Women’s health

Iron plays a central role in our body. It helps transport oxygen, is involved in energy metabolism, DNA synthesis and many other processes. A lack of iron can manifest itself in tiredness, weakness or changes in the nervous system. Sufficient iron is particularly important during pregnancy. An iron deficiency during this time can increase the risk of complications such as pre-eclampsia, premature birth and low birth weight. It is therefore essential for pregnant women in particular to ensure that their diet contains sufficient iron: offal, dried legumes, meat (especially red meat), fish products, dried and oily fruits, whole grains, leafy vegetables, chicken eggs.

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and shows us directly how much iron our body has in reserve. These reserves help us not to show symptoms of iron deficiency immediately. However, if these reserves are too low and are not replenished over a longer period of time, symptoms such as tiredness, weakness and paleness can occur. It is important to ensure sufficient iron reserves to prevent anemia.

TSH is a hormone produced by a part of the brain called the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce the hormones Ft3 and Ft4. Ft3 and Ft4 are important for our body and influence many functions, including energy metabolism and growth. If we have too much or too little of these hormones, problems such as weight changes, fatigue and cardiac arrhythmia can occur. During pregnancy, it is particularly important that thyroid hormones are in balance to ensure that the baby grows and develops healthily. Too high a TSH level during pregnancy can indicate a problem with the thyroid gland and should be treated as it increases risks for mother and baby. It is recommended to check TSH levels before and during pregnancy to ensure they are within the correct range.

Selenium is a vital mineral found in many enzymes in our body. It plays a key role in defending against harmful oxidative stress, helps in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and strengthens our immune system. A deficiency of selenium can affect the normal function of the thyroid gland and reduce the effectiveness of our immune system. It is important to get enough selenium through our diet to support our health. Food sources: fish products (note for pregnancy: no raw fish and seafood, nor fish with high mercury content), lamb, pork, meat in general (note for pregnancy: raw or undercooked meat products may contain harmful bacteria and should be avoided), dried nuts (such as cashews, pistachios and nuts).

Zinc is an essential mineral that is involved in many cellular functions, such as gene regulation and cell growth. It is particularly important for the immune system, the central nervous system and thyroid function. Sufficient zinc levels are particularly important for premature babies, children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. A zinc deficiency can lead to skin problems, growth retardation and difficulties in the immune and nervous systems. Food sources: eggs (especially egg yolks), fish products (note for pregnancy: no raw fish and seafood, nor fish with high mercury content), cereals, milk, wheat bran, dried legumes, dried nuts, wheat, corn and flour.

Copper is an important metal for the body, involved in energy production, red blood cell formation and brain development. A lack of copper can lead to problems in the brain development of babies, especially during pregnancy. Copper should be monitored, especially if iron is supplemented during pregnancy. Symptoms of copper deficiency can include anemia, bone problems and cardiovascular difficulties. Food sources: dried nuts.

Magnesium is an essential (vital) mineral that is mainly stored in bones and cells. It supports over 300 different bodily functions, helps with energy production and is essential for muscle, nerve and bone health.

Vitamin B9, also known as folate/folic acid, is important for the body’s metabolism and the synthesis of certain molecules. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to heart problems, dementia, cognitive disorders and osteoporosis. Adequate folate levels are particularly important during pregnancy, as a deficiency increases the risk of malformations in the fetus and complications such as high blood pressure. Causes of a deficiency can be inadequate nutrition, illness, certain medications or genetic factors. Food sources: breakfast cereals, asparagus, broccoli, artichokes, spinach, broad beans (field beans), peas, wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta, oranges, kiwis, strawberries and certain fortified foods such as some baked goods and fruit juices.

Also known as cobalamin, is essential for various metabolic processes in the body. The deficiency usually develops slowly and can be caused by various factors, such as malabsorption in the intestine, certain illnesses or by not eating animal products (e.g., vegan diet).

Iron is an essential (vital) element for our body and has a variety of functions. An iron deficiency can impair physical performance, weaken the immune system and have a negative impact on the nervous system. An iron deficiency goes through various stages: first the iron reserves are depleted, then there are signs of an insufficient iron supply in the body and in the final stage anemia can occur as the hemoglobin concentration in the blood drops. Food sources: Iron-rich foods include offal, dried legumes, meat (especially red meat), fish products, dried and oily fruits, whole-grain products, leafy vegetables and chicken eggs. Iron from meat and fish (heme iron) is more bioavailable than iron from plant sources and dairy products (non-heme iron).

A fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in bone metabolism by regulating calcium and phosphate levels. It supports muscle health, influences insulin production and strengthens the immune system, especially against upper respiratory tract infections. A lack of vitamin D can lead to problems in the skeletal and muscular system and increase the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance. Older people, people with certain medical conditions and those taking certain medications are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Food sources: Good natural sources of vitamin D are cod liver oil, fatty fish such as herring, fresh tuna and salmon, and liver (pork). Vitamin D is also found in eggs and cheese, but in smaller quantities. In some countries, vitamin D is specifically added to foods such as dairy products to increase intake.

Vitamin B9, also known as folate/folic acid, plays an important role in various body processes. A vitamin B9 deficiency can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain forms of dementia, cognitive disorders and osteoporosis. Symptoms of vitamin B9 deficiency are similar to those of vitamin B12 deficiency and include anemia, digestive problems and memory loss. Older people are generally more susceptible to folate deficiency. Food sources: liver, kidney, brewer's yeast, breakfast cereals, asparagus, broccoli, artichokes, spinach, broad beans, peas, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, oranges, kiwis, strawberries, and foods fortified with folate.

Also known as cobalamin, plays an important role in metabolism and supports processes such as the conversion of homocysteine, a molecule that can be linked to health problems in excessive amounts in the blood. A deficiency can cause symptoms such as anemia, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, tongue inflammation, nausea, digestive problems and abdominal pain. Older people, vegans and smokers in particular should ensure that they have a sufficient intake. Food sources: mainly found in offal such as liver, fish, seafood, egg yolk and Parmesan cheese. Meat and milk contain smaller amounts. Some algae also provide vitamin B12, and many commercially available products are now fortified with B12.

Is an iron-containing protein and the main form of iron storage in the body. The ferritin level measured in the blood provides information about the iron reserves in the body. These reserves serve to prevent iron deficiency and protect the body from anemia. However, if the iron reserves are depleted, symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches and pallor may occur.

Saturation of transferrin

BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) is a molecule that is crucial for the development and survival of brain cells. Elevated BDNF levels protect against memory problems and the aging process of the brain. Low levels are seen in depression and susceptibility to stress. BDNF can be influenced by exercise, omega-3 fatty acids and certain substances. Food sources: fish, liver, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, nuts, shrimp, chickpeas, blueberries and green tea

Functions as a free-radical scavenger by neutralizing free radicals and rendering them harmless. It also helps to detoxify the body, especially by removing harmful substances such as hydrogen peroxide. Glutathione is an important antioxidant found in the cells of our body. It plays a crucial role in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells, proteins and DNA.

There are two forms of glutathione: reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Reduced glutathione (GSH) is the active and protective form, while oxidized glutathione (GSSG) is the inactive form.

Reduced/total glutathione ratio:
The ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to total glutathione is an important indicator of cell health. In normal healthy cells, reduced GSH makes up the majority of glutathione, which is needed for oxidative stress protection and detoxification. In certain diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, this ratio can be low. A lack of glutathione can also be genetic and lead to various health problems.

Reduced glutathione (GSH):
Sn important substance in our cells that helps to neutralize harmful oxygen molecules. These molecules can damage cells. GSH protects our cells from this damage and also plays a role in inflammatory processes in the body. It is therefore important for our health. If there is too little GSH, this can lead to problems.

Oxidized glutathione (GSSG):
A form of glutathione that can release electrons and must be converted back into its protective form by the enzyme glutathione reductase. High GSSG levels can indicate severe oxidative stress and possibly neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Total Glutathione (Total)

Prealbumin is a protein produced in the liver that is responsible for the transportation of vitamin A and a thyroid hormone called thyroxine in the body. Low levels can be caused by a variety of reasons, including malnutrition, disease, medications and other conditions.

Albumin is a major protein in the blood that is made by the liver. It has many functions, including maintaining proper pressure in the blood vessels, transporting various substances in the body, and helping to maintain acid-base balance.

C-reactive protein (CRP for short) is an inflammatory marker that is produced in the liver. When there is inflammation in the body, the CRP level in the blood often rises rapidly. For example, CRP levels can rise after injuries, autoimmune diseases, infections or heart attacks. It is interesting to note that an increase in CRP can often be noticed before other typical symptoms such as fever or pain occur. CRP is also used to monitor the condition of people with long-term inflammatory diseases or to check how well a therapy is working.

Acidic alpha 1-glycoprotein is a protein produced in the liver. It serves as an indication of inflammation in the body. If its level rises in the blood, this can indicate various health problems such as infections, cancer, heart attacks, inflammation or even after operations and burns. It is one of the so-called acute-phase proteins that become active during physical reactions to injury or illness.

The PINI index combines various blood values to assess a patient’s nutritional and inflammatory status. It uses values such as albumin and prealbumin, which indicate nutritional status, and C-reactive protein and acidic alpha1-glycoprotein, which indicate inflammation. An imbalanced PINI index can indicate nutritional problems, inflammation or both, and is particularly helpful in identifying individuals who may be at increased risk of complications.

An iron deficiency can impair physical performance, weaken the immune system and have a negative impact on the nervous system. An iron deficiency goes through various stages: first the iron reserves are depleted, then there are signs of an insufficient iron supply in the body and in the final stage anemia can occur as the hemoglobin concentration in the blood drops. Food sources: Iron-rich foods include offal, dried legumes, meat (especially red meat), fish products, dried and oily fruits, whole-grain products, leafy vegetables and chicken eggs. Iron from meat and fish (heme iron) is more bioavailable than iron from plant sources and dairy products (non-heme iron).

Transferrin is a blood protein that plays a crucial role in the transportation of iron in the body. It delivers iron to cells that need it to produce hemoglobin, myoglobin and cytochromes. Transferrin saturation measures the ratio of iron to its total binding capacity. Low transferrin saturation can indicate an iron deficiency.

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and shows us directly how much iron our body has in reserve. These reserves help us not to show symptoms of iron deficiency immediately. However, if these reserves are too low and are not replenished over a longer period of time, symptoms such as tiredness, weakness and paleness can occur. It is important to ensure sufficient iron reserves to prevent anemia. Ferritin is an iron-containing protein and the main form in which iron is stored in the body. The amount of ferritin released into the blood is a direct measure of iron reserves. Ferritin buffers iron deficiency states and thus protects against anemia. A permanently low ferritin level can lead to anemia symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches and pallor.

Transferrin is a blood protein that plays a crucial role in the transportation of iron in the body. It delivers iron to cells that need it to produce hemoglobin, myoglobin and cytochromes. Transferrin saturation measures the ratio of iron to its total binding capacity. Low transferrin saturation may indicate iron deficiency.

CRP (C-reactive protein) is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver and serves as a non-specific marker of inflammation. Its level rises in inflammation, trauma, infection and heart disease. It can be used to monitor inflammation and the course of therapy in chronic diseases. In an iron metabolism profile, it is important to know whether inflammation is present or not, as this can influence the interpretation of the results. Inflammation can lead to higher ferritin levels, which could falsely indicate adequate iron levels, even though the iron is not being used effectively in the body due to the inflammation. If CRP is elevated, this could indicate that further investigation of iron metabolism is required to determine whether iron deficiency or inflammation is actually present.