Low serum folate levels can lead to fatigue, weakness, and anemia. To raise these levels, you should include folate-rich foods in your diet, such as leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains. You may also need to take folic acid supplements if your levels are significantly low or if dietary changes are insufficient. Alcohol reduction is recommended, as excessive drinking can interfere with folate absorption. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or if you are pregnant, as folate is crucial for fetal development. A healthcare provider may recommend further tests to rule out underlying conditions like malabsorption disorders.

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measures the average size of red blood cells. Normal MCV levels, ranging between 80-100 femtoliters (fL), indicate that your red blood cells are of typical size and function, ensuring effective oxygen transport throughout your body. Normal MCV values are crucial for maintaining overall health, as they help prevent symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and dizziness, which are common in anemia or other blood disorders. By maintaining normal MCV levels through proper nutrition, including adequate iron and vitamins, you help support your body’s ability to produce healthy, functional red blood cells.

High ferritin levels in the blood typically indicate an excess of stored iron in the body, which can be caused by several conditions. Common causes include hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder where the body absorbs too much iron, and chronic inflammatory conditions like liver disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Elevated ferritin can also result from liver damage, infections, or certain cancers. Treatment depends on the underlying cause but often involves iron reduction therapies, such as phlebotomy (removing blood) or chelation therapy, which removes excess iron from the body through medication.

High TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) levels typically indicate an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. When the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones (T3 and T4), the pituitary gland releases more TSH to stimulate the thyroid. This is often associated with symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, or previous thyroid treatments can lead to high TSH levels. Treatment usually involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy to normalize hormone levels and alleviate symptoms.