Vitamins and microelements are essential for humans organic substances that take part in all metabolic processes of cells and tissues, which contribute to the proper functioning of organs and systems. Vitamins enter the human body with food, but there are conditions in which the level of these substances is insufficient. If this is confirmed by an analysis of vitamins, experts prescribe mono- or multivitamin complexes to correct the condition.
Features of vitamin and microelement balance
Unlike proteins, carbohydrates and fats, vitamins are needed in very small quantities - a few hundredths of one milligram per day. More than 30 organic substances that are indispensable are known. Among them are the well-known vitamins of groups B, A, C, D, E, K.
A decrease in the amount of a certain organic substance in the human body is called hypovitaminosis. Long-term failure, which causes the development of serious changes and diseases, is called vitamin deficiency.
A blood test for vitamins is a great way to get detailed results by which you can assess the level of nutrients and, if necessary, make corrections to prevent the development of serious consequences.
The amount of certain vitamins (for example, cyanocobalamin and folic acid) is determined during a biochemical blood test from a vein. Along with the vitamin level during the diagnosis, quantitative indicators of chemicals (macro- and microelements) are also evaluated.
Vitamin Norms
A blood test for vitamins and minerals can show results that are within the permissible limits, but in most cases (due to environmental degradation, poor nutrition, stressful situations) the level of some results is below normal.
For the human body, quantitative indicators of vitamins are in the following ranges:
- retinol - 1.05-2.09 μmol / l;
- thiamine - 2.1-4.3 μg / l;
- pantothenic acid - 3.2 μg / l;
- pyridoxine - 0.3-0.5 μg / ml;
- cyanocobalamin - 175-900 pg / l;
- ascorbic acid - 4-20 μg / ml;
- calciferol - 25-100 ng / ml;
- tocopherol - 0.2-1.2 μg / ml.
Micronutrient Rates
The norm of the content of the main chemical elements in the blood is as follows:
- Manganese - 0.01-0.05 μg / g;
- fluorine - 370 μmol / l;
- bromine - 17 mmol / l;
- molybdenum - 0.002 μg / g;
- iodine - 0.3-10 μg / g;
- copper - 0.7-1.5 μg / g;
- cobalt - 0.0005-0.005 μg / g;
- selenium - 0.15-0.33 μg / g;
- zinc - 0.75-1.5 μg / ml.
Why survey?
Any pathology or disease requires diagnosis, and only then the necessary treatment is prescribed. Blood is a biological fluid, the indicators of which change with the development of a pathological condition. It is with a blood test that any research begins.
It allows you to evaluate the following indicators:
- hemoglobin level, which means the ability to saturate the body's cells with oxygen;
- the number of shaped elements (white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets);
- the presence of inflammation in the body (leukocytosis, an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a change in the leukocyte formula).
The results can determine the presence of tumors, allergic processes, anemia, inflammation. The specialist gets the opportunity to establish the stage and form of the disease, and therefore, choose a treatment regimen.
Analysis for vitamins and minerals allows you to determine the chemical saturation of the body with essential substances. Values are estimated depending on the gender and age of the patient. Vitamin analysis is not considered a mandatory diagnostic link, the doctor prescribes it for certain indications.
When to take an analysis
Vitamin and micronutrient deficiency is unlikely only if a person adheres to the rules of a healthy diet, plays sports, lives in an area with a favorable environmental situation and does not have bad habits. Such a combination in the modern world is unlikely.
Doctors recommend taking vitamin tests once a year to the following population groups:
- those who live in adverse ecological zones;
- children and adolescents;
- people over 50 years old;
- those who suffer from any chronic pathologies;
- during pregnancy planning;
- while breastfeeding;
- those who give most of their time to work and heavy physical exertion;
- people living under constant stress.
How is the study
The material for determining the amount of vitamins and minerals in the body can be blood, urine, skin derivatives (nails, hair). You can take tests for vitamins in any private laboratory and some narrow-profile clinics. This examination is paid.
The results of quantitative indicators of the vitamin level are known in a day, but deciphering the chemical trace element requires 6 working days. When giving blood, the subject should come in the morning on an empty stomach. If derivatives of the skin become diagnostic material , then before surrendering, you need to read the instructions for preparing for the fence. It can be taken in the same laboratory on the eve of the diagnosis.
Blood test for vitamin D
This method allows you to determine the level of digestibility by the body of ergo- or cholecalciferol. In parallel, the amount of parathyroid hormone is also determined. An analysis of vitamin D is indicated for the following pathologies:
- parathyroid disease;
- systemic diseases (lupus erythematosus);
- pathology of the musculoskeletal system;
- pancreatic disease and gastrointestinal tract.
Hypervitaminosis D (the vitamin content in the blood is higher than normal) may be accompanied by weakness, dyspeptic manifestations (vomiting, diarrhea), loss of appetite, and low-grade body temperature. Hypovitaminosis is fraught with thyroid gland pathology, cirrhosis, and renal failure.
Determination of cyanocobalamin level
A vitamin B12 test is prescribed for patients with anemia. This organic substance affects the proper maturation of red blood cells, is involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Before the diagnosis, you should refuse to take medications acting on the hematopoiesis system. The result may be incorrect while taking antibacterials and drinking alcohol.
Hypervitaminosis B12 is characteristic of tumor processes, diabetes mellitus, leukemia, chronic renal failure.
The study of tocopherol
An analysis to determine the quantitative indicators of vitamin E must be taken on an empty stomach. The intake of the following substances and medicines affects the level of the vitamin:
- Finlepsin;
- Phenobarbital;
- ethanol;
- Phenytoin.
Tocopherol hypovitaminosis is observed in diseases of the pancreas, enteritis, anemia, and malignant neoplasms. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body as a whole and its cells from premature aging. Also, tocopherol is involved in various processes of the nervous system. Vitamin deficiency can lead to the development of encephalopathy, enteritis, diseases of the hematopoietic system.
Toxic trace elements
In the human body, along with useful and vital chemicals, those that are toxic to cells and tissues and act on them are harmful. These include:
- mercury;
- arsenic;
- lead;
- nickel;
- cadmium.
Their entry into the bloodstream is accompanied by severe intoxications and poisoning, which are manifested by dyspeptic disorders in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, hair loss and brittle nails, pathologies from the reproductive system.
A high level of toxic substances becomes a provoking factor for the development of malignant processes. There are a number of analyzes that determine the presence and quantitative indicators of such chemicals. Diagnostic material is whole blood, urine, skin derivatives (nails, hair).
Vitamin Pathologies
Hypervitaminosis can cause disturbances in the functioning of organs and systems of the body as well as vitamin deficiency. Excess levels of organic substances lead to the following violations:
- Vitamin A - hair loss, peeling and itching of the skin, exacerbation of liver and pancreas diseases, bleeding gums, seborrhea.
- Vitamin D - nausea, headache, atherosclerosis, thrombotic disease, leaching of calcium from bones and laying in various organs, convulsions, paralysis.
- Vitamin E, K - hypertensive crises, bleeding disorders.
- B-series vitamins - hypertension, atherosclerosis, impaired enzymatic processes, allergic reactions, damage to the spinal cord.
- Vitamin C - increase in blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbance, blood coagulation pathology.
- Vitamin P - the development of thrombosis.
Hypervitaminosis is not common, but uncontrolled intake of vitamin complexes can provoke the development of such conditions.
Conclusion
Analysis for vitamins and minerals is not a whim of the attending physician. A complete picture of the state of the body with the determination of quantitative and qualitative indicators will allow you to choose the right treatment regimen in the presence of a disease or maintain high quality of health for those who have no problems.