Blood Tests: Understanding Your Health

Lab Results Vary—And So Do You

Not all labs are created equal. Differences in testing equipment, sample handling, and even how blood is collected can cause your results to fluctuate. Multiple factors can impact key markers like iron and red blood cell size. Fasting, hydration, supplements, and even recent exercise can all play a role.

Even within the same lab, two tests done days apart might show slight differences—especially if sample collection or transport conditions were not ideal.

Iron Levels: More Than Just a Number

Iron is a vital nutrient that influences everything from energy levels to immune health. Yet, iron testing can be tricky. Here are some factors to consider:

• Fasting too long before your test can artificially raise serum iron.

• Eating beforehand can prompt changes in red blood cell markers.

• Exercise can cause temporary deviations in results.

• Supplements like biotin can result in false readings.

  
  

Importance of Iron in the Body

Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Low iron levels can lead to fatigue, weakness, and even cognitive issues. Hence, monitoring iron levels is crucial for your overall health.

Understanding Hepcidin: The Iron Gatekeeper

Your body uses a hormone called hepcidin to manage iron absorption and storage. Think of hepcidin as your body’s iron gatekeeper:

• When hepcidin levels rise, the gate closes—resulting in less iron absorption.

• When hepcidin levels drop, the gate opens to allow for more iron absorption.

  
  

What Affects Hepcidin Levels?

Hepcidin increases when:

• You have inflammation or infection.

• Your iron stores are high.

  
  

Conversely, hepcidin decreases when:

• You're low in iron or anaemic.

• You experience bleeding (like during menstruation).

• Your body has a higher need for iron (e.g., during pregnancy).

  
  

Even if you’re consuming iron-rich foods or taking supplements, high hepcidin levels can block absorption. Therefore, understanding its role is key to addressing iron deficiency effectively. Natural compounds such as turmeric and green tea extract (EGCG) may help lower hepcidin, facilitating better iron uptake.

Iron Deficiency Is Widespread—and Often Missed

In Australia, 34% of women of childbearing age and up to 70% of pregnant women experience iron deficiency. However, here’s the catch: you don’t have to be anaemic to feel the effects. Common symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, dizziness, poor immunity, and hair loss—often presenting long before anaemia appears in your results.

Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency can manifest in many ways—even before anaemia develops. Here are some common and lesser-known signs to watch for:

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue and Weakness

• Pale Skin

• Shortness of Breath

• Dizziness or Lightheadedness

• Cold Hands and Feet

  
  

Neurological and Cognitive Effects

• Frequent Headaches

• Difficulty Concentrating

• Restless Legs Syndrome

  
  

Physical Signs

• Brittle Nails (Koilonychia)

• Hair Loss

• Swollen or Sore Tongue with Cracks at Mouth Corners

  
  

Unusual Symptoms

• Cravings for Non-Food Items (Pica)

• Frequent Infections due to a lowered immune response

  
  

The Connection Between Iron Deficiency and Overall Health

Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early intervention. While many may dismiss these signs as stress or fatigue, they could indicate a deeper issue—like iron deficiency.

Macrocytosis and B12: What Big Red Blood Cells Tell Us

Another important yet under-discussed clue in blood tests is macrocytosis or enlarged red blood cells. This can occur even before anaemia sets in and often indicates a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. One key cause is pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune condition preventing B12 absorption. It’s more common than you might think—affecting up to 60% of individuals with low B12 levels.

To get a comprehensive understanding, it’s crucial to look beyond standard B12 tests and consider:

• Intrinsic factor and parietal cell antibodies

• Homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels

  
  

Smarter Supplementation

If iron is needed, remember that not all supplements are created equal. Seek out gentler, better-absorbed forms like iron bisglycinate, which is easier on the gut than traditional ferrous sulfate.

Best Practices for Iron Supplementation

• Take iron away from meals, caffeine, and calcium-rich foods.

• Always test iron before starting supplementation to avoid overload.

• Retest regularly, especially if symptoms persist.

  
  

Tips for More Accurate Blood Tests

To get the most accurate picture of your health, keep these tips in mind:

• Stay well hydrated leading up to your test.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 72 hours prior.

• Adhere to your practitioner’s fasting instructions but don’t over-fast.

• Inform your health provider about any supplements you are taking.

  
  

How a Naturopath Can Help

Navigating blood results, symptoms, and supplement choices can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. A qualified naturopath can:

• Interpret your results holistically, beyond standard lab ranges.

• Identify early signs of nutrient deficiency, even when values seem "normal."

• Assess your diet, lifestyle, and inflammation markers that impact iron levels.

• Support gut health and nutrient absorption.

• Recommend gentle, effective supplementation tailored to your needs.

• Address underlying factors, such as chronic stress and poor digestion that may hinder iron uptake.

• Collaborate with your GP to explore further testing when necessary.

  
  

By working with a naturopath, you gain a personalised approach that takes into account your full picture—your symptoms, test results, and how you actually feel.

Final Thoughts

Your symptoms are valid—even if your results are “normal.” Understanding the deeper context of your blood test—especially regarding iron and nutrient levels—can unveil hidden imbalances and guide better treatment.

Don’t hesitate to dig deeper. Ask for comprehensive testing or seek naturopathic support. Remember, You know your body best—and support is here when you're ready.

More information on blood testing and nutrient levels can help empower your health journey.