COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 878
Inflammatory Markers
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR), and other inflammation indicators to
detect silent inflammation [11].
Blood Sugar Regulation
Fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, fasting insulin, and potentially
HOMA-IR to assess insulin resistance and diabetes risk [12, 13].
Iron Studies
Complete iron panel including ferritin, iron, TIBC, and percent
saturation to assess iron status and potential inflammation [14].
Key Nutrient Markers
Essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin D, vitamin B12,
folate, magnesium, and zinc levels to identify common nutritional
deficiencies [15].
Homocysteine
Elevated levels indicate potential B-vitamin deficiencies and
methylation issues, while also serving as an independent
cardiovascular risk marker [16].
Urinary Organic Acids
This provides insight into metabolic pathways, detoxification
capacity, nutrient deficiencies, and potential microbial
imbalances [17, 18].
Retesting Protocols: When and What to Monitor
Strategic retesting forms a critical component of functional
medicine, allowing practitioners to assess intervention
effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. The frequency of
retesting should be determined by several factors, including the
severity of initial findings, the nature of implemented interventions,
and the patient's clinical progress [19, 20].
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