Root Cause Protocol 2

The iron-rich protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs. Low haemoglobin is the primary marker for anemia and can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

A mineral essential for oxygen transport (in hemoglobin), energy production, and immune function. Serum iron measures the amount circulating in blood, but ferritin and TIBC provide a more complete picture of iron status.

Transferrin is a protein that binds and transports iron in the blood. Abnormal levels can indicate iron metabolism disorders.

The percentage of transferrin (iron-transporting protein) that is carrying iron. Calculated from serum iron and TIBC. Low saturation indicates iron deficiency; high saturation may indicate hemochromatosis (iron overload).

The primary iron storage protein. Ferritin reflects total body iron stores and is the first marker to drop in iron deficiency. However, ferritin also rises with inflammation, infection, and liver disease, which can mask true iron deficiency.

A trace mineral essential for iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and antioxidant defense. The copper/zinc ratio is an emerging marker of inflammation and oxidative stress. Both deficiency and excess can cause problems.

An essential trace mineral involved in immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and testosterone production. Zinc deficiency impairs immune response, delays wound healing, and can cause hair loss and taste changes.

Ceruloplasmin is a carrier protein that transports more than 95% of copper in the blood. Low caeruloplasmin combined with low blood copper suggest copper deficiency.

A fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, skin health, and cell growth. Both deficiency and excess can cause health problems. Levels are tightly regulated by the liver.

The best indicator of overall vitamin D status. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Deficiency is extremely common, especially in northern latitudes, and linked to increased disease risk.

If too much urate is produced or not enough is excreted, it can accumulate and lead to gout – an inflammation that occurs in joints.