Why Monitoring B12, Protein Levels And Other Values In Blood Work Is Important

Every individual should have their blood work drawn up regularly as it helps doctors check for certain diseases or illnesses that are starting to come up. Blood tests also help determine if all the organs are functioning efficiently and how the treatments work out if you are on medication. Even if you are not afflicted in any way, you should get your blood work done regularly so that if you have any underlying condition, it can be detected and cured in the early stages. A lot of the conditions become worse and difficult to heal in the later stages. Certain things are essential to monitoring your blood work. Now we will explain to you what you should watch and why.

Vitamin B-12

What Does Vitamin B-12 Do In Our Body? Vitamin B-12 plays a vital role in blood cell production, proper nerve functioning, and brain health. The low levels of this Vitamin can result in temporary infertility in women, memory loss and other deterioration in other brain functions, and permanent nerve damage. If you have a problem with a needle, you can also take a urine test to detect the Vitamin B-12 levels. When Does a Doctor Order This Test? Specific symptoms will alert the doctor about the B-12 deficiency. Below are the signs, and if you detect them in yourself, you should get a Vitamin B-12 test done - Difficulty maintaining balance Tingling in your hands or feet Weakness Loss of appetite Pounding heartbeats Confusion Dementia Your doctor might also order this test if he suspects that you have a condition called pernicious anemia. This condition results from a reduction in red blood cells, which happens when the intestines cannot absorb Vitamin B-12. This absorption is necessary for the production of red blood cells. Who Should Regularly Take Vitamin B-12 Tests? Certain people are naturally at risk of Vitamin B-12 deficiency as it is not produced naturally in the body. It has to be consumed from items like meat and dairy. Hence, people who are at the highest risk and should take this test regularly are - Strict vegetarians People who have diabetes Vegans Children People over the age of 50 People who have recently had the gastric bypass surgery Breastfeeding mothers Certain people are naturally at risk of Vitamin B-12 deficiency as it is not produced naturally in the body. It has to be consumed from items like meat and dairy. Hence, people who are at the highest risk and should take this test regularly are - Strict vegetarians People who have diabetes Vegans Children People over the age of 50 People who have recently had the gastric bypass surgery Breastfeeding mothers

Protein Levels

What Do Proteins Do In Our Body? Proteins are the building blocks of cells and tissues in our body and hence it plays a vital role in the functioning of our body. They are needed for the growth of the body, development, overall health, and to fight against viruses. There are 2 types of proteins in our body called globulin and albumin and they both should be monitored by regular blood checkups. When Does The Doctor Order a Total Protein Test? Total Protein tests are ordered as a part of a routine check. The doctor may order it if you have any of the following symptoms as well - Unexplained and sudden weight loss Fatigue Symptoms of liver and kidney diseases Loss of appetite Nausea or vomiting Difficulty in urinating Symptoms of nutritional deficiency Meaning Of The Protein Test Results If you have a very high protein level then you could have the following problems - Dehydration Cancers Inflammation from certain infections Kidney disease Liver disease Autoimmune disease On the other hand, low Protein levels would indicate that you have - Liver disorder Kidney disorder Malnutrition Malabsorption Extensive burns Bleeding Routine blood check-ups have minimal problems and a lot of benefits. It can help prevent a lot of conditions and serve you better in the long run. It is recommended to go for a blood test every year at the very least.