Mineral and Iron Metabolism
- Blood Phosphorus:
An essential mineral important for bone health and cellular energy, contributing to overall metabolic balance.
- Copper:
A trace mineral vital for enzymatic activities, particularly for oxidizing iron, which is necessary for its transport.
- Ferritin:
The body’s primary storage protein for iron; it reflects the level of stored iron and helps assess iron sufficiency or overload.
- Serum Iron:
Indicates the amount of circulating, available iron for metabolic processes.
- Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC):
Measures the blood’s capacity to bind iron via transferrin; it is inversely related to iron stores.
- serum ceruloplasmin:
A copper-binding protein produced by the liver that enables iron oxidation and transport, linking copper and iron metabolism.
These markers interconnect to provide a comprehensive assessment of iron and copper homeostasis. Ferritin, Serum Iron, and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) directly gauge iron status, while Copper and serum ceruloplasmin work together in the regulation and oxidation of iron. Blood Phosphorus, though not directly involved in iron-copper metabolism, rounds out the picture by offering insights into the overall mineral and metabolic state.
Electrolyte and Mineral Markers
This group of markers evaluates essential ion and mineral levels in the blood, each playing a critical role in maintaining physiological balance:
- Blood Phosphorus: Reflects circulating phosphate levels, crucial for bone health and energy metabolism, influenced by renal excretion and hormonal control.
- Plasma Potassium: Indicates the concentration of potassium, vital for proper nerve function and muscle contraction.
- Plasma Sodium: Measures the main extracellular ion responsible for osmotic balance and fluid distribution.
- Serum Calcium: Reveals calcium levels that support neuromuscular activity, cellular signaling, and bone health.
- Serum Magnesium: Assesses magnesium status, important for enzymatic reactions and muscle and nerve function.
- Lithium: Although primarily of therapeutic interest, its circulating levels interact with water and electrolyte balance, mirroring renal handling similar to other electrolytes.
Together, these markers provide a comprehensive view of the body's mineral balance and electrolyte function.
Hormonal Regulators of Electrolytes and Minerals
- Parathormone (PTH) adjusts calcium and phosphate levels via its influence on bone resorption and kidney reabsorption
- Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) modulates water reabsorption in the kidneys to indirectly control plasma sodium levels and overall fluid balance. Together, these markers provide a
