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Anemia and G6PD Deficiency (Favism) are among the most common health problems, affecting both adults and children. However, their causes, symptoms, and management differ.
In this article, we highlight the differences between the two conditions, the importance of early diagnosis, and the role of precise medical tests in detecting them.

What is Anemia and Favism?

Anemia is a health condition caused by a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. The most common types include:

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Acute anemia
• Hereditary anemia

Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, pale face, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty concentrating.

What is Favism?

Favism, scientifically known as G6PD deficiency, is a type of hereditary anemia caused by a deficiency of an important enzyme in red blood cells.
This deficiency can cause the breakdown of red blood cells when consuming certain foods like fava beans, or when exposed to some medications or infections.

What is the Difference Between Anemia and Favism?

• Cause: Anemia may result from iron or vitamin deficiency, whereas Favism is hereditary, related to G6PD enzyme deficiency.
• Triggers: Favism is triggered by certain foods, while anemia develops gradually due to dietary deficiency or chronic disease.
• Diagnosis Method: The required tests differ between the two conditions, as will be explained below.

Main Symptoms of Each Type

Symptoms of Anemia

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness and headaches

Symptoms of Favism

• Yellowing of skin and eyes
• Dark-colored urine
• Abdominal or back pain
• Sudden breakdown of red blood cells after consuming fava beans or certain medications

How are Anemia and Favism Diagnosed?

Diagnosis relies on a series of precise blood tests that reveal deficiencies in blood components or hereditary enzyme disorders.

Main required tests include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Hemoglobin and hematocrit analysis
• Favism test (G6PD Enzyme Test)
• Hereditary anemia tests
• Vitamin and iron deficiency tests
• Red blood cell examination
• Infant blood screening (for early detection of hereditary cases)

All these tests are available with high accuracy at the best diagnostic lab in Saudi Arabia – Advanced Cell Laboratories.

Who is at Risk?

For anemia

• Women of childbearing age
• Individuals on iron-poor diets
• Patients with chronic diseases

For Favism

• Newborns (especially males)
• Individuals with a family history of the condition
• People of Middle Eastern or African descent

Role of Advanced Cell Laboratories in Diagnosis and Follow-up

Advanced Cell Laboratories offers the latest diagnostic technologies with advanced analyzers providing accurate and fast results for tests including:

• Enzyme deficiency tests
• Hereditary Favism tests
• Chronic and acute anemia tests
• Iron and vitamin deficiency tests

The lab also provides consultations from experts to analyze results and create personalized follow-up plans for each patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anemia and Favism

Can anemia be cured?

Yes, most cases of anemia can be treated after diagnosing the cause, either through diet or supplements.

Is Favism dangerous?

It can be dangerous if not diagnosed early or if exposed to triggers that cause red blood cell breakdown.

What is the difference between CBC and Favism testing?

CBC monitors the general condition of the blood, while Favism testing identifies G6PD enzyme deficiency.

Do children need Favism testing?

Yes, especially in families with a history of the condition, to avoid complications from fava beans or trigger medications.

Ultimately, early diagnosis remains the key to preventing complications from anemia and Favism. If you notice any concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to undergo regular testing.
Visit Advanced Cell Laboratories today to conduct the necessary tests accurately and safely under the care of top specialists.

With the rising prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia, medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro have emerged as relatively safe solutions to aid weight loss. While these drugs have proven effective in treating obesity, they do have some side effects that should be considered.
In this article, we highlight obesity medications Ozempic and Mounjaro, their side effects, and ways to avoid them, with a focus on the importance of regular tests provided by Advanced Cell Laboratories to ensure patient safety.

What Are Obesity Medications?

Obesity medications are medically approved drugs that aim to help individuals lose weight, especially when diet and exercise do not achieve the desired results. They work through multiple mechanisms, including reducing appetite, slowing digestion, or affecting hunger-related hormones.

What Are Ozempic and Mounjaro?

• Ozempic (Ozempic): Primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, but also used for weight loss due to its appetite-suppressing effect. Injected once weekly.
• Mounjaro (Mounjaro): A relatively new drug that targets multiple receptors, making it more effective in some cases, also administered weekly.

Both are known as Ozempic injections and Mounjaro injections in weight loss programs.

How Do These Medications Reduce Weight?

Medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro affect hunger hormones, which leads to:

• Reduced appetite.
• Slower stomach emptying.
• Improved insulin response.

This effect contributes to gradual and sustainable weight loss, especially when following a healthy diet.

Who Should Use Ozempic and Mounjaro?

These medications are recommended for individuals who:

• Have severe obesity (BMI over 30).
• Have health complications like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Have not succeeded in losing weight through traditional methods.

And this should always be done under strict medical supervision with pre-use tests for obesity medications.

Common Side Effects of These Medications

Side effects associated with Ozempic and Mounjaro include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Abdominal pain.
• Excessive loss of appetite.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Changes in blood sugar levels.

Side effects may vary between Ozempic and Mounjaro depending on the individual.

Difference Between Ozempic and Mounjaro

Feature	Ozempic	Mounjaro
Original Use	Diabetes treatment	Diabetes & Weight Loss
Receptors Targeted	GLP-1 only	GLP-1 & GIP
Weight Loss Effectiveness	Effective	More effective in some cases
Side Effects	Relatively mild	May be more varied

How to Reduce Side Effects

To minimize side effects associated with Ozempic and Mounjaro:

• Start with a low dose and gradually increase.
• Avoid large or fatty meals.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Engage in light exercise regularly.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions for Ozempic use.
• In some cases, alternative medications may be recommended if severe symptoms occur.

Importance of Medical Tests Before and During Use

Before starting these medications, it is essential to perform:

• Diabetes testing before Ozempic.
• Kidney and liver tests.
• Comprehensive BMI assessment.
• Regular follow-up tests to monitor treatment and prevent complications.

Role of Advanced Cell Laboratories

Advanced Cell Laboratories is one of the top labs in Saudi Arabia, providing advanced services including:

• Pre-treatment body evaluations.
• Careful monitoring of sugar, liver, and kidney levels.
• Safe periodic tests to ensure treatment effectiveness.
• Accurate reports to decide when to stop or continue Ozempic.

FAQs About Obesity Medications

Is Mounjaro safe?

When used under medical supervision and after proper tests, Mounjaro is relatively safe.

Best time to use Ozempic?

Usually in the morning or as per doctor’s instructions, once weekly.

Can these medications be used without tests?

Absolutely not. Pre-use tests are necessary to ensure safety.

Medical Reports on Ozempic

Studies show it is highly effective for weight loss, but side effects may occur if not used correctly.

In conclusion, Ozempic and Mounjaro, their side effects, and ways to avoid them are sensitive topics that require health awareness and careful follow-up. Before using any medication, it’s important to perform comprehensive tests for safe use.
If you are considering starting your obesity treatment journey, we invite you to visit Advanced Cell Laboratories for all necessary tests with precision and professionalism.
Book your tests now with the best laboratory in Saudi Arabia and start your weight loss journey safely.

Have you recently noticed unusual hair loss or slow growth? Hair health is not just about appearance; it reflects your internal body health.
In this article, we will discuss factors affecting hair, the importance of hair health and hair loss tests, and the services of Advanced Cell Laboratories for accurate hair problem analysis in Saudi Arabia.

What are the factors that affect hair health?

Several factors can negatively affect hair strength and density, including:

• Nutrition: Lack of essential nutrients such as iron and zinc.
• Hormones: Thyroid disorders directly affect hair.
• Genetics: Hereditary hair loss is common in both men and women.
• Stress: Causes disruption in the natural hair growth cycle.
• Scalp problems: Such as infections or excessive dandruff.

What is the relationship between vitamins and hair growth?

Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in maintaining healthy hair, including:

• Vitamin D: Its deficiency weakens hair follicles.
• Iron: Iron deficiency is a main cause of hair loss.
• Zinc: Stimulates hair growth and strengthens the scalp.
• Biotin (B7): Essential for hair and nail growth.

Therefore, vitamin deficiency tests are essential to identify the real cause of any hair problem.

What are hair health and hair loss tests?

Diagnosing hair problems depends on a set of medical tests that reveal internal causes like vitamin deficiency, hormonal disorders, or immune diseases. Here are the main tests that help diagnose hair issues:

1. Iron & Ferritin Test

• Importance: Iron deficiency is one of the main reasons for hair loss, especially in women.
• Ferritin measures the body’s iron stores and is more accurate than regular iron tests.

2. Vitamin D Test

• Vitamin D deficiency is linked to hair loss, weak follicles, and may trigger immune diseases affecting the scalp.

3. Thyroid Test (TSH, T3, T4)

• Thyroid disorders, whether overactive or underactive, cause hair loss, dryness, and slow growth.

4. Zinc Test

• Zinc is essential for healthy skin and hair; deficiency leads to hair loss and breakage.

5. Vitamin B12 & Folic Acid Test

• Deficiency affects hair growth and increases hair loss rate.

6. Hormone Tests (especially for women)

• Male hormones (Testosterone, DHEA, Androstenedione)
• Female hormones (LH, FSH, Prolactin, Estradiol)
• When to test? In case of unusual hair loss or excessive hair on face/body.

7. Cortisol Test

• Chronic stress affects hair; cortisol is the main biological indicator of stress.

8. CBC (Complete Blood Count)

• Shows anemia or blood cell deficiencies affecting hair follicle nourishment.

9. Autoimmune Antibody Tests (ANA, Anti-TPO)

• Detect autoimmune diseases like alopecia or lupus, causing localized or total hair loss.

Does iron deficiency cause hair loss?

Yes, anemia caused by iron deficiency is one of the main causes of hair loss. When iron levels drop, less oxygen reaches hair follicles, weakening them and causing shedding. Regular Complete Blood Count (CBC) and iron tests are recommended.

How do hormones affect hair health?

Hormones play a crucial role in the hair life cycle. Common hormonal disorders linked to hair loss include:

• Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in women.
• Hormonal changes after childbirth or menopause.

Therefore, thyroid and hormone tests are highly recommended when hair problems occur.

When should hair loss tests be performed?

Hair tests are recommended in cases such as:

• Unusual and continuous hair loss.
• Thinning hair or visible bald spots.
• Hair loss after pregnancy or childbirth.
• Family history of hereditary hair loss.
• Failure of traditional hair-strengthening treatments.

Comprehensive hair health testing helps with early diagnosis and starting an effective treatment plan.

What is the role of Advanced Cell Labs in hair problem analysis?

At Advanced Cell Labs in Saudi Arabia, we provide a comprehensive range of specialized services for hair health, including:

• Genetic hair loss testing.
• Iron and zinc level checks.
• Thyroid testing related to hair loss.
• Vitamin deficiency tests and their effect on hair.
• Scalp problem diagnosis.

We use the latest lab equipment to ensure accurate results, helping build a successful treatment plan to restore hair health.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hair Tests

Can hair loss be temporary?
Yes, some hair loss cases are linked to temporary factors such as stress or hormonal changes and return to normal with treatment.
Why are vitamin tests important for hair?
Deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals is a major cause of hair loss and affects hair quality and density.
Is hair loss different between men and women?
Yes, hair loss in men is often patterned due to genetics, while in women it may be related to hormonal or nutritional causes.
How often should hair tests be done?
Depending on the case, but tests are recommended every 6 to 12 months to monitor hair health progress.

Get ready to restore your hair’s density and beauty with precise diagnosis and specialized support! Perform comprehensive hair tests with Advanced Cell Labs — Expertise, Accuracy, and Complete Care for your hair health.
Book your appointment today and enjoy healthy, strong hair starting from proper root care!