Vitamins & Minerals Markers

Required for cell division and DNA synthesis. Deficiency raises homocysteine and causes megaloblastic anaemia. Important during pregnancy.

Essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. Deficiency with alcohol use or malnutrition. Severe deficiency causes Wernicke's encephalopathy.

Important for energy metabolism and antioxidant defence. Deficiency causes skin, mucous membrane and eye complaints.

Involved in protein metabolism and neurotransmitter production. Deficiency with use of certain medications (e.g. contraceptives, metformin). Too much can cause nerve damage.

Essential for nerve cells and blood production. Deficiency common in vegans, elderly and metformin users. Deficiency causes fatigue, tingling and cognitive complaints.

More than 70% of people have insufficiency. Essential for immune function, bone density, mood and muscle function. Measurement once a year is recommended.

Main cation in extracellular fluid. Regulates fluid balance, blood pressure and nerve conduction. Deviations indicate kidney, heart or adrenal disorders.

Essential for stable heart rhythm and muscle function. Low potassium causes cramps, fatigue and rhythm disturbances. Elevated potassium is potentially dangerous.

Bone building, nerve conduction and muscle contraction. Elevated calcium (hypercalcaemia) can indicate hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D toxicity or malignancy.

Main protein in the blood. Low albumin indicates malnutrition, liver disease or chronic inflammatory disease. Also important for interpreting calcium values.

Involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions. Essential for blood pressure regulation, sleep quality and muscle function. Deficiency is common and often missed.

Iron stores in the body. Can be low even when haemoglobin is still normal — early signal of iron depletion. Common in women with heavy menstruation.

Essential for immune function, wound healing and taste and smell. Deficiency with vegetarian diet, malabsorption or heavy alcohol use.