There is growing evidence that atherosclerosis (fatty build-up in artery walls) is an inflammatory process. The inflammatory markers homocysteine and hsCRP levels are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin D is essential for bone strength as it helps the intestines absorb calcium. Calcium and vitamin D play a critical role in developing and maintaining your overall bone health, and when you don’t get enough you increase your risk of developing osteoporosis and the incidence of stress fractures.

This simple iron test measures how much iron you have in your blood, as well as the amount of iron you have stored in your body. This iron test can be used to diagnose anaemia or monitor an existing iron deficiency. This iron test can also be used to investigate iron overload syndrome (haemochromatosis) which is an inherited condition where your body cannot remove excess iron.

Macrominerals, also known as major minerals, are essential minerals that the human body requires in relatively large amounts to maintain good health.

The HbA1c diabetes test measures the average amount of sugar attached to your red blood cells for the past several months. Unlike a regular blood sugar test, the HbA1c blood test is not affected by short-term changes.

Lipids and cholesterol are fat-like substances in your blood. Some are necessary for good health, but when you have a high level of cholesterol in your blood, a lot of it ends up being deposited in the walls of your arteries and other vital organs. Lifestyle choices including diet, exercise and alcohol intake can all influence cholesterol levels and your risk of developing heart disease.