Micronutrient testing can be a helpful tool that doctors may consider adding to their specialty lab testing options. This form of testing analyzes vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants to help identify nutrient levels and assess nutrient function at a cellular level. Micronutrient deficiencies are common throughout the American population and may increase the predisposition to various health challenges. The Micronutrient Test from SpectraCell is one of the comprehensive nutritional analyses available for order through Rupa Health. Read more about this specialty test below.
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What is the Micronutrient Test from SpectraCell?
SpectraCell's Micronutrient test measures 31 vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants to help identify nutritional levels. SpectraCell measures micronutrient levels within white blood cells to assess a patient's biochemical and functional nutritional status and detect micronutrient levels that may affect overall health and aging.
What Does the Micronutrient Test from SpectraCell Measure?
SpectraCell measures 31 different micronutrients to reveal nutrient status, evaluate metabolic function, and help quantify oxidative stress within the body. The analytes are broken up into the following categories on the test report:
- B Vitamins: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B12, Folate, Pantothenate, Biotin
- Amino Acids and Metabolites: Serine, Glutamine, Asparagine, Choline, Inositol, Carnitine, Oleic Acid
- Other Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin D3, Vitamin A, Vitamin K2, Manganese, Calcium, Zinc, Copper, Magnesium
- Carbohydrate Metabolism: Fructose Sensitivity, Glucose-Insulin Interaction, Chromium
- Antioxidants: Glutathione, Cysteine, CoQ10, Selenium, Vitamin E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C
When to Consider the Micronutrient Test from SpectraCell
The Micronutrient Test may be considered for patients who identify under the following categories:
- Individuals managing chronic health conditions, like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, neuropathy (numbness/tingling), weakened immune system, depression, osteoporosis
- Individuals diagnosed with maldigestive conditions: Celiac disease, wheat sensitivity, IBS, IBD, SIBO
- People who have a history of restricted eating patterns or follow special diets
- Individuals with a history of chronic use of prescription medications, which can affect nutrient levels
- Patients experiencing signs of advanced aging, like fatigue and neurocognitive changes
Macro- and micronutrient requirements change as we age, influenced by natural physiologic changes in the body, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits. Even with adopting healthy lifestyle practices, micronutrient levels can vary. Micronutrient testing can help track nutrient levels and guide nutritional strategies.
Similarly, micronutrient testing can benefit those hoping to support metabolic function and athletic performance to tailor diet and supplement protocols to physiologic needs.
Finally, micronutrient testing can benefit men and women hoping to conceive during the preconception period. Micronutrient status may affect the quality of egg and sperm, and optimizing nutrition before conception can prepare you for a healthy pregnancy. With increased nutrient demand during pregnancy, micronutrient levels are important to monitor. Micronutrient testing before and during pregnancy can help manage nutrient levels vital to maternal health and fetal development.
How to Use the Micronutrient Test from SpectraCell in Clinic
Patients should be informed of the test collection protocol to prevent delays in receiving the test results. Collection instructions can be found on the Rupa Health website. Important details include:
- This test requires a non-fasting blood draw. The blood draw must be performed by a phlebotomist on weekdays (Monday-Friday) only.
Results can be expected around two weeks after the SpectraCell lab receives the patient's test kit. Patient results are released in SpectraCell's user-friendly test results packet. The report's first page highlights nutrient levels and suggests supplemental dosage considerations based on the patient's levels. The report includes various graphic interpretations so doctors and patients can see how the measured analytes are involved in health and performance at the biochemical level. The last pages of the report offer additional educational information regarding the function of nutrients, signs of deficiency, and considerations for nutrient optimization.
The results of this test can guide individualized nutritional considerations through diet and supplements. Malabsorptive digestive conditions and unhealthy eating patterns should be considered in patients with extensive nutrient level variations. Tests that can be helpful in this diagnostic process include:
- Wheat/Gluten Proteome Reactivity & Autoimmunity Profile (Array 3X) by Cyrex Labs
- GI360 Comprehensive Stool Analysis by Doctor's Data
- trio-smart SIBO Breath Test by Gimellli Biotech
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Inflammatory Markers (e.g., CRP, ESR)
Summary
SpectraCell offers its Micronutrient Test, which measures the intracellular levels of 31 micronutrients to deliver a comprehensive functional nutritional analysis. Intracellular micronutrient levels can reflect the long-term nutritional status of critical micronutrients involved in cellular health and function, supporting every body system. Micronutrient testing can apply to many patients, whether they are hoping to manage health conditions, support nutritional levels, or optimize wellness. This panel allows for the measurement of micronutrients to guide personalized dietary and supplemental considerations.
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