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Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency means that the body experiences difficulties in producing enough hemoglobin, the essential protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the body. The result of this can be a feeling of fatigue and lack of energy.

FER

Ferritin

Iron deposit test

119 kr95 kr

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The causes of iron deficiency can be many, including blood loss for various reasons or obstacles for the body to absorb enough iron from the diet. Fortunately, this condition is usually harmless and responds well to treatment. Although iron deficiency can cause fatigue and lack of energy, it is a disorder that usually responds well to treatment. By restoring the body's iron levels, either through dietary supplements or dietary adjustments to include iron-rich foods, symptoms can be alleviated and blood levels normalized. Sometimes medical interventions or treatments may be necessary depending on the underlying cause of the iron deficiency.

What does iron deficiency really mean?

Iron is a critical component for the synthesis of hemoglobin (Hb), a protein that captures oxygen from the inhaled air and then distributes the oxygen throughout the body. The body normally has extra iron stored in organs such as the liver, spleen and bone marrow, to act as a reserve, especially in the event of bleeding. However, when these iron reserves are depleted and the ability to produce enough Hb is affected, this leads to a reduction in the oxygen capacity of the blood. This medical condition is called iron deficiency anemia or iron deficiency anemia.

Here are some common causes of iron deficiency:

  • Blood loss: Loss of blood through menstruation (in women), intestinal bleeding (for example from peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer) or any form of trauma can result in significant iron loss.
  • Inadequate intake: A diet lacking adequate amounts of iron-rich foods, especially animal sources such as meat and liver, can lead to iron deficiency, especially if the diet is not supplemented with other sources of non-heme (plant-based) iron such as legumes and green leafy vegetables.
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  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the body's need for iron increases to support the health of both mother and child. If the diet does not supply enough iron, iron deficiency can occur.
  • Donor of blood: People who donate blood regularly may experience temporary iron deficiency because blood donation results in a certain amount of iron loss.
  • Long-term use of certain medications: Certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors or antacids, can reduce the body's ability to absorb iron.

It is important to identify the specific cause of iron deficiency in order to implement appropriate treatment and preventive measures. If you suspect iron deficiency, it is wise to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Questions and answers

The most frequent symptoms include extreme fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath during exertion, and heart palpitations. Other signs include cold hands, brittle nails, and restless legs.

It is most often caused by blood loss (such as menstruation or gastrointestinal issues), an insufficient intake of iron-rich foods, or an increased need during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Iron deficiency starts when the body's storage (ferritin) is depleted. If it progresses to the point where the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin (Hb) to transport oxygen, the condition is called iron deficiency anemia.

Related tests and health checks


Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency test
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With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

  • Measures your iron value and your iron depot.
  • Analysis of iron and ferritin.
  • Analysis of your blood status is included.
  • The test identifies any iron deficiency.

379 kr


-20%
  • Measuring your levels of ferritin
  • Get insight into the body's iron stores
  • Indication of iron status and possible iron deficiency

119 kr95 kr

FE

Iron

Iron deficiency test
  • Measuring your iron levels.
  • Get an insight into the body's iron stores.
  • Indication of possible iron deficiency.

99 kr

  • Calculation of transferrin saturation.
  • The ratio between P-Iron and P-TIBC.
  • Indication of iron deficiency or excess.

129 kr

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