| [ |
| { |
| "id": "vitamin_d", |
| "marker_names": ["Vitamin D", "25-OH Vitamin D", "Vitamin D3", "25-hydroxyvitamin D", "Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy"], |
| "reference_range": "Sufficient: 30-100 ng/mL; Insufficient: 20-29 ng/mL; Deficient: below 20 ng/mL", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Fatigue, bone or joint pain, muscle weakness or aches, frequent infections, low mood, hair loss, and slow wound healing.", |
| "recommendations": "Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplement — commonly 1000-2000 IU per day for general maintenance, or higher doses (around 5000 IU per day) for several weeks if significantly deficient, taken with a meal containing some fat for better absorption. Often paired with Vitamin K2 and Magnesium, which support how the body uses Vitamin D. Sensible sun exposure and foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk also help.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "Caution with thiazide diuretics — vitamin D increases calcium absorption and the combination can push blood calcium too high. Avoid high doses if you have kidney disease, sarcoidosis, or a history of hyperparathyroidism without medical supervision.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting supplementation, especially at higher doses, and re-test levels after a few months." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "vitamin_b12", |
| "marker_names": ["Vitamin B12", "B12", "Cobalamin", "Vitamin B-12", "Serum B12"], |
| "reference_range": "Normal: 200-900 pg/mL (varies by lab); levels below 200 pg/mL are generally considered deficient", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, memory problems, mood changes, and shortness of breath.", |
| "recommendations": "Vitamin B12 supplement (methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin) — typically 500-1000 mcg per day orally for mild deficiency, or as prescribed sublingual/injectable forms for more severe deficiency. A B-complex supplement can also help if multiple B vitamins are low. Dietary sources include eggs, dairy, fish, and fortified cereals — important for those on plant-based diets.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "Generally very safe with few interactions. Long-term use of metformin (for diabetes) and acid-reducing medications (PPIs or H2 blockers) can lower B12 absorption over time, so people on these medications may need higher intake or periodic re-testing.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting supplementation; B12 deficiency can sometimes indicate an absorption issue that needs further evaluation." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "iron_ferritin", |
| "marker_names": ["Iron", "Ferritin", "Hemoglobin", "Hb", "Serum Iron", "Total Iron Binding Capacity", "TIBC", "Transferrin Saturation"], |
| "reference_range": "Ferritin: 20-250 ng/mL (men), 10-120 ng/mL (women); Hemoglobin: 13.5-17.5 g/dL (men), 12.0-15.5 g/dL (women)", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, brittle nails, and unusual cravings for non-food items (pica) in severe cases.", |
| "recommendations": "Iron supplement (ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous bisglycinate which is gentler on the stomach) — commonly 25-65 mg of elemental iron per day, taken on an empty stomach or with Vitamin C to improve absorption, and away from coffee, tea, or calcium supplements which reduce absorption. Iron-rich foods include red meat, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "Iron can reduce absorption of thyroid medication (levothyroxine) and certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) — separate doses by at least 2 hours. Avoid iron supplementation without testing if you have hemochromatosis or another iron-overload condition, since excess iron can be harmful.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting iron supplementation — too much iron can be harmful, and persistent low iron should be investigated for an underlying cause (such as blood loss)." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "folate", |
| "marker_names": ["Folate", "Folic Acid", "Vitamin B9", "Serum Folate", "RBC Folate"], |
| "reference_range": "Normal: 2.7-17.0 ng/mL (varies by lab); levels below this range suggest deficiency", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Fatigue, weakness, irritability, headaches, pale skin, mouth sores, and in some cases shortness of breath.", |
| "recommendations": "Folic acid (folate) supplement — commonly 400-800 mcg per day. Often included in a standard B-complex or multivitamin. Folate-rich foods include leafy greens, beans, citrus fruits, and fortified grains.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "High-dose folic acid can mask an underlying Vitamin B12 deficiency on lab tests, so check B12 alongside folate when both could be low. Folic acid can also interact with methotrexate and some anti-seizure medications — check with your doctor if you take either.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting supplementation, particularly if pregnant or planning pregnancy, as folate needs differ in those cases." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "calcium", |
| "marker_names": ["Calcium", "Serum Calcium", "Total Calcium", "Ionized Calcium", "Corrected Calcium"], |
| "reference_range": "Normal: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL (total serum calcium)", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Muscle cramps or spasms, numbness or tingling in fingers, fatigue, brittle nails, and over the long term, weaker bones.", |
| "recommendations": "Calcium supplement (calcium citrate is well-absorbed and easier on digestion; calcium carbonate is taken with food) — commonly 500-1000 mg per day in divided doses, paired with Vitamin D to support absorption. Dietary sources include dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and almonds.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "Take calcium at least 2-4 hours apart from thyroid medication, bisphosphonates, and certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones), as it can block their absorption. Avoid combining high-dose calcium with high-dose vitamin D without monitoring, as both raise blood calcium.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting supplementation — low calcium can also relate to Vitamin D, magnesium, or parathyroid issues that should be checked." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "magnesium", |
| "marker_names": ["Magnesium", "Serum Magnesium", "Mg"], |
| "reference_range": "Normal: 1.7-2.2 mg/dL", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Muscle cramps or twitches, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, headaches, poor sleep, and irritability.", |
| "recommendations": "Magnesium supplement (magnesium glycinate or citrate are well-absorbed and gentle on digestion; magnesium oxide is less well absorbed) — commonly 200-400 mg per day, ideally in the evening as it can support relaxation and sleep. Dietary sources include nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "Can interact with certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones — separate doses by a few hours) and some blood pressure medications. Use caution and consult your doctor if you have reduced kidney function, since magnesium is cleared by the kidneys and can build up to unsafe levels.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting supplementation, especially if you have kidney problems, as magnesium is cleared by the kidneys." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "zinc", |
| "marker_names": ["Zinc", "Serum Zinc", "Plasma Zinc"], |
| "reference_range": "Normal: 60-120 mcg/dL", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Frequent infections, slow wound healing, hair loss, loss of appetite, reduced sense of taste or smell, and skin issues.", |
| "recommendations": "Zinc supplement (zinc picolinate, citrate, or gluconate) — commonly 15-30 mg per day, ideally taken with food to avoid stomach upset and not at the same time as iron or calcium supplements, which can compete for absorption. Dietary sources include meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, and nuts.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "Taking zinc long-term at high doses can lower copper levels — a balanced multivitamin or small copper supplement is often recommended alongside long-term zinc use. Avoid taking zinc at the same time as iron, calcium, or certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones), which compete for absorption.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting supplementation — taking too much zinc for too long can interfere with copper absorption." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "omega_3", |
| "marker_names": ["Omega-3 Index", "EPA", "DHA", "Omega-3 Fatty Acids"], |
| "reference_range": "Omega-3 Index: 8% or higher is considered desirable; below 4% is considered low", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "A low Omega-3 Index has been associated with dry skin, joint stiffness, fatigue, low mood, and (over the long term) an unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile.", |
| "recommendations": "Omega-3 fish oil supplement (EPA/DHA combined) — commonly 1000-2000 mg per day, taken with meals to reduce any fishy aftertaste and improve absorption. Algae-based omega-3 is a good alternative for vegetarians/vegans. Dietary sources include fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseed.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "High-dose fish oil can mildly increase bleeding risk — use caution and talk to your doctor if you take blood thinners (e.g. warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) or have surgery scheduled.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting supplementation, especially if you take blood thinners, as high-dose fish oil can affect bleeding risk." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "vitamin_b6_complex", |
| "marker_names": ["Vitamin B6", "Pyridoxine", "Vitamin B1", "Thiamine", "Vitamin B2", "Riboflavin"], |
| "reference_range": "Vitamin B6: 5-50 ng/mL (varies by lab); deficiency generally below this range", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Fatigue, irritability, depression-like mood changes, cracked lips or mouth sores, tingling in hands and feet, and skin rashes.", |
| "recommendations": "A B-complex supplement covering B1, B2, B6, and related B vitamins — commonly one capsule per day with a meal, providing roughly 100% of the daily value for each B vitamin unless a higher dose is specifically needed. Dietary sources include whole grains, poultry, fish, bananas, and potatoes.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "Very high doses of B6 (well above 100 mg/day) over long periods have been linked to nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) — stick to moderate B-complex doses unless a higher amount is specifically prescribed. B6 may also interact with levodopa (a Parkinson's medication).", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting supplementation — very high, long-term doses of B6 in particular can cause nerve problems." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "vitamin_c", |
| "marker_names": ["Vitamin C", "Ascorbic Acid", "Serum Vitamin C"], |
| "reference_range": "Normal: 0.4-2.0 mg/dL", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Fatigue, easy bruising, bleeding or swollen gums, slow wound healing, dry skin, and joint pain.", |
| "recommendations": "Vitamin C supplement — commonly 250-1000 mg per day, taken with or without food. Dietary sources include citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, and broccoli, which can also help boost levels naturally.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "Generally very safe, but very high doses (several grams per day) can increase iron absorption — use caution if you also have high iron or ferritin. Very high doses can also interfere with some lab tests and certain chemotherapy regimens, so mention any vitamin C supplementation to your care team.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting supplementation, especially at higher doses, as very high amounts can cause digestive upset in some people." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "potassium", |
| "marker_names": ["Potassium", "Serum Potassium", "K", "K+"], |
| "reference_range": "Normal: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Muscle weakness or cramps, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, constipation, and tingling sensations.", |
| "recommendations": "Mild low potassium is often best addressed through potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, beans, and yogurt rather than high-dose supplements, since over-the-counter potassium supplements are typically low-dose for safety reasons.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "Potassium supplements can be dangerous if combined with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or potassium-sparing diuretics (common blood pressure medications) — this combination can raise potassium to unsafe levels (hyperkalemia) and affect heart rhythm. Always check with your doctor first, especially with any kidney issues.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before taking potassium supplements — both low and high potassium levels can affect heart rhythm and often need medical evaluation, especially if you take blood pressure medication or have kidney issues." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "thyroid_tsh", |
| "marker_names": ["TSH", "Thyroid Stimulating Hormone", "T3", "T4", "Free T4", "Free T3"], |
| "reference_range": "TSH: 0.4-4.0 mIU/L (varies by lab); Free T4: 0.8-1.8 ng/dL", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "An elevated TSH with low T4 (underactive thyroid) can cause fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and hair thinning. A low TSH with high T4 (overactive thyroid) can cause weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.", |
| "recommendations": "Thyroid markers outside the normal range are not addressed with over-the-counter supplements — they typically require evaluation and, if needed, prescription medication from a doctor. Adequate iodine and selenium intake through diet (iodized salt, seafood, eggs, Brazil nuts) supports normal thyroid function, but should not replace medical care for an abnormal result.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "If thyroid medication (e.g. levothyroxine) is or becomes part of your treatment, take calcium, iron, and magnesium supplements at least 4 hours apart, since they can reduce absorption of thyroid medication.", |
| "consult_note": "Please see your doctor for any abnormal thyroid result — this is an area where supplements alone are not an appropriate substitute for medical evaluation." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "cholesterol_lipids", |
| "marker_names": ["Triglycerides", "LDL", "LDL Cholesterol", "HDL", "HDL Cholesterol", "Total Cholesterol", "Non-HDL Cholesterol", "Cholesterol"], |
| "reference_range": "Total Cholesterol: below 200 mg/dL desirable; LDL: below 100 mg/dL optimal; HDL: above 40 mg/dL (men) / 50 mg/dL (women); Triglycerides: below 150 mg/dL", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "High triglycerides or LDL and low HDL are often linked to a diet high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fat, low physical activity, and excess body weight, and over time are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Often there are no symptoms, which is why regular testing matters.", |
| "recommendations": "Omega-3 fish oil (1000-2000 mg EPA/DHA per day) can help lower triglycerides. Soluble fiber (psyllium, oats, 5-10 g per day) and plant sterols/stanols (around 2 g per day) can help lower LDL. Niacin and red yeast rice are sometimes used for cholesterol but have notable interaction risks (see cautions). Lifestyle changes — reducing refined carbs and saturated fat, regular aerobic exercise, and weight management — are the foundation for improving these markers.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "If you are taking statin medication, talk to your doctor before adding niacin or red yeast rice — both can increase the risk of muscle-related side effects (myopathy) when combined with statins, and red yeast rice itself contains a natural statin-like compound. High-dose fish oil can mildly increase bleeding risk if you take blood thinners.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting supplements for cholesterol or triglycerides, especially if you are already on cholesterol-lowering medication." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "blood_glucose_hba1c", |
| "marker_names": ["Glucose", "Fasting Glucose", "Blood Sugar", "HbA1c", "Hemoglobin A1c", "Glycated Hemoglobin"], |
| "reference_range": "Fasting Glucose: 70-99 mg/dL normal, 100-125 mg/dL prediabetic range, 126 mg/dL or higher diabetic range; HbA1c: below 5.7% normal, 5.7-6.4% prediabetic range, 6.5% or higher diabetic range", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Elevated fasting glucose or HbA1c (often called 'blood sugar') can cause increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision, though early-stage elevations are often symptom-free.", |
| "recommendations": "Berberine (around 500 mg, 2-3 times daily before meals), chromium picolinate (200-1000 mcg per day), alpha-lipoic acid (300-600 mg per day), and magnesium (which is often low alongside elevated blood sugar) are commonly used to support healthy blood sugar. Lifestyle measures — reducing refined carbs and sugary drinks, regular exercise, and a higher-fiber diet — have the strongest evidence and should be the foundation.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "Berberine and chromium can lower blood sugar further — if you take metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas, or other diabetes medications, talk to your doctor before adding these, to avoid hypoglycemia (blood sugar dropping too low). Berberine can also interact with several other medications metabolized by the liver.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting any supplement for blood sugar, especially if you are on diabetes medication — an elevated glucose or HbA1c result should be followed up medically." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "liver_enzymes", |
| "marker_names": ["ALT", "AST", "Alanine Aminotransferase", "Aspartate Aminotransferase", "GGT", "Alkaline Phosphatase", "ALP", "Liver Enzymes"], |
| "reference_range": "ALT: 7-56 U/L; AST: 10-40 U/L; GGT: 9-48 U/L (ranges vary by lab)", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Elevated liver enzymes can indicate liver stress or inflammation. This may cause fatigue or mild abdominal discomfort, but is often symptom-free in early stages, which is why it usually shows up first on a routine blood test.", |
| "recommendations": "Milk thistle (silymarin, commonly 150-300 mg, 2-3 times daily) and NAC (N-acetylcysteine, commonly 600 mg, once or twice daily) are commonly used to support liver health. Vitamin E has also been studied for fatty liver. Reducing alcohol intake, processed foods, and unnecessary over-the-counter medications that stress the liver (such as frequent high-dose acetaminophen) is an important part of supporting these markers.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "Milk thistle can affect how the liver processes certain medications, since it influences liver enzymes (CYP450) involved in drug metabolism — check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take prescription medications, especially for cholesterol, seizures, or blood thinning.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor about elevated liver enzymes — this finding should be followed up to identify and address the underlying cause, not just managed with supplements." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "kidney_function", |
| "marker_names": ["Creatinine", "eGFR", "Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate", "BUN", "Blood Urea Nitrogen", "Kidney Function"], |
| "reference_range": "Creatinine: 0.6-1.3 mg/dL; eGFR: above 90 mL/min/1.73m2 normal, 60-89 mildly reduced, below 60 reduced; BUN: 7-20 mg/dL", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Reduced kidney function (lower eGFR, or higher creatinine/BUN) can cause fatigue, swelling in the legs or ankles, changes in urination, and higher blood pressure, though early stages are often symptom-free.", |
| "recommendations": "This marker is different from the others on this list — when kidney function is reduced, the focus is generally on AVOIDING or carefully dose-adjusting certain supplements rather than adding new ones, because the kidneys clear many minerals from the body and impaired kidneys can let levels build up to unsafe amounts. Staying well hydrated (unless told otherwise by a doctor), moderating protein and sodium intake, and managing blood pressure and blood sugar are the main supportive steps, and should be guided by a doctor.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "If kidney function is reduced, avoid high-dose magnesium, potassium, and vitamin D/calcium supplements without medical supervision, since impaired kidneys can't clear excess minerals and levels can build up to dangerous amounts. Many common over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen) can also further reduce kidney function and should be used cautiously.", |
| "consult_note": "Always have a doctor review any supplement plan if kidney function markers are abnormal — this is an area where the wrong supplement can cause real harm." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "vitamin_a", |
| "marker_names": ["Vitamin A", "Retinol", "Serum Vitamin A"], |
| "reference_range": "Normal: 20-60 mcg/dL (varies by lab); below 20 mcg/dL suggests deficiency", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Night vision problems (difficulty seeing in low light), dry eyes or skin, frequent infections, and slow wound healing.", |
| "recommendations": "Vitamin A supplement (as retinyl palmitate, or beta-carotene which the body converts to vitamin A as needed) — commonly 2500-5000 IU per day from beta-carotene sources is considered a gentler, safer option for ongoing use. Dietary sources include carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, liver, and eggs.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "Avoid high-dose preformed vitamin A (retinol) supplements if pregnant or planning pregnancy, as excess vitamin A can cause birth defects. Also avoid combining high-dose vitamin A supplements with prescription retinoid medications (e.g. isotretinoin/Accutane), due to the risk of vitamin A toxicity.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting supplementation, especially if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or already taking a retinoid medication." |
| }, |
| { |
| "id": "selenium", |
| "marker_names": ["Selenium", "Serum Selenium"], |
| "reference_range": "Normal: 70-150 mcg/L (varies by lab)", |
| "deficiency_symptoms": "Fatigue, muscle weakness, hair loss, and a weakened immune system. Very low levels are also linked to thyroid problems, since selenium supports thyroid hormone metabolism.", |
| "recommendations": "Selenium supplement — commonly 55-100 mcg per day (selenomethionine is a well-absorbed form). Brazil nuts are an exceptionally rich dietary source — just one or two nuts can provide a full day's worth, so supplementation is often unnecessary if these are eaten regularly.", |
| "interaction_cautions": "Selenium has a narrow safety margin — avoid exceeding 400 mcg per day total from food and supplements combined, as excess can cause hair loss, nausea, brittle nails, and nerve problems (selenosis). Use caution if taking blood-thinning medication, as high doses may increase bleeding risk.", |
| "consult_note": "Always consult your doctor before starting supplementation, and avoid stacking multiple selenium-containing supplements at once given its narrow safety margin." |
| } |
| ] |
|
|
