The evaluation includes:
· Blood Tests: Measure essential nutrients like Vitamin D, B12, iron, calcium, and magnesium. These tests also assess metabolic markers such as cholesterol and blood glucose to identify risks for chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
· Body Composition Analysis: Non-invasive tools analyze body fat, muscle mass, and hydration levels to evaluate your metabolic health and nutrient utilization.
· Dietary Assessment: A thorough review of your daily food intake identifies nutrient gaps or excesses and aligns your eating habits with specific health goals, whether it is weight management or athletic performance.
· Lifestyle Evaluation: Factors like sleep quality, physical activity, and stress levels are considered, as they significantly impact nutrient absorption and metabolic health. A thorough screening covers all corners.
· Symptom Mapping: Identifies potential nutritional deficiencies or imbalances by linking symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, or digestive issues to underlying causes.
Why is Nutritional Screening Important?
Even minor nutritional imbalances can significantly impact your health over time. Studies show that one in three adults has some form of nutritional deficiency, often without realizing it. Early identification and correction of these deficiencies can prevent long-term complications and optimize overall health and vitality.
Deficiencies can contribute to chronic illnesses, such as:
· Anemia: Caused by iron or Vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to fatigue and weakened immunity.
· Osteoporosis: Linked to insufficient calcium or Vitamin D, increasing the risk of fractures and bone loss.
· Magnesium Deficiency: Often overlooked, it can result in muscle cramps, irregular heartbeats, and poor sleep quality.
IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia globally, impairing the body’s ability to transport oxygen to vital organs. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, brittle nails, hair loss, headaches, dizzness, shortness of breath and chest pain.
Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure iron levels, hemoglobin, and ferritin. Treatment options range from dietary modifications and oral supplements to intravenous (IV) iron therapy for severe cases or absorption issues caused by gastrointestinal conditions. Iron deficiency often coexists with other nutritional deficiencies, such as Vitamin C, folate, and Vitamin B12, making a holistic evaluation essential.
VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY
Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. This nutrient is found mainly in animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. It is almost entirely absent in plant-based foods, putting vegetarians and vegans at greater risk. Certain conditions can also impair Vitamin B12 absorption, such as:
· Atrophic gastritis or pernicious anaemia
· Intestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
· Chronic alcohol misuse
· Immune system disorders
· Long-term use of certain medications
Symptoms include chronic fatigue, weakness, pale skin, nerve-related issues (e.g., tingling in hands and feet), gastrointestinal discomfort, memory problems, and mood disturbances like depression. Treatment options include dietary changes, oral supplements, or B12 injections for severe deficiencies or malabsorption issues.
VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY
Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is essential for various physiological functions. Despite abundant sunlight in tropical regions like Singapore and Malaysia, Vitamin D deficiency remains widespread due to lifestyle factors, such as avoiding sun exposure or working indoors for extended periods.
Roles of Vitamin D:
· Bone and Muscle Health: Regulates calcium and phosphorus levels, vital for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis
· Immune Function: Enhances the body’s ability to fight infections and reduces the risk of autoimmune disorders.
· Cardiovascular Health: Lowers the risk of hypertension and heart disease by reducing inflammation.
· Hormonal Balance: Plays a role in insulin regulation, thyroid function, and reproductive health
· Mental Health: Emerging research links Vitamin D levels to mood stabilization and reduced risk of depression.
While brief exposure to morning sunlight can provide sufficient Vitamin D for many, some individuals may require supplementation. Factors such as limited outdoor activities, living in urban environments with limited sunlight, darker skin pigmentation, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency can manifest through various symptoms, often subtle at first but impactful over time. Common signs include persistent fatigue, muscle weakness or cramps, and bone pain, which may increase the risk of fractures. Some individuals may experience mood disturbances, such as depression or irritability, as well as a weakened immune response, leading to frequent illnesses.
Addressing Vitamin D deficiency involves a combination of safe sun exposure, dietary changes, and supplementation. Brief, unprotected exposure to morning sunlight is an effective way to stimulate natural Vitamin D production. Incorporating Vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks into the diet can further boost levels. For individuals with significant deficiencies, Vitamin D3 supplements may be recommended, with dosage tailored to individual needs by a healthcare provider to avo
the risk of side effects such as calcium buildup in the blood (hypercalcemia), which may cause kidney stones or other complications. A tailored plan based on severity is key to ensuring safe and effective treatment.
