Understanding Lab Tests for Malnutrition or Poor Absorption
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Malnutrition and poor absorption of nutrients can have serious health consequences, affecting everything from energy levels to immune function. While there isn't a single blood test that diagnoses malnutrition itself, blood testing is fundamental for identifying specific nutrient deficiencies and assessing the body's nutritional status.
Recommended Test
Iron storage test
This test measures ferritin levels in the blood, which reflects the body's iron stores. Low ferritin levels can indicate malnutrition or poor absorption of nutrients from the diet, as ferritin is a protein that stores iron, and iron is a vital nutrient that must be obtained from food. This test is particularly valuable for identifying iron deficiency, which is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide.
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Why Blood Testing is Essential for Nutritional Assessment
Blood tests provide objective measurements of various nutrients, proteins, and markers that reflect the body's nutritional state. These tests can reveal deficiencies before symptoms become severe and help healthcare providers develop appropriate treatment plans to address malnutrition or absorption problems.
Understanding Your Results
Abnormal ferritin levels, along with other nutritional markers, can help healthcare providers identify the underlying causes of malnutrition, whether it's due to inadequate dietary intake, absorption problems in the digestive system, or other medical conditions affecting nutrient utilization.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of nutritional deficiencies or absorption disorders.
