Why test serum iron?

• Diet

  Those who do not eat meat or seafood may have a lower intake of iron. A diet low in iron, vitamin B12 and folate increases the risk of Iron Deficiency anemia (IDA).

• Health Check

  Discover your risk factors for lifestyle diseases in time to do something about them. Both anemia (low iron) and hemochromatosis (excess iron) are common health conditions.

• Monitoring

  Monitor changes to your blood values as you make lifestyle changes, take supplements, or undergo treatments.

• Health History

  A personal or family history of anemia or excess iron.

• Heavy Periods

  Heavy periods increase blood loss, and thus the risk of anemia.

• Pregnancy

  Pregnant women are at increased risk of anemia. Healthy iron levels are important for both mother and baby.

• Athlete/active

  Iron is involved in muscle function, transporting oxygen to the tissues, and the conversion of carbohydrates into energy.

• Symptoms

  Including low energy, fatigue, rapid heart rate (especially with exercise), dizziness, pale skin, leg cramps, insomnia, joint pain, stomach pain, liver disease, or skin changes.

• Medications

  You take a drug, such as hydrocortisone or antacids, which increases the need for iron.