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Blood Chemistry

General recommendations for physical labs or markers that would be advisable for general health for men and women to monitor. Should they be customized?

Another question from Kyle. “General recommendations for physical labs or markers that would be advisable for general health for men...

This is about high ferritin and low hemoglobin and/or hematocrit. This patient had a history of severe Crohn’s, which is now in remission. Had been on sublingual methylcobalamin awhile. His ferritin is 149, but then all the iron markers were low, MCV is a bit high, and then MCH, MCHC, and RDW were all normal.

Chris Kresser: Next question from Tessa. “This is about high ferritin and low hemoglobin and/or hematocrit. This patient had a...

Iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease—if they have both, is it safe to supplement with iron or just treat the iron underlying cause?

Chris Kresser: Yes. In that situation, you could give iron for sure. Especially if the soluble transferrin receptor is high,...

Chris mentioned that the tests for zinc and copper have relatively low sensitivity. With this in mind, how reliable is zinc-copper ratio and does the information that it acquires worth the extra cost? I use Principal Labs for my cash patients and the costs from these two additional tests is $141. The comprehensive panel that includes the majority markers is $199.

Chris Kresser: Justin is asking about zinc and copper imbalance in the live call. “Chris mentioned that the tests for...

Is elevated homocysteine common in menopausal women, and when do you just assume it is elevated because of menopause versus other concerns?

Amy Nett: Next question from Amber. Amber says, “I have a 56-year-old female patient. No major health concerns but she...

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