Micronutrient Test, Spectracell Laboratories

Deficiency Symptoms: Several studies demonstrate that individuals infected with HIV have a compromised antioxidant defense system. Blood antioxidants are decreased and peroxidation products of lipids and proteins are increased. These changes deplete glutathione levels and this often compromises cell-mediated immune function and progression of AIDS. Alpha lipoic acid supplementation increases vitamin C and glutathione. T-lymphocyte production and T helper/suppressor cell ratios are increased. Patients with compromised immune symptom performance may benefit by supplementation with alpha lipoic acid. In patients with diabetic neuropathy resulting from antioxidant deficiency, lipoic acid improves blood flow to peripheral nerves, decreases lipid and protein peroxidation, and may stimulate the regeneration of nerve fibers. There is growing evidence that lipoic acid has beneficial effects in slowing atherosclerotic processes and the neurodegenerative effects of Altzheimer’s. Experimental studies in animal models show that a deficiency of lipoic acid results in reduced muscle mass, failure to thrive, brain atrophy and increased lactic acid production. Repletion Information: Lipoic acid is available in tablets and capsules. Because of its unique solubility properties it is easily absorbed and assimilated. It is generally available as a racemic mixture of D- and L-forms of alpha lipoic acid. Patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance are cautioned that supplemental alpha lipoic acid may lower blood glucose levels and adjustments in antidiabetic drug therapy may be necessary to avoid hypoglycemia. Doses of up to 600 mg/day have been well tolerated. Information provided by SpectraCell : https://www.spectracell.com/online-library-mnt-lipoic-acid

amino acid synthesized from aspartate and glutamine

metabolism of fats and carbohydrates

most abundant mineral in the body

Deficiency Symptoms: Deficiencies of carnitine may result from: 1) deficiencies of essential amino acids lysine and methionine, 2) deficiencies of cofactors (B3, C, B6 and iron), 3) defective gastrointestinal function, 4) increased requirement because of high-fat diet, metabolic stress or disease. The consequences of carnitine deficiency are impaired lipid metabolism and lipid accumulation in skeletal muscles, heart, and liver. Patients usually exhibit muscle weakness and fatigue. Normal heart function depends on adequate concentrations of carnitine. While the normal heart stores more carnitine than required, if the heart does not have a good oxygen supply, carnitine levels quickly decrease. This lack of oxygen leads to decreased energy production and increased risk for angina and heart disease. Carnitine benefits blood lipids by lowering triglycerides and total cholesterol, while increasing HDL. L-acetylcarnitine (LAC) may be useful in the treatment of Altzheimer’s disease, senile depression and age- related memory loss.

Choline 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 proven, although recent data on infants and dietary choline depletion in adults suggests that choline is an essential nutrient. Historically, choline is considered as a lipotrope and member of the B vitamin complex. Choline has several distinct functions. First, choline serves as a source of one-carbon units (methyl groups) for biosynthesis of other compounds. Interactions with methionine, Vitamin B12, folate, ethanolamine, and betaine allow choline to partially replace, or be replaced by other constituents in one-carbon metabolism. Second, choline is a component of phosphatidyl choline, the major component of cell membranes. Lecithin is a commercial name for phospholipids containing 10-35% phosphatidyl choline. Phosphatidyl choline has interactions with cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism.

an essential trace mineral

belongs to a family of substances called ubiquinones

Deficiency Symptoms: Due to copper’s role in the formation of collagen, copper deficiency can manifest as osteoporosis. Other possible signs of deficiency include anemia (due to its role in hemoglobin formation), baldness, diarrhea, general weakness, impaired respiratory function, myelopathy, decreased skin pigment, reduced resistance to infection and increased triglyceride levels. Evidence also links copper deficiency with increased oxidative damage to cell membranes.

Deficiency Symptoms: Cysteine deficiencies identified by inherited metabolic disorders or reduced levels in body fluid have been associated with: 1) impaired antioxidant defenses; 2) decreased ability to metabolize drugs or toxic compounds; 3) depressed immune functions; 4) some psycoses; and 5) homocystinemia. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, and smokers have reduced levels of cysteine in fluids and tissues. Clinical trials of cysteine supplementation have shown benefits for skin disorders, hair loss, asthma, bronchitis, allergies, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heavy metal toxicity, iron deficiency, diabetes & diabetic nephropathy, seizure disorders, reducing cytoxic treatment side effects, HIV infection, and alcoholism.

needed to produce blood cells and other new tissue cells

measures changes in the patients lymphocyte growth response to a fructose challenge

Glucose-Insulin metabolism test

used for energy among other things

implicated in many cellular functions

Deficiency Symptoms: Symptoms of Inositol deficiency in humans have not been reported conclusively, but may include alopecia, eczema, insomnia, constipation and hyperlipidemia. Animals fed diets lacking Inositol develop lipodystrophies (fatty livers, fatty intestines, low blood lipoproteins). Information provided by SpectraCell https://assets.speakcdn.com/Assets/2606/0e2041203_supplement-inositol.pdf

Deficiency Symptoms: Deficiency symptoms are both acute (Trouseau and Chvostek signs, muscle spasms, tetany, cardia arrythmias, ataxia, vertigo, convulsions, organic brain syndrome) and chronic (thrombophlebitis, hemolytic anemia, bone loss, depressed immune function, poor wound healing, hyperirritability, burxism, hyperlipidemia, fatigue, hypertension). Those at risk for Magnesium deficiency include: malabsorption, malnourished, alcoholics, diabetics, diuretic therapy, children, elderly, pregnant and lactating women, postmenopausal women with osteoperosis, athletes, digitalis therapy, long-term therapy with antibiotics, chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive medications. In addition, the following diseases are associated with Magnesium deficiency: cardiovascular disease, cirrhosis, renal disease, parathyroid diseases, thyroid conditions.

mineral element.

most common monounsaturated fatty acid in human cells

Vitamin B5

a component of the antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase

Serine 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. Serine participates in protein synthesis, energy production, phospholipid synthesis (phosphatidyl serine and ethanolamine) and one-carbon unit metabolism (necessary for DNA and RNA synthesis). Quantitatively, serine supplies more one-carbon units than any other nutrient. Serine is an attachment point for carbohydrates on protein chains. Repletion Information: Since serine is a dispensable amino acid, no dietary RDA exists. Serine is present in foods that are rich in protein. Doses of 1-2 grams daily of pure serine appear safe.

retinol

Thiamin

Cobalamin

Riboflavin

Niacin

Pyridoxine

required for several metabolic functions in the body

ergocalciferol

an antioxidant that protects cell membranes

Deficiency Symptoms: Excessive bleeding, a history of bruising, appearance of ruptured capillaries or menorrhagia (heavy periods) are the most common clinical symptoms of overt vitamin K deficiency, although subclinical deficiency may not affect clotting mechanisms. Due to its critical role in bone formation, long-term vitamin K deficiency may impair bone integrity and growth, eventually predisposing a person to osteoporosis. Antibiotic usage can induce vitamin K deficiency since it upsets the balance of normal intestinal flora. Anticoagulants such as Coumadin and warfarin can also deplete vitamin K by blocking the activation of prothrombin. However, patients on warfarin or other blood anticoagulants should not supplement with vitamin K unless specifically recommended and approved by their physician. Other causes of deficiency include celiac disease, liver disease, certain medications (i.e. aspirin, Dilantin), very high doses of vitamins A and E (over 600 IU) and gastrointestinal disorders associated with the malabsorption of fats, such as bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease.

Deficiency Symptoms: Symptoms of zinc deficiency include fatigue, dermatitis, acne, loss of taste, poor wound healing, anorexia, decreased immunity, delayed growth, hypogonadism and delayed sexual maturation, diarrhea, skeletal abnormalities, alopecia, behavioral disturbances, white spots on fingernails, infertility and night blindness. Those at risk for zinc deficiency include alcoholics, malnourished, malabsorption (Crohn’s Disease, celiac disease), long-term parenteral nutrition, chronic renal disease, anorexics, dieters, pregnant women, elderly, and sickle-cell disease.