NO5 (Nitric Oxide) Supplement Facts

Anemia

Anemia is a disorder that affects the red blood cells in your body, reducing the number of them or the amount of hemoglobin they carry. When there are less red blood cells than normal or if they are not functioning properly it can result in serious effects on your health. Anemia affects more than 3.5 million Americans making it is the most common blood disorder. Some causes of anemia include blood loss, reduced red blood cell production, and increased red blood cell destruction

Anemia develops when you have insufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin, a protein that helps carry oxygen throughout your body. Too few healthy red blood cells or not enough hemoglobin and your cells do not get sufficient oxygen, leaving you constantly fatigued. Many symptoms of anemia vary according to the the cause, type, and severity of the disorder. Other reported symptoms of severe anemia include dizziness, numbness in extremities, headache, increased heart beat, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Since these symptoms are similar to many other disorders, these symptoms are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Anemia is typically identified through blood testing, rather than by its symptoms.

The most common type of anemia is caused by a simple iron deficiency that can be treated effectively with supplements and changes in diet. Some types of anemia are hereditary, affecting infants at birth. Women may develop anemia from menstrual blood loss or as a result of pregnancy. Seniors have increased risk of anemia because of other health problems and even an unhealthy diet. People suffering from chronic disease may also have increased risk of anemia.

This comprehensive panel of tests is designed for patients with anemia (low red blood cell mass) to determine the cause and extent of this disorder. These tests give a complete overview of all components of the hematologic system at a discounted price compared with ordering each test individually. 

Health Testing Centers recommend that this test be performed in cooperation with your doctor's recommendations if you have been diagnosed with anemia or if you are following your blood counts to evaluate the progress of your anemia. The Anemia Panel can also create a valuable baseline to which your doctor can compare future blood test results. The Anemia Panel includes:

COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC), WITH DIFFERENTIAL AND PLATELET COUNT

The CBC measures the number and size of red blood cells, the number and type of white blood cells, the number of platelets, and the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Anemia can occur for a variety of reasons including blood loss, destruction of blood cells by the immune system, failure of the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells and/or insufficient iron intake in ones diet.

The number and size of red blood cells, as well as the amount of hemoglobin they contain can give your doctor clues about why you are anemic. The white blood cell count and platelet count can also offer clues as to how your bone marrow is working and whether your anemia is caused by an immune disease.

IRON, SERUM

Since iron is contained in hemoglobin and is necessary for red blood cell production, the iron test measures how much iron is in your blood. Together with the total iron binding capacity test, it can help determine whether your anemia is due to iron deficiency. It can also identify patients who are anemic due to other causes, such as chronic illness. In patients who are not anemic, this test can be used to screen for congenital disorders like hemochromatosis.

TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY (TIBC)

Iron in the body is often bound to proteins, which makes it unavailable for use in making red blood cells. The TIBC test measures how much of your iron is bound up in proteins and when compared with the results of the iron test, helps your doctor determine if you are iron deficient. 

In cases of chronic illness, much of your iron may be bound up by proteins to keep it out of reach of microorganisms that depend upon it for growth. However, since it is then also unavailable for red blood cell production, you can also become anemic. The TIBC and iron tests must be interpreted together in order to give a comprehensive view of your iron levels.

Reticulocyte Count

Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells. If you are anemic and your bone marrow is responding to the anemia by making more red blood cells, there will be more reticulocytes in your blood. 

The reticulocyte count helps your doctor determine if your bone marrow is responding to your anemia, and it also gives clues as to the cause of the anemia. For example, if you are anemic because you are iron deficient or because you are chronically ill, your reticulocyte count may be low, while if you are anemic because your immune system is attacking your red blood cells, your reticulocyte count may be high.

Knowing why you are anemic is the first step to treating your anemia. It could be as simple as taking an iron supplement or it could involve further diagnostic testing. It is important to share these test results with your doctor for full interpretation and so that you can make the best treatment decisions together for your health.

There are no fasting requirements for this test. Unless otherwise advised by your health care provider, you may eat and drink normally and take your prescription medications as directed by your physician. 

Other Lab Tests To Consider

Complete Metabolic Profile
This test provides information about every major organ system in the body, including the liver, kidneys, and muscles. It evaluates proteins, blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Some diseases that cause anemia also cause changes in other organ systems. This panel gives a good picture of your body's general level of health.

Heavy Metals/Toxins
Many toxins and heavy metals, including lead, are associated with anemia and changes in the red blood cell indices that are measured on the Anemia Panel. If you or your physician have reason to believe that your anemia may be due to exposure to a toxin, consider adding one or more of these tests to evaluate your toxin levels.