Vitamin A (retinol)
Vitamin A is essential for normal vision, especially twilight vision, participates in cell growth and division, maintains the health of the skin, mucous membranes and immune system. Regulates protein synthesis, affects the condition of bones, teeth, reproductive function. Reflects the general state of the body's antioxidant defense.
Normal range: 0.3–0.7 µg/ml
Reasons for increased values: excessive intake of retinoids, hypervitaminosis A, liver disease
Reasons for decreased values: nutritional deficiency, malabsorption syndrome, chronic inflammation, liver disease
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Participates in the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, ensures the functioning of the nervous system, heart and muscles. Affects memory, attention, emotional stability. Reflects the state of energy metabolism and the level of resistance to stress. With its deficiency, nerve conduction and heart function are impaired.
Normal values for men: 70–180 ng/ml
Normal values for women: 66–165 ng/ml
Reasons for increased values:taking dietary supplements, hypervitaminosis (rare)
Reasons for decreased values: alcoholism, chronic gastrointestinal diseases, low intake of vitamin B1, diabetes mellitus
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Affects the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, is necessary for the functioning of enzymes, maintains the health of the skin, mucous membranes and vision. Regulates antioxidant activity and iron metabolism. Affects the condition of the skin, nails, energy and cellular respiration processes.
Normal values for men:137–370 ng/ml
Normal values for women: 120–370 ng/ml
Reasons for increased values: taking dietary supplements, hypervitaminosis B2 (rare)
Reasons for decreased values: deficiency in the diet, anemia, absorption disorders, intake of vitamin antagonists
Vitamin B3 (niacin/nicotinic acid)
Responsible for the synthesis of coenzymes, regulates cellular respiration, blood circulation, maintains the health of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, nervous system. Affects cholesterol levels, protects blood vessels, participates in energy utilization. Reflects the state of lipid metabolism and resistance to oxidative stress.
Normal range: 0.5–8 µg/ml
Reasons for increased values: excessive consumption, intake of vitamins, some liver diseases
Reasons for decreased values: nutritional deficiency, alcoholism, chronic gastrointestinal diseases, carcinoid tumor syndrome
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Participates in the synthesis of coenzyme A − a key link in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and amino acids. Important for the production of adrenal hormones, tissue regeneration, resistance to stress. Affects the health of the skin, mucous membranes and hair. Reflects the adaptive capabilities of the body and the level of metabolism.
Normal range: 1.6–2.7 µg/ml
Reasons for increased values: taking vitamins, hypervitaminosis (rarely recorded)
Reasons for decreased values:nutritional deficiency, chronic stress, long-term illness, malabsorption
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Participates in more than 100 enzymatic reactions. Important for amino acid metabolism, synthesis of neurotransmitters, hemoglobin and antibodies. Supports brain, immune and cardiovascular systems. Affects mood, sleep, energy level and resistance to stress. Reflects the completeness of protein and nerve metabolism.
Normal range: 20–125 nmol/l
Reasons for increased values: taking supplements, intoxication, rare metabolic disorders
Reasons for decreased values: nutritional deficiencies, alcohol, liver and gastrointestinal diseases, taking isoniazid, oral contraceptives
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Necessary for hematopoiesis, DNA synthesis, functioning of the nervous system. Affects energy levels, mood, memory, participates in the metabolism of amino acids and fats. B12 deficiency can cause anemia, neurological disorders and chronic fatigue.
Normal range:187–883 pg/ml
Reasons for increased values: taking supplements, oncology, liver disease
Reasons for decreased values: vegetarianism, Addison-Birmer anemia, gastritis, diseases of the small intestine
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
A powerful antioxidant, participates in collagen synthesis, tissue healing, iron absorption, functioning of the immune system. Affects the strength of blood vessels, skin health and resistance to infections. Reflects the level of oxidative stress and the ability to recover.
Normal range:23–85 µmol/l
Reasons for increased values: taking supplements, hypervitaminosis (rare)
Reasons for decreased values: smoking, stress, infections, inflammation, lack of vegetables and fruits
Vitamin D (25-hydroxycholecalciferol)
Regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism, affects immunity, mood, heart function, muscles and endocrine system. Participates in the prevention of osteoporosis and autoimmune diseases. Reflects the level of endogenous synthesis of vitamin D under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and the general state of phosphorus-calcium metabolism.
Normal range: 30–100 ng/ml
Reasons for increased values: overdose of supplements, sarcoidosis, tumors
Reasons for decreased values: lack of sun, nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal diseases, renal failure
Vitamin E (tocopherol)
Antioxidant, protects cells from free radicals, participates in the regulation of reproductive function, vascular and nervous system function. Maintains healthy skin, immunity, muscle tissue. Reflects the body's resistance to oxidative damage.
Normal range: 5.5–17 µg/ml
Reasons for increased values: taking high doses of the vitamin, metabolic disorders of lipid metabolism
Reasons for decreased values: fat absorption disorders, long-term nutritional deficiencies, liver and pancreas diseases
Vitamin B7 (biotin)
Participates in key metabolic processes − fatty acid synthesis, gluconeogenesis and amino acid metabolism. Necessary for the functioning of enzymes responsible for energy production, blood sugar stability, and the health of the nervous system. Affects the condition of the skin, hair and nails, participates in the processes of tissue growth and regeneration. Reflects the balance of metabolism and the quality of nutrient absorption.
Normal range:200–1200 ng/l
Reasons for increased values: taking biotin, rarely − metabolic disorders
Reasons for decreased values:taking antibiotics, eating raw eggs, dietary deficiency, intestinal diseases
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Assessment of the cellular composition of the blood: erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, color index and leukocyte formula. Allows you to identify inflammation, anemia, coagulation disorders and immune response. Reflects the general condition of the body and bone marrow hematopoiesis and includes 21 indicators.
Reasons for increased values: infections, inflammation, dehydration, polycythemia, stress
Reasons for decreased values: anemia, blood loss, iron deficiency, B12 or folic acid, hematopoiesis suppression
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT)
An enzyme primarily localized in liver cells. When hepatocytes are damaged, ALT is released into the blood, making it a marker of acute or chronic liver damage. It is used to diagnose hepatitis, fatty liver disease and to assess the toxic effects of drugs.
Normal values for men: up to 45 U/l
Normal values for women: up to 34 U/l
Reasons for increased values: hepatitis, steatosis, cirrhosis, taking hepatotoxic drugs, obesity, physical overexertion
Reasons for decreased values: severe liver damage, vitamin B6 deficiency, anemia
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST/SGOT)
It is found in the liver, heart, skeletal muscles and kidneys. When these tissues are damaged, the AST level in the blood increases. Used to differentiate cardiac and hepatic pathologies. The AST/ALT ratio helps to assess the nature of liver damage.
Normal values for men: up to 40 U/l
Normal values for women: up to 31 U/l
Reasons for increased values: myocardial infarction, acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, myopathy
Reasons for decreased values: severe liver damage, coenzyme deficiency (vitamin B6)
Serum Creatinine
A product of muscle creatine phosphate metabolism. It is an important indicator of kidney function. It is used to assess glomerular filtration. The stability of creatinine levels depends on muscle mass and activity, as well as the work of the excretory system.
Normal values for men:62–115 µmol/l
Normal values for women: 53–97 µmol/l
Reasons for increased values: renal failure, massive muscle damage, dehydration, taking nephrotoxic drugs
Reasons for decreased values: low muscle mass, pregnancy, severe exhaustion of the body (cachexia)
Urea (BUN)
One of the main end products of protein metabolism, synthesized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. It is an indicator of protein metabolism and renal excretory function. The level of urea also depends on diet and the level of hydration of the body.
Normal values for men:3.3–8.3 mmol/l
Normal values for women: 2.5–7.1 mmol/l
Reasons for increased values: renal failure, dehydration, hypercatabolic conditions, gastrointestinal bleeding
Reasons for decreased values: liver disease, low-protein diet, pregnancy, hyperhydration
Uric Acid
The end product of purine metabolism. Increased levels are associated with metabolic disorders and can lead to crystal deposition in the joints (gout). Also used to assess the risk of metabolic disorders and kidney health.
Normal values for men: 210–420 µmol/l
Normal values for women: 150–350 µmol/l
Reasons for increased values: gout, chronic renal failure, diuretic use, tumor breakdown
Reasons for decreased values: malabsorption, allopurinol use, vegetarian diet, liver disease
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol is the sum of all cholesterol fractions: LDL, HDL and other lipoproteins. It is involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones, vitamin D, bile acids and is part of cell membranes. Total cholesterol levels reflect the state of lipid metabolism and potential cardiovascular risks, including the development of atherosclerosis.
Normal range: 3.6–5.2 mmol/l
Reasons for increased values: hypercholesterolemia, obesity, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, genetic lipid disorders
Reasons for decreased values: hyperthyroidism, chronic infections, malignant tumors, liver disease
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the main form of fat stored in the body and circulating in the blood. They serve as a source of energy, participate in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Triglyceride levels reflect metabolic health and insulin sensitivity. Changes may indicate the risk of cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance syndrome.
Normal values for men: up to 2.2 mmol/l
Normal values for women: up to 1.9 mmol/l
Reasons for increased values: obesity, overeating, type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, taking hormonal drugs
Reasons for decreased values: lack of fat in the diet, hyperthyroidism, starvation, severe liver disease
HDL-cholesterol (HDL – High-Density Lipoprotein)
HDL − antiatherogenic fraction of cholesterol. These lipoproteins collect excess cholesterol from tissues and blood vessels and transport it to the liver for disposal. High HDL levels are associated with a low risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The indicator reflects the effectiveness of “cleaning” the vessels.
Normal values for men: from 1.0 mmol/l
Normal values for women: from 1.2 mmol/l
Reasons for increased values: moderate physical activity, estrogen intake, a diet with a sufficient amount of unsaturated fats
Reasons for decreased values: sedentary lifestyle, smoking, metabolic syndrome, obesity
LDL cholesterol (LDL – Low-Density Lipoprotein)
LDL is the main transport form of cholesterol, carrying it to cells. Excess LDL leads to the deposition of cholesterol in the walls of blood vessels and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. The indicator is critical for assessing cardiovascular risks. Control of LDL levels is the basis for preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Normal range: <3.0 mmol/l
Reasons for increased values: hypercholesterolemia, hereditary lipid metabolism disorders, unbalanced diet
Reasons for decreased values: taking statins, thyrotoxicosis, chronic liver disease, lack of fat in the diet
Fasting/Random Glucose
Glucose is the main source of energy for the body. The indicator reflects the functioning of the endocrine system, tissue sensitivity to insulin and carbohydrate metabolism. It is used to diagnose diabetes, prediabetes, hypoglycemia. Glucose control is especially important in cases of excess weight, chronic fatigue and metabolic disorders.
Normal range: 3.9–5.5 mmol/l (fasting)
Reasons for increased values: diabetes, stress, endocrine disorders, glucocorticoid intake
Reasons for decreased values: insulin overdose, prolonged fasting, pancreatic tumors
