Vegan Vital Check

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 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.

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.