Diagnostics - Nutritional Testing Flashcards
What are the main options for nutritional testing?
Serum testing, Red Blood Cell (RBC) testing, urine testing, and hair mineral testing.
What is the purpose of serum testing in nutritional assessments?
Serum testing assesses standard nutrients (e.g., Vitamin B12, D3) and inflammatory markers.
What does Red Blood Cell (RBC) testing measure?
RBC testing evaluates minerals and toxic elements in red blood cells, indicating tissue levels.
What are the limitations of serum nutritional testing?
Serum levels may not reflect tissue utilization, as blood levels remain stable due to homeostasis until extreme deficiencies occur.
Why are other markers needed alongside serum testing?
Other markers, like organic acids in urine, provide a more comprehensive assessment of biochemical pathways that serum testing alone might not capture.
What are some key nutrients tested in serum testing?
Vitamin B12 (Holotranscobalamin), Folate, Ferritin (iron storage), Vitamin D3, Serum Magnesium, and Serum Calcium.
What is the optimal range for Vitamin D3 levels?
The optimal range is 100-150 nmol/L, with levels above 75 nmol/L considered sufficient.
What is C-Reactive Protein (CRP) used to assess?
CRP is used to assess inflammation, with normal CRP range being less than 5 mg/L. High sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) assesses low-grade inflammation (range 0.2-3 mg/L), often used for cardiovascular risk.
What does Red Blood Cell (RBC) nutrient testing indicate?
RBC nutrient testing indicates mineral uptake in cells and tissue levels, providing insight into essential and toxic minerals as well as fatty acid profiles.
What are mixed methodology nutrient tests?
These tests combine serum, organic acids, and RBC markers for a comprehensive nutrient profile, offering extensive interpretation, though they are often more expensive.
What does hair mineral and toxic element analysis assess?
Hair analysis assesses mineral status and toxic metal accumulation over 2-3 months. It is non-invasive, cost-effective, and can also assess toxic metals through urine clearance.
