Folic acid                            Vitamin B12

Anaemia Profile

Anaemia refers to a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells or the the haemoglobin (iron-containing) portion of red blood cells. The primary function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body in exchange for carbon dioxide. The symptoms are anaemia reflect a lack of oxygen begin delivered to tissues and a build up of carbon dioxide. 

There are three major classifications of anaemia:

• Anaemia die to excessive blood loss

• Anaemia due to excessive red blood cell destruction (this is seen in genetic defective haemoglobin synthesis such as sickle cell)

• Anaemia due to deficient red blood cell production

Possible causes of anaemia

• Folate, vitamin B12 and iron deficiency*

• Hormone disorders

• Chronic inflammation

• Surgery

• Peptic ulcers

• Hemorrhoids

• Diverticular disease

• repeated pregnancies

• Heavy menstrual flow

• Thyroid disorders

• Vegetarianism

• Genetic conditions such as Sickle Cell Anaemia

*Vitamin B12 is needed to prevent anaemia. It aids folate in regulating the formation of red blood cells, and helps to utilise iron. Strict vegetarians/vegans must remember that they require close monitoring of B12 levels as this vitamin is found almost exclusively in animal tissue. Folate is the most common vitamin deficiency in the world. Folate is considered brain food, and is needed for energy production and the formation of red blood cells as well as strengthening immunity. Folate is very important in pregnancy as it helps to regulate embryonic and foetal nerve cell formation.

Signs & symptoms associated with anaemia: 

• Loss of appetite

• Constipation

• Headaches

• Irritability

• Difficulty concentrating

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Coldness of extremities

• Depression

• Dizziness

• Pale skin

• Brittle nails

• Hair loss / poor growth

• Sore mouth / tongue

• Loss of libido

Analytes measured

• Full blood count

• Haemoglobin

• Ferritin

• B12

• Folate (serum & red blood cell)

Each of these markers can be tested for individually.

Pricing

Description		(RRP) Price
Anaemia Profile		£85.00
Ferritin		£40.00
B12 & Folate		£50.00

To order test go to Having a Test