Micronutrient Test, Spectracell Laboratories
Whole Blood
Performed by: SpectraCell Laboratories
SpectraCell’s Micronutrient test provides a nutritional analysis by measuring functional deficiencies at the cellular level. It is an assessment of how well the body utilizes 31 vitamins, minerals, amino/fatty acids, antioxidants, and metabolites, while conveying the body’s need for these micronutrients that enable the body to produce enzymes, hormones, and other substances essential for proper growth, development, and good health.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
Lipoic Acid is a sulfur-containing vitamin-like substance that is an important cofactor in energyproducing reactions in the production of cellular energy (ATP). Lipoic acid has been referred to as a “universal antioxidant” because it is s
Learn moreAsparagine is a dietarily dispensable amino acid synthesized from aspartate and glutamine. Asparagine has three major functions: 1) incorporation into amino acid sequences of proteins; 2) storage form for aspartate (is a required precursor for
Learn moreBiotin is required for proper metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Biotin-dependent enzymes catalyze the addition of carboxyl groups (COO-) from bicarbonate, for use in fatty acid biosynthesis, gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, propionate metabolism, an
Learn moreCalcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with 99% residing in bones and teeth. As a component of hard tissues, Calcium fulfills a structural role to maintain body size and act as attachments for musculoskeletal tissues.
Learn moreL-carnitine is an amino acid derivitive of the essential amino acids L-lysine and methonine. The conversion to carnitine requires niacin (B3), vitamins B6 and C, and iron. It is found in nearly all cells of the body but chiefly in the liver and kidne
Learn moreCholine is an essential nutrient that is part of cell membranes and is used by nerves to send impulses. Choline is known to be essential for mammals, and is essential for human cell growth. A dietary requirement for choline in humans has not been pro
Learn moreChromium is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in optimizing insulin function and the regulation of blood glucose levels. Chromium may also be anti-atherogenic and assist in lowering cholesterol.
Learn moreCoenzyme Q-10 belongs to a family of substances called ubiquinones. These compounds are lipophilic, water-insoluble substances involved in electron transport and energy production within the mitochondria. In this capacity, coenzyme Q-10 facilitates t
Learn moreLike most trace minerals, copper acts as an enzyme cofactor in several key metabolic processes in the body. Among its many functions, copper aids in the formation of bone, hemoglobin and red blood cells, therefore enabling the efficient transport of
Learn moreCysteine is a sulfur-containing, conditionally-essential amino acid. The sulfur group (thiol or sulfhydryl group) in cysteine accounts for most of cysteine’s functions. Cysteine can be oxidized with itself to form cystine. Cysteine has six m
Learn moreFolate (Folic Acid) is needed to produce blood cells and other new tissue cells. Folate is a generic term for a group of pteridine compounds essential for one-carbon unit metabolism. Folates are involved in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and tRNA necessa
Learn moreHumans have a limited ability to metabolize fructose (fruit sugar). Fructose is metabolized differently from other sugars. A fructose load leads to accumulation of fructose-1-phosphate in cells which may partially deplete intracellular ATP levels in
Learn moreThe patients cells are challenged with glucose and their ability to grow in the presence or absence of insulin is determined. A significant decrease of cell growth is indicative of reduced ability to metabolize glucose.
Learn moreGlutamine is used for energy, for synthesis of other essential building blocks, (protein, DNA, and RNA), and for removal of toxic substances. Glutamine is a dispensable amino acid present in greater amounts than any other amino acid in the body fl
Learn moreGlutathione is implicated in many cellular functions including antioxidant protection and detoxification. It is also essential for the maintenance of cell membrane integrity in red blood cells.
Learn moreFunction: An essential nutrient, inositol is found in cell membranes and is needed for proper function of hormones. Inositol, similar to choline, is a component of phospholipids (phosphatidyl inositols). Phosphatidyl inositols function as cell membra
Learn moreMagnesium is predominantly found intracellularly, where it is vital for proper cell functions. Magnesium is the second most prevalent intracellular cation (after potassium). Magnesium functions are numerous and essential, including enzyme activation
Learn moreManganese is a mineral element that is both nutritionally essential and has the potential to be very toxic. This fact is further complicated by the small range of dosage for clinical benefit and toxicity with serious consequences. Manganese is an imp
Learn moreOleic acid is the most common monounsaturated fatty acid in human cells. Oleic acid is incorporated into cell membrane phospholipids, where it is important for proper membrane fluidity. Hormone responsiveness, infectivity of pathogens, mineral transp
Learn morePantothenic acid plays vital roles in energy production from foodstuffs. Pantothenate is a component of coenzyme A, which is indispensable for two-carbon unit metabolism (acetyl groups). Acetyl groups are involved in the release of energy from carboh
Learn moreThe trace mineral selenium functions primarily as a component of the antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione peroxidase activity, which requires selenium for activity, facilitates the recycling of vitamins C and E, in optimizing the p
Learn moreSerine is used to manufacture proteins, energy, cell membrane structure and synthesis of other cell components (DNA and RNA). Serine is a dispensable amino acid obtained from the diet and synthesized from other amino acids and metabolites of glucose.
Learn moreVitamin A is a family of fat soluble compounds (carotinoids) that play an important role in vision, bone growth, reproduction and cell differentiation. It also helps regulate the immune system, promoting optimal lymphocyte function in defending again
Learn moreVitamin B1 (Thiamin) is used by cells to help make energy from foodstuffs. Thiamin pyrophosphate is a cofactor for dehydrogenase enzymes with key roles in cellular energy production. Dietary sources richest in B1 (per serving) include: - Nutrit
Learn moreVitamin B12 is needed to form blood and immune cells, and support a healthy nervous system. A series of closely-related compounds known collectively as cobalamins or vitamin B12 are converted into active forms methylcobalamin or 5’-deoxyadenosy
Learn moreRiboflavin helps to metabolize foodstuffs into energy. Riboflavin is converted into its active forms, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN). FAD and FMN are primarily involved as cofactors in oxidation-reduction reactions
Learn moreNiacinamide is needed to metabolize foodstuffs into energy. Niacinamide is converted into the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and NADP, which function in oxidationreduction reactions essential for release of energy from carbohydrate
Learn moreVitamin B6 is needed to metabolize proteins and is important for a healthy immune system, nerves, bones and arteries. Vitamin B6 is a complex of three similar molecules: Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal and Pyridoxamine. All are present in foods and converted i
Learn moreVitamin C is required for several metabolic functions in the body. One of its major roles is in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the main structural proteins of skin, cartilage and blood vessels. It is also necessary in the production of sev
Learn moreVitamin D is the principle regulator of calcium homeostasis in the body. It is essential for skeletal development and bone mineralization. Vitamin D is a prohormone with no hormone activity. It is converted to a molecule that has biological activity.
Learn moreVitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes and other fat-soluble compounds from oxidative damage by free radicals.
Learn moreThe primary function of vitamin K is to aid in the formation of clotting factors and bone proteins. It serves as a cofactor in the production of six proteins that regulate blood clotting, including prothrombin. In addition, it helps to form osteocalc
Learn moreThe primary role of zinc is to activate almost 200 enzymes with vital roles in cell regulation, immune function, acid/base balance, DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, eicosanoid production, and digestion. Zinc also is a component of i
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