Low ferritin ≠ low iron (here’s why it’s more complicated)
Hey! Let’s set the record straight on one of the most misunderstood lab values: Ferritin. Ferritin is commonly used as a marker of iron status—and yes, it can be part of that picture. But here’s what most people (and sadly, many doctors) miss: 👉 Ferritin is also an acute phase reactant—it rises with inflammation, infections, […]
The most misleading lab value on your bloodwork
Hey, Let’s talk about one of the most misleading labs I see all the time: Vitamin B12. The standard serum B12 test only tells us what’s floating in your blood at the moment. But your actual cellular B12 status—what your tissues can *use*—is often a very different story. When your body starts running low, it […]
3 Missing Pieces of your Vitamin D Plan
Hey, You’re taking Vitamin D… But your levels aren’t improving. You still feel off. What gives? Here’s the deal: Even with supplementation, many people still don’t absorb Vitamin D properly—especially if:– You’ve had your gallbladder removed (you need bile to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like D)– You’re using sunscreen regularly in summer (it blocks the UVB […]
30 (Vitamin D) might be “normal” – but it is not Healthy
Hey! A lot of patients come in saying, “My doctor said my vitamin D was normal…” But let’s break that down. Most labs say 30 ng/mL is ‘normal.’ But research (especially from Dr. Michael Holick) shows that 55–80 ng/mL is where most people feel and function at their best. Vitamin D is about more than […]
🧬 How Lab Reviews Work at Apollo Health: Fees, Process, and What to Expect
At Apollo Health, we go beyond surface-level lab interpretation. Whether your labs are from us or another doctor, our goal is to help you understand what your results mean—and what to do next. 🧪 What Kinds of Labs Do We Review? We offer lab reviews for: • Complete bloodwork (done through Apollo or another provider) […]
You’re Not a Number. Let’s Talk Strategy.
There’s been a ton of interest in our recent homocysteine blog and emails — and for good reason. It’s an important marker. But here’s the thing: homocysteine is just one piece of the puzzle. You’re not a number on a page — you’re a system. A person. And when we zoom out and look at the […]
Homocysteine and Brain Health
Hey! In our last email, we broke down what homocysteine is and why it matters. Today, let’s go deeper—especially into how it impacts your brain. Homocysteine and Brain Health One of the strongest links in the research? Elevated homocysteine increases your risk of silent brain infarcts and white matter lesions—both known to contribute to cognitive […]
Summer Schedule and The Labs We Always Check (But Most Don’t)
Hey! There’s one lab marker I check on almost every patient—yet it’s rarely mentioned in standard care. It’s called homocysteine. And if it’s too high, it can quietly wreak havoc. So what is it? Homocysteine is a natural byproduct your body makes when breaking down protein. In a healthy system, it gets recycled back into […]
Why Most Lab Tests Miss the Mark
Hey, How many times have you been told, “Your labs are fine,” and sent on your way? Here’s the problem: who chose what counts as “normal”? And more importantly—does “normal” mean your body is functioning optimally? Let’s say your vitamin D is 31. The lab range says 30–50. Are we really going to say everything’s […]
There’s More to Health Than Just Prescriptions. The Science Proves It
Have you ever walked out of a doctor’s office feeling like they missed something? Maybe your labs came back “normal,” but you still feel exhausted, inflamed, foggy, or just… off. Or maybe your concerns were waved away with a prescription — no real explanation, no deeper look. At Apollo Health, we believe you deserve better. […]