Full list of VITA parameters

KEY ORGAN FUNCTIONS
Heart – cardiovascular risk
Kidney function
Liver/Gall function
Thyroid

FULL BLOOD PICTURE
Iron and anaemia
Blood clotting
Inflammatory markers
Blood sugar
Minerals

VITA⁺parameters

KEY ORGAN FUNCTIONS
Heart - cardiovascular risk

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Triglycerides*
Total cholesterol*
HDL cholesterol*
Ratio total cholesterol: HDL cholesterol*
LDL cholesterol*

Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood which is associated with increased risk of heart and cardiovascular disease.

Total Cholesterol
High cholesterol, together with other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, lack of exercise and obesity, is a risk factor for heart and vascular disease.

Your total cholesterol reading is a combination of your body’s natural production of cholesterol (produced by the liver) and your consumption of cholesterol through the diet.

In many cases, dietary changes can help lower cholesterol. In some cases diet is not sufficient and medicines may be necessary to lower your cholesterol level. Please discuss this with you doctor.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol is often referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol as it helps remove cholesterol from the circulation and returns it to the liver where some is excreted by the body. This can help prevent a build up of cholesterol in the arteries. An ideal HDL cholesterol level is greater than 1mmol/l.

Ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol
A raised total cholesterol level is less of a concern if the amount of HDL is good. This is indicated by the ratio between total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. An ideal ratio is <4.5

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol
Not only is your total cholesterol important, but also the relative amount of different types of cholesterol in the body. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol as it carries cholesterol to the cells and is linked with hardening and furring up of the arteries. An ideal LDL cholesterol is less than 3 mmol/l

Kidney

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The kidneys regulate the amount of water and salts in your body as well as passing out certain waste products from the body. The following determinants can indicate disturbed kidney function.

Creatinine*
Urea*
Uric acid*

Creatinine
This is a waste product of muscle metabolism. The concentration is increased with disturbed kidney function. It can be also be raised after heavy physical stress.

Urea
This is a product released during the break down of protein. A high blood level of urea indicates that the kidneys may not be working properly, that the diet is too high in protein or that you are dehydrated. This can lead to complaints such as weak muscles, intestinal complaints, tiredness, poor appetite and headaches.

Uric acid
Uric acid is usually harmless, and is made in the body from certain foods and from the recycling of genetic material (purines). It is passed out with the urine. The amount of uric acid in the blood builds up in some people. When the level of uric acid becomes high, tiny grit-like crystals of uric acid may form. These crystals typically collect in a joint. This causes inflammation, swelling, and pain - a gout attack.
Note: some people have a high level of uric acid but do not form crystals or have gout. Also, rarely, some people with a normal level of uric acid have gout attacks. However, as a rule, the higher the level of uric acid, the greater the chance of forming crystals and developing gout.
In most cases there is no apparent reason for the build up of uric acid. In some people, the build up of uric acid may have a known cause. For example:
• If you drink too much alcohol (especially beer) it can cause uric acid to build up.
• Some medicines such as diuretics ('water tablets'), low dose aspirin, and some forms of chemotherapy for cancer may raise the level of uric acid.
• More uric acid is made than usual in illnesses where the cells of the body have a rapid turnover. For example, severe psoriasis and some blood disorders.
• If you eat large amounts of certain foods such as liver, kidney, brain, heart, herring, sardines, mussels, meat extracts, meats, shellfish, peas, beans, lentils, spinach, asparagus, and anchovies, it may 'tip the balance' to raise your uric acid higher than normal.

Liver

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The liver is an important organ in the human body. As the liver performs its various functions it makes a number of chemicals which pass into the bloodstream and bile. Various liver disorders, use of medicines, alcohol consumption, certain viral infections, gall stones and liver congestion alter the blood level of these chemicals.

Bilirubin*
Alkaline phosphatase*
AST*
ALT*
Gamma GT*
Total protein*
Albumin*
Globulin*

Bilirubin
This pigment is produced by the recycling of red blood cells and is excreted through the liver into the bile. Liver disease can cause bilirubin to build up in the circulation to cause jaundice. Mild increases are very common and are of no significance, however a very high bilirubin suggests liver problems.

Alkaline phosphatase
This is an enzyme which mainly comes from the liver bile ducts and bone. A raised level may indicate blocked bile ducts or bone disease.

AST
This enzyme, aspartate aminotransferase, also helps to process proteins in the liver and muscles. Raised levels may suggest problems with the liver or muscles.

ALT
This is an enzyme, alanine aminotransferase, that helps to process proteins. This is raised in the blood when the liver is inflamed (hepatitis) or injured.

Gamma GT
This enzyme, gamma glutamyl transferase, occurs in the liver cells. It is involved in breaking down and clearing alcohol and some drugs from the body. A raised level can suggest excess alcohol intake, the side effects of medication, or liver damage. If gamma GT is raised but all other liver tests are normal, the result is usually of no consequence and suggests you may have inherited a naturally high level. Do discuss this with your doctor however, and consider whether or not you are drinking too much alcohol.

Total protein
This measures the level of several different proteins, mainly albumin and globulin, in the circulation. Changes in total protein concentration are common, but it is a useful test of overall kidney and liver health.

Albumin
This is the main protein made by the liver and it circulates in the bloodstream. Low levels of albumin may occur if the liver is not functioning properly.

Globulin
This type of circulating blood protein, which is made in the liver, is increased in a number of conditions such as inflammation and infection.

Thyroid

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Thyroxine*
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)*

Thyroxine
Thyroxine (T4) is the main thyroid hormone, and helps to measure thyroid function. A high level of T4 suggests an over-active thyroid gland, which can cause symptoms of weight loss, anxiety, sweating, palpitations and trembling. A low level suggests an underactive thyroid gland, which can make you feel, amongst other symptoms, tired, cold, depressed and cause weight gain and dry skin.

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
This test measures the level of thyroid stimulating hormone in the blood – a hormone produced in the brain to regulate thyroid activity. Raised or lowered levels can indicate thyroid function problems. If TSH is below normal it can be an indication of an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). If TSH is above normal it can be an indication of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

FULL BLOOD PICTURE

Iron and anaemia

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Haemoglobin (Hb)*
Red blood count*
Hematocrit*
MCV*
MCH*
MCHC*
RDW*
Serum iron*
Total iron binding capacity*
Ferritin*
Iron Saturation*

Haemoglobin (Hb)
Haemoglobin provides the main transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. It is an important determinant of anaemia (decreased haemoglobin), poor diet/nutrition and malabsorption.

Red Blood Count
This measures the total number of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells are important as they carry oxygen throughout the body. A low level can indicate anaemia.

Hematocrit
This gives a reading of blood thickness. It is an important determinant of anaemia.

MCV
Mean Cell Volume measures the average size of the red blood cells and their volume If this is reduced then it is useful to measure ferritin levels. If the MCV is too high, it is useful to measure Vitamin B12 and Folic acid.

MCH
Mean Cell Haemoglobin measures the weight of haemoglobin in the average red cell.

MCHC
Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration measures the weight of haemoglobin in a standard volume of blood.

RDW
Red Cell Distribution Width measures the degree of size variation in red cells.

Serum Iron level
This measures the concentration of iron in your circulation. Together with the other iron tests, it helps to identify if your blood iron level is normal, or if you have too much, or too little, iron in your circulation.

Total Iron binding capacity (TIBC)
This is measured along with serum iron to identify iron deficiency or iron overload. Your iron concentration divided by your TIBC gives your transferrin saturation, which is a more useful indicator of iron status than either iron or TIBC alone.

Ferritin
Measuring levels of this iron-storage protein shows how much iron your body has stored for future use. Ferritin is the best test to identify if you have iron deficiency and are at risk of iron-deficiency anaemia.

Iron Saturation
Your iron concentration divided by your TIBC gives your transferrin saturation, which is a more useful indicator of iron status than either iron or TIBC alone.

Blood clotting

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Platelets*
MPV*

Platelets*
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are a type of white blood cell which play a role in coagulation and the formation of blood clots. They are involved in a number of disease processes, such as thrombosis, embolism, arteriosclerosis and inflammations.

Raised levels could indicate an increased risk of thrombosis, also known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Low levels could mean you bleed more easily and for longer.

MPV
Mean Platelet Volume is the measurement of the average size of platelets found in the blood. Since the average platelet size is larger when the body is producing increased numbers of platelets, the MPV result can be used to comment on the platelet production in bone marrow.

Inflammatory markers

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The following blood indicators can determine the presence of infections (bacterial or viral), allergic reactions and general inflammatory reactions.

White blood cells*
Neutrophil granulocytes*
Lymphocytes*
Eosinophil granulocytes*
Basophil granulocytes*
Monocytes*
ESR*

White Blood Cells
White blood cells act as your immune system’s army, protecting against foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria. A raised level can indicate inflammation or infection.

Neutrophil granulocytes
These are a type of white blood cells which, if raised, can indicate a bacterial infection.

Lymphocytes
These are a type of white blood cells which, when raised, can indicate a viral infection.

Eosinophil granulocytes
These cells contain histamine and a raised level may indicate an allergic reaction.

Basophil granulocytes
These cells contain histamine and a raised level may indicate an allergic reaction. They also play a role in fighting parasites.

Monocytes
These are involved in the digestion (phagocytosis) of foreign material in cells.

ESR
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate is the rate at which red cells fall and pack down in a glass column during a standard period of time. Although the test is non-specific, it remains a useful marker of increased blood stickiness that can occur with infection and inflammation.

Blood sugar

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Glucose
A raised blood glucose (sugar) level can indicate glucose intolerance or diabetes. Lowered blood sugar can cause dizziness, tiredness and nausea.

Minerals

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Minerals are essential to the body’s many metabolic processes.

Calcium*
Corrected Calcium*
Phosphate*

Calcium
Calcium is important for many enzymes to work properly, for formation of bones and teeth, and for contraction of skeletal and heart muscle cells. It is also important for normal blood-clotting. Calcium is also important for the signals the brain sends trough the nerve system to the muscles. A dietary lack of calcium can lead to premature osteoporosis (fragile bones). A greatly reduced amount of calcium in the blood can lead to muscle cramps and sometimes to disturbances in the heart rhythm.

Corrected Calcium
Calcium levels are affected by the level of the blood protein, albumin. The corrected calcium concentration takes this into account to give a more accurate reading.

Phosphate
Phosphate is a form of the mineral, phosphorus, which is important for healthy bones and teeth. It is also involved in the production of energy-rich molecules in muscle cells, and is an important component of genetic material.

VITA⁺

PSA-VITA⁺ for men
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is an enzyme that is only produced by the male prostate gland. A number of factors can raise the PSA level, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, certain drugs, and the presence of prostate cancer. However, only a quarter to one third of males with a raised PSA are found to have a prostate cancer. VITA⁺ does not diagnose whether or not a cancer is present, but gives an estimate of the risk that prostate cancer is present.

Prostate cancer most commonly develops in men aged over 45 years. Unfortunately, there are no specific symptoms of prostate cancer in the early stages.

AMH-VITA⁺ for women
The AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) test helps to assess a woman’s fertility by measuring the ovarian reserve. AMH can also help predict the onset of the menopausal transition, which can vary significantly in individuals as their AMH levels decrease.

If a woman is currently on the contraceptive pill, the VITA⁺ AMH test is not suitable for her. It is recommended she stops taking the pill for sufficient time to have a normal cycle before doing the test. If necessary suitable contraception should be used during this time.

Measuring AMH cannot predict whether a woman can become pregnant - there are many other important factors to take into account - lifestyle, infection, quality of sperm and other male factors, genetic abnormalities etc. However AMH is the best hormone test to identify her reproductive capability.

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