Melatonin (Evening), a critical biomarker in the ZRT Laboratory Urinary Neurotransmitters panel, plays an instrumental role in assessing nocturnal melatonin production and understanding sleep-wake cycle disturbances in individuals. Melatonin, often called the 'darkness hormone', is naturally produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness, peaking during the night to regulate sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. The measurement of evening melatonin levels provides valuable insights into the body’s readiness for sleep and its ability to enter a restful state.

Melatonin is not technically an adrenal or sex hormone however it is highly involved in the entire endocrine system. It is made in small amounts in the pineal gland in response to darkness and stimulated by Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH). 

Melatonin is not technically an adrenal or sex hormone however it is highly involved in the entire endocrine system. It is made in small amounts in the pineal gland in response to darkness and stimulated by Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH). 

Melatonin (Night), a key indicator of sleep health and circadian rhythm, is a prominent marker in the ZRT Laboratory Urinary Neurotransmitters panel, underscoring its crucial role in evaluating nocturnal melatonin activity and overall well-being. Melatonin, known as the "sleep hormone," is produced by the pineal gland and is critical for regulating the sleep-wake cycle and maintaining the body's internal clock. Nighttime measurements of melatonin provide essential insights into an individual's natural sleep patterns and the effectiveness of their circadian rhythms.

Melatonin is not technically an adrenal or sex hormone however it is highly involved in the entire endocrine system. It is made in small amounts in the pineal gland in response to darkness and stimulated by Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH). A low MSH is associated with insomnia, an increased perception of pain, and mold exposure. Pineal melatonin (melatonin is also made in significant quantities in the gut) is associated with the circadian rhythm of all hormones (including female hormone release). It is also made in small amounts in the bone marrow, lymphocytes, epithelial cells and mast cells. Studies have shown that a urine sample collected upon waking has levels of 6-Hydroxymelatonin-sulfate (6-OHMS) that correlate well to the total levels of melatonin in blood samples taken continuously throughout the night. The DUTCH test uses the waking sample only to test levels of melatonin production. Low melatonin levels may be associated with insomnia, poor immune response, constipation, weight gain or increased appetite. Elevated melatonin is usually caused by ingestion of melatonin through melatonin supplementation or eating melatonin-containing foods. Elevated melatonin production that is problematic is rare, but levels can be higher in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and may be phase shifted (peaking later) in some forms of depression.

The urinary level of mercapturic acids indicates quantitatively the degree of activity or capability of phase II detoxification. Mercapturic acids are the final excretory products of detoxification and include a variety of functionalized xenobiotics that have been conjugated with glutathione or L-cysteine prior to excretion. When the rate of formation of functionalized xenobiotics (phase I) exceeds the capacity of phase II detoxification, more potent toxins accumulate.

Fecal mercury (Hg) provides a good indication of recent or ongoing exposure to elemental Hg, and to a much lesser extent Hg that has been excreted from the body in bile. Data collected at Doctor’s Data indicates a linear association between fecal Hg concentration and the number of amalgams currently in the mouth. Fecal Hg for subjects with 9 to 11 dental amalgams in place was 20-times greater than that
of subjects without any dental amalgams in place (0.60 and 0.03 g/gram dry weight, respectively). Dental amalgams typically contain about 50% elemental Hg, and constant abrasion associated with chewing and bruxism releases very small particles of Hg which are poorly absorbed (about 5%) in the gastrointestinal tract. A direct association between fecal Hg levels and health has not been established, but a land mark study of amalgam placement in monkeys indicated there was an associated induction of co-resistance to both Hg and antibiotics by pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly for species in the Enterobacteriaceae family. Such was also reported for miners exposed to elemental Hg while working in gold mines.

Mercury intoxication is associated with a triad of symptoms: (1) mental changes, (2) spontaneous tremor and deficits in psychomotor performance, and (3) stomatitis and gingivitis. The toxic effects of mercury have been associated with neurological dysfunction, dementia, and autoimmune diseases. Although research suggests that the etiology of autism is multifactorial, numerous reports demonstrate that aspects of mercury toxicity appear similar to autism symptomatology.

According to the CDC, mercury released from amalgams may comprise up to 75% of an individual’s mercury exposure. Methylmercury from seafood is considered to be the most important source of non-occupational human mercury exposure. Blood mercury has revealed low level chronic and acute exposure from work environments. Significant exposure is evident when whole blood alkyl mercury is greater than 50 μg/L, or when inorganic mercury (Hg2+) exposure is greater than 200 μg/L. Children’s reference values for whole blood mercury from 1.5 to 1.0 μg/L have been proposed. Risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was found to be nearly 10 times higher when blood mercury was above 29 nmol/L. The quantity of mercury assayed in blood and hair, but not urine, correlates with the severity of toxicity symptoms.

Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal element. It exists in three forms: elemental, inorganic, and organic. All three of these forms of mercury can be toxic, causing several health problems.

Hair mercury (Hg) is an excellent indiator of exposure to methylmercury from fish. Mercury is toxic to humans and animals. Individuals vary greatly in sensitivity and tolerance to Hg burden.

Mercury is often abbreviated Hg. It may be breathed in, ingested or absorbed through the skin and is toxic. As a vapor, mercury is odorless. 

Urinary mercury testing is considered a very accurate way to assess whether or not you have been exposed to the inorganic form of the heavy metal. There is also an organic form of mercury, which can become toxic in the body but this form of mercury is best detected in a blood test sample.

A urine mercury test measures mercury excretion from the body over 24 hours, both before and after a “provocation” or “detox” compound is ingested. A provocation compound increases the excretion of a substance such as toxic metals. EDTA, DMSA, and DMPS are examples of provocation compounds. 

Mercury is a heavy metal that can be toxic to the body at elevated levels. Hair analysis for mercury, as seen on the Profile 1, Trace Elements (Hair) test panel, offers insight into chronic or past exposure to mercury, especially over the previous weeks to months.

Why Mercury Is Tested in Hair

Hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) is commonly used to assess long-term exposure to heavy metals like mercury. Unlike blood or urine, which reflect recent exposure, hair provides a timeline of accumulation, giving a broader view of how much mercury your body has been exposed to over time.

The fungicide/pesticide use of mercury has declined due to environmental concerns, but mercury residues persist in the environment. Emissions from coalfired power plants and hospital/municipal incinerators are significant sources of mercury pollution.

Methylmercury, the most common, organic form of mercury, occurs by methylation of inorganic Hg in aquatic biota or sediments (both freshwater and ocean sediments).

Methylmercury accumulates in aquatic animals and fish and is concentrated up the food chain reaching highest concentrations in large fish and predatory birds.

Except for fish, the human intake of dietary mercury is negligible unless the food is contaminated with one of the previously listed forms/sources. Daily ingestion of fish can result in the assimilation of 1 to 10 micrograms of mercury/day.

Depending upon the extent of cumulative mercury exposure, elevated levels of urine mercury may occur after administration of DMPS, DMSA or D-penicillamine. Blood and especially red blood cell elemental analyses are useful for assessing recent or ongoing exposure to organic (methyl) mercury.

SOURCES:

Mercury (Hg) has three forms:

Elemental (metallic)- older glass thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, dental amalgams, folk remedies, combustion, electrical industry (switches, batteries, thermostats), solvents, wood processing

Organic (methyl mercury)- seafood, thimerosal (preservative), fungicides

Inorganic- skin lightening compounds, industrial exposure, folk medicine, lamps, photography, disinfectants