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If you have continuing GI symptoms, it is important to know if your gut/body is inflamed, if you are anemic, and to measure specific vitamins and minerals to assess for the presence and severity of malabsorption. These tests also help your doctor to determine what part(s) of the intestine are involved and the degree of damage.

Tests include:

 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein—reveals the degree of inflammation in the body; they are not specific for any particular condition or organ.

 Ferritin—a parameter of iron stores, inflammation, or deficiency due to malabsorption or chronic blood loss. High values reflect excessive iron stores, as in hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder of excessive iron absorption that is associated with celiac disease.

 Folic acid—a parameter of disease of the upper small intestine, where it is absorbed. A deficiency or low levels are common in celiac disease and rare in Crohn’s disease, which is predominantly in the ileum or lower small intestine.

 B12—a parameter of lower small intestinal disease or stomach issues such as bacterial overgrowth or chronic gastritis.

 Vitamin D—necessary for calcium absorption (in turn, necessary for bone formation and muscle contraction). Vitamin D is formed in the skin from sun exposure that can be impeded by sunblock and lack of outdoor activity. Dietary deficiency is also common.

 Parathyroid hormone—the parathyroid monitors and manages calcium metabolism. With calcium deficiency, the hormone increases to retain calcium and maintain blood levels to ensure cardiac, blood, and muscle function.

 Stool testing—important in GI issues to look for blood and, with diarrhea, to look for infections.

If there are neurological issues, vitamins E, B1, B2, and B6 as well as copper levels should be measured. If there are skin rashes or taste issues, zinc should be measured.