Mikro-4-magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, energy metabolism, and bone health. The laboratory value measures the magnesium concentration in the serum, which represents only about 1% of the total magnesium in the body.

The recommended Magnesium test is for: People with symptoms such as muscle cramps, numbness or tingling Persons with chronic diseases such as diabetes or kidney diseases Patients with suspected electrolyte disorders (e.g. due to diarrhea or vomiting) People who take diuretics, proton pump inhibitors or other medications that increase magnesium excretion Athletes or people with high physical stress

The test serves to diagnose magnesium deficiencies or excesses, which can lead to muscle cramps, heart rhythm disorders or neurological disorders. It can also help to clarify the cause of electrolyte disorders.

A low magnesium level indicates a deficiency that can be caused by insufficient intake, increased loss (e.g. through diarrhea, vomiting) or certain diseases. Symptoms of a deficiency are: Muscle cramps, especially in the calves Heart rhythm disorders Nervousness or trembling An elevated value is rare, but occurs in severe kidney failure or excessive magnesium intake and can lead to muscle weakness and respiratory paralysis.

The testing should be carried out if symptoms such as muscle cramps, chronic fatigue or heart rhythm disorders occur. It is also reasonable to check in patients with chronic illnesses or with prolonged intake of medications that affect the magnesium balance.

Serum magnesium does not always reflect the actual magnesium status of the body, as the majority of magnesium is stored in bones and cells. Intracellular magnesium is more accurate, but more complex to measure. Magnesium is closely linked to other electrolytes such as calcium and potassium. A deficiency or excess often also affects their levels.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and the function of the nervous system. The laboratory value measures the concentration of vitamin B12 in the blood serum, which provides information about the supply status in the body.

A Vitamin B12 test is recommended for: People with symptoms such as fatigue, concentration problems or neurological complaints (e.g. tingling in hands and feet) Vegetarians and vegans, as Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal foods Older people, whose absorption of Vitamin B12 may be impaired by age-related changes in the stomach People with chronic gastrointestinal diseases (e.g. celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) Patients suspected of having pernicious anemia (an autoimmune disease that blocks B12 absorption)

The test serves to diagnose a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anemia and neurological damage. It also helps to detect an oversupply due to excessive intake of dietary supplements.

A low value indicates a deficiency that can trigger the following symptoms: Fatigue and weakness Memory problems or cognitive impairments Tingling or numbness in hands and feet (neuropathies) Paleness or yellowish skin (indication of anemia) Mood swings or depression An elevated value can indicate liver disease or overdose from dietary supplements, but this is rare.

The testing is useful in case of symptoms of a deficiency or in risk groups (e.g. vegetarians or elderly people). The vitamin B12 status should also be checked before a planned pregnancy. The testing can be done at any time of the day and is independent of food intake.

The serum B12 measurement alone is often not enough to reliably diagnose a deficiency. Supplementary tests such as the measurement of holo-transcobalamin (holo-TC) may be necessary. A deficiency is usually not caused by insufficient intake, but by absorption problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Alcohol abuse and certain medications (e.g. proton pump inhibitors) can inhibit the absorption of vitamin B12.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is produced in the skin through sun exposure and is also obtained through the diet. The laboratory value measures the concentration of vitamin D to assess the body's supply status.

A vitamin D test is recommended for: People with muscle weakness or bone pain Persons with chronic fatigue or exhaustion People with low sun exposure (e.g. office work, living in northern regions) People with dark skin (reduced vitamin D production) Older people (declining skin synthesis) Pregnant and breastfeeding women Persons with osteoporosis or chronic diseases (e.g. autoimmune diseases, diabetes)

The test serves to detect a vitamin D deficiency or an overdose. Vitamin D is essential for calcium and phosphate metabolism and contributes to bone health, muscle strength, and immune defense. A deficiency can increase the risk of osteoporosis, infections, and chronic diseases.

A low value indicates a deficiency that can be due to insufficient sun exposure, improper nutrition, or diseases such as malabsorption disorders. Symptoms of a deficiency are: Bone and muscle pain Muscle weakness and risk of falls Increased risk of infections An elevated value, usually due to excessive intake of vitamin D supplements, can lead to nausea, confusion, and calcium deposits in organs.

A test is possible all year round, but is particularly useful in winter and spring when the body's own stores are depleted due to lack of sun exposure. Persons with risk factors or symptoms of deficiency should be tested regularly. The test can be carried out at any time of the day and is independent of food intake.

Vitamin D is taken in two forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) from plant sources and D3 (cholecalciferol) from animal sources or through sunlight. D3 is better utilized by the body. Supplementation should be done under medical supervision, as overdosing can lead to health problems. The body's own production of vitamin D depends on factors such as skin type, age, geographic location, and season.

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.