Anaemia is either a reduction in the number of red blood cells being produced, or of haemoglobin in the blood. This results in reduced levels of oxygen being transported round the body, which is vitalfor every cell to produce energy for normal bodily functions.
Anaemia can stem from a deficiency in iron, which can result from poor absorption or low dietary intake, increased iron requirement (for example during growth ormenstruation), and excessive blood loss (possibly due to injury or surgery). Vitamin B12is also needed to prevent anaemia, which works with folic acid in regulating the formation of red blood cells, and helps to utilise iron
Possible causes:
• Vitamin B12 deficiency • Folic Acid deficiency
• Iron deficiency • Hormonal disorders
• Heavy menstrual bleeding • Chronic inflammation
• Surgery • Diverticular disease
• Repeated pregnancies • Thyroid disorders
• Vegetarianism • Haemorrhoids
• Peptic ulcers • Genetic conditions such as Sickle Cell
Signs and symptoms
• 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
Anaemia Profile – This test measures serum Vitamin B12, folate and iron levels, as well as
important blood indices that can help identify anaemia, and provide information about
the potential cause(s).
B12 & Folate Profile – measures serum B12 & folic acid only (Specimen requirements: 1 x
serum sample).
Ferritin – measures ferritin only (Specimen requirements: 1 x serum sample).
There are no reviews yet.