Vitalstoff Basic

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.

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, and serves as an important marker for the body's iron reserves. The laboratory value measures the concentration of ferritin in the blood and is often used to diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload.

A ferritin test is recommended for: Persons with symptoms such as fatigue, paleness or shortness of breath (indication of iron deficiency anemia) Women with heavy menstrual bleeding Pregnant or breastfeeding women (high iron requirement) People with chronic diseases (e.g. chronic kidney failure or inflammatory bowel diseases) Persons suspected of having hemochromatosis (a genetic disease with iron overload)

The test helps to evaluate the body's iron supply. Ferritin is a sensitive marker for iron deficiency, even before anemia develops. In case of suspected iron overload, the test also provides valuable clues.

A low ferritin value indicates an iron deficiency, which is often caused by blood loss, unbalanced diet, or malabsorption. Symptoms of iron deficiency are: Fatigue and reduced performance Pale skin Brittle nails or hair loss An elevated ferritin value can indicate iron overload, inflammation, or chronic diseases such as liver diseases.

A test is useful in the case of symptoms of iron deficiency or in risk groups, such as women with heavy bleeding, pregnant women or people with chronic illnesses. The test can be carried out at any time of the day and is independent of food intake.

Ferritin is a so-called acute phase protein value and can be elevated in inflammation or infection, even if there is no iron overload. An investigation of conspicuous ferritin values should therefore be carried out, if necessary, in the context of other iron parameters such as transferrin. Vegetarians and vegans often have lower iron values, as plant-based iron is less efficiently absorbed.

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.

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced during the breakdown of methionine. The laboratory value measures the concentration of homocysteine in the blood plasma, which is a marker for methionine metabolism and cardiovascular risk.

The translation is: A homocysteine test is recommended for: • Persons with a family history of cardiovascular disease or stroke • Patients with unexplained thrombosis or vascular disease • Individuals suspected of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency • Women with recurrent miscarriages • Patients with neurological symptoms that could indicate a vitamin B deficiency

The test serves to assess cardiovascular risk, diagnose deficiencies in vitamin B6, B12 or folate, and clarify thrombosis risks. It is also used to evaluate methionine metabolism.

An elevated homocysteine level can be caused by vitamin B12, B6 or folate deficiency and is associated with an increased risk of: • Arteriosclerosis (vascular calcification) • Heart attack and stroke • Thrombosis Symptoms of an elevated homocysteine level are often non-specific, but may include neurological complaints. A low value is generally harmless and indicates normal methionine metabolism.

The testing is best done fasting, as food intake can affect the homocysteine level. Medications should also be paused beforehand if possible.

• An elevated homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. • Vegetarian or vegan diets can lead to elevated levels due to vitamin B12 deficiency. • A reduction in homocysteine levels through supplementation with B vitamins does not always significantly reduce cardiovascular risk and should be monitored closely.

Holo-Transcobalamin (Holo-TC) is the biologically active form of vitamin B12 that is bound to the transport protein Transcobalamin. The laboratory value measures the concentration of Holo-TC in the blood and provides early indications of a functional vitamin B12 deficiency.

A Holo-TC test is recommended for: People with non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, memory disorders or neurological complaints Patients with a normal or borderline vitamin B12 level, in whom a deficiency is suspected Persons with risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency (e.g. vegans, elderly people) Patients with suspected pernicious anemia or malabsorption disorders

The test serves for the early detection of a vitamin B12 deficiency, before severe symptoms develop. It complements the classic vitamin B12 measurement and is particularly helpful in diagnosing functional deficiencies.

A low holo-TC value indicates a functional vitamin B12 deficiency, which can occur despite a normal serum B12 value. Symptoms are: Fatigue and concentration problems Tingling or numbness in the extremities Anemia or neurological disorders A normal value usually excludes a deficiency and makes further tests unnecessary.

The test is meaningful in case of non-specific complaints or in risk groups such as vegans and elderly people. Testing is also appropriate in case of suspected malabsorption or before starting supplementation.

Here is the translation: Holo-TC is a more sensitive marker than total cobalamin, as it only measures the biologically active form of vitamin B12. Alcohol abuse and medications can affect the Holo-TC level.