be determined. Chronic diseases can alter iron metabolism without a true deficiency being present (anemia of chronic disease). Overdosing on iron preparations can be toxic and should be avoided.

Phosphate is an essential mineral that plays an important role in energy metabolism, bone formation, and cell membrane structure. The laboratory value measures the concentration of inorganic phosphate in the blood.

A phosphate test is recommended for: • People with symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps or bone problems • Patients suspected of kidney or bone disease • Monitoring of patients with chronic kidney disease or calcium-phosphate metabolism disorders • Persons suspected of vitamin D deficiency or overdose • Patients suspected of parathyroid hormone disorders (hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism)

The test serves to diagnose disorders of the calcium-phosphate metabolism, as they occur in renal insufficiency, bone diseases or hormonal imbalances. It is also used to evaluate the nutritional and vitamin D status.

Here is the translation: A low phosphate level can indicate the following: • Malnutrition or malabsorption • Hyperparathyroidism (excessive phosphate excretion) • Vitamin D deficiency A high value can be caused by: • Kidney failure (reduced phosphate excretion) • Hypoparathyroidism (reduced hormone activity) • Overdose of vitamin D Symptoms of abnormal values can be: • Muscle weakness or cramps with low phosphate • Bone pain or calcifications with high phosphate

The testing can be carried out at any time of the day.

Phosphate is associated with calcium and parathyroid hormone; these values should be considered together for better interpretation. Chronic kidney diseases often lead to an increased phosphate level, which increases the risk of vascular calcification. In case of suspected rickets or osteomalacia, the phosphate value is particularly important.

Coeruloplasmin is a copper transport protein that is mainly synthesized in the liver. The laboratory value measures the concentration of coeruloplasmin in the blood and is used to assess copper metabolism.

A Coeruloplasmin test is recommended for: • People with suspected Wilson's disease (copper metabolism disorder) • Patients with symptoms such as tremor, stiffness or unclear liver disease • Patients with neurological symptoms and family history • Monitoring of patients with known copper metabolism problem

The test serves the diagnosis and monitoring of Wilson's disease as well as the clarification of unclear liver diseases or neurological symptoms.

A low ceruloplasmin value often indicates Wilson's disease. Symptoms of this disease can include: • Neurological abnormalities such as tremors or movement disorders • Jaundice or enlarged liver • Kayser-Fleischer rings in the eyes (copper deposits) An elevated value is rare and usually associated with acute inflammation or pregnancy.

The testing can be carried out at any time of the day. For the clarification of Wilson's disease, additional tests such as the determination of the copper level in the urine are usually required.

Ceruloplasmin values are often reduced in Wilson's disease, as copper is stored in the tissues instead of in the blood. • A normal value does not always exclude Wilson's disease; additional diagnostics such as a liver biopsy may be required. • Inflammations and pregnancy can increase ceruloplasmin without an underlying disease being present.