Research Biomarker Category Micronutrient by Vibrant America

Micronutrient by Vibrant America

This test provides a comprehensive extracellular and intracellular assessment of the levels of the most important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids, and amino acids to help you make healthy lifesstyle choices in consultation with your healthcare provider.

Citrulline (Serum)

Optimal range: 18.7 - 47.5 nmol/ML

Citrulline is an amino acid that is not one of the essential amino acids nor a common dietary amino acid (named after its only good natural source, watermelons), but is interconverted in the body and serves roles similar to L-arginine and L-ornithine.

Common food sources:

Food sources of L-citrulline include watermelon, muskmelons, bitter melons, squashes, gourds, cucumbers, and pumpkins.

Folate (RBC)

Optimal range: 95.5 - 1000 ng/mL

Folate is the naturally occurring form found in foods; folic acid is the supplement/synthetic form. Folate is more bioavailable.

Once in circulation, folate gets methylated.

Methyl-tetrahydrofolate is the most abundant folate in circulation and it functions with vitamin B12 in methylation reactions to reduce
homocysteine, but is also involved in DNA synthesis, and red blood cell synthesis.

Folate (Serum)

Optimal range: 2 - 100 ng/mL

Glutamine (Serum)

Optimal range: 393.5 - 699.3 nmol/ML

- Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid (conditional mainly during times of disease or muscle wasting, such HIV/AIDS, cancer, or severe infections).

- In the intestinal lining, glutamine is the preferred source of fuel for intestinal epithelial cells and the main energy source for leukocytes (immune cells).

- Other important functions of glutamine include: transporting nitrogen between cells, acting as a precursor to glutathione production, acting as a precursor to nucleotides (for DNA and RNA synthesis), participating in gluconeogenesis in the absence of adequate carbohydrate intake, blunting the rise of blood glucose after consuming carbohydrate-rich meals, and regulating intestinal tight junctions.

Very good sources of glutamine include: whey, casein, milk, white rice, corn, and tofu.

Good sources of glutamine include: meat and eggs.

Glutamine (WBC)

Optimal range: 1.4 - 7 ng/MM WBC

- Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid (conditional mainly during times of disease or muscle wasting, such HIV/AIDS, cancer, or severe infections).

- In the intestinal lining, glutamine is the preferred source of fuel for intestinal epithelial cells and the main energy source for leukocytes (immune cells).

- Other important functions of glutamine include: transporting nitrogen between cells, acting as a precursor to glutathione production, acting as a precursor to nucleotides (for DNA and RNA synthesis), participating in gluconeogenesis in the absence of adequate carbohydrate intake, blunting the rise of blood glucose after consuming carbohydrate-rich meals, and regulating intestinal tight junctions.

Very good sources of glutamine include: whey, casein, milk, white rice, corn, and tofu.

Good sources of glutamine include: meat and eggs.

Iron (RBC)

Optimal range: 88.9 - 117 mg/dL

Iron (Serum)

Optimal range: 37 - 145 ug/dL

Iron is required for the production of red blood cells (a process known as hematopoiesis), but it's also part of hemoglobin (that is the pigment of the red blood cells) binding to the oxygen and thus facilitating its transport from the lungs via the arteries to all cells throughout the body. Once the oxygen is delivered, the iron (as part of hemoglobin) binds the carbon dioxide which is then transported back to the lung, from where it gets exhaled. Iron is also involved in the conversion of blood sugar to energy.

Omega-3 Index

Optimal range: 8 - 12.65 %

Omega-3 Index is the sum of EPA % and DHA % as measured in whole blood, and derived by validated calculations to yield the equivalent sum of EPA % and DHA % in red blood cell membranes. Please note this value is a percentage, with the denominator being the sum of all Fatty Acids measured in the blood and thus the index can vary based on fatty acid composition of the diet.

The index can be used as an indicator of risk for sudden cardiac death and nonfatal cardiovascular events and as a therapeutic target.It can also be used to assess adherence to omega-3 therapy and/or success or failure of such therapy. Optimal omega-3 index positively impacts heart rate, blood pressure, triglyceride levels, myocardial efficiency, inflammatory responses, and endothelial function while also improving cognitive function.

Serine (Serum)

Optimal range: 94.2 - 246.8 nmol/ML

D-serine is a neuromodulator, produced in glial cells of the brain, and modulates the functions of neurons. Serine can be considered a nootropic nutrient.

Serine enhances binding of other compounds at NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors.

Serine (WBC)

Optimal range: 1.8 - 19.8 ng/MM WBC

D-serine is a neuromodulator, produced in glial cells of the brain, and modulates the functions of neurons. Serine can be considered a nootropic nutrient.

Serine enhances binding of other compounds at NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors.

Valine (Serum)

Optimal range: 155.9 - 368 nmol/ML

Valine is a branched-chain essential amino acid that has stimulant activity. It promotes muscle growth and tissue repair. It is a precursor in the penicillin biosynthetic pathway. As a glycogenic amino acid, valine maintains mental vigor, muscle coordination, and emotional calm.

Vitamin A (Serum)

Optimal range: 40.8 - 154.5 mcg/dL

Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble vitamins which includes retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and several provitamin A carotenoids, among which beta-carotene is the most important.

Vitamin A has multiple functions including: growth and development in infants, children and adolescents, maintenance of the immune system, and healthy vision.

Vitamin A is needed by the retina of the eye for both low-light and color vision.

Vitamin A also functions as retinoic acid, an important hormone-like growth factor for epithelial and other cells.

Other important roles that vitamin A plays in the body include: gene transcription, haematopoiesis, and antioxidant activity.

Vitamin A (WBC)

Optimal range: 0.9 - 17.3 pg/MM WBC

Vitamin B1 (Serum)

Optimal range: 1.4 - 71.3 nmol/L

Vitamin B1 (WBC)

Optimal range: 0.1 - 7 pg/MM WBC

Vitamin B12 (Serum)

Optimal range: 232 - 1245 pg/mL

- Vitamin B12 is an important coenzyme when in its active form of methylcobalamin.

- B12 facilitates the metabolism of folic acid through its primary role as a methyl donor.

- B12 requires intrinsic factor for absorption, which is calcium dependent.

- The role of vitamin B12 in the production of some neurotransmitters may also be evidenced by mood imbalance in susceptible individuals.

Vitamin B2 (Serum)

Optimal range: 5.6 - 126.1 mcg/L

Vitamin B2 (WBC)

Optimal range: 0.2 - 3.6 pg/MM WBC

Two very important coenzymes involved in energy metabolism are derived from riboflavin to participate in oxidation/reduction reactions.

Riboflavin is also essential for NOS enzyme (nitric oxide synthase) and glutathione reductase which regenerates glutathione, and which is very important for antioxidation/detoxification.

Vitamin B3 (Serum)

Optimal range: 2.6 - 36.1 ng/mL

Vitamin B3 (WBC)

Optimal range: 39.6 - 303.5 pg/MM WBC

Food Sources:

The most concentrated sources of niacin are in animal products (pork), peanuts/peanut butter, tofu, and eggs.

Also consider food sources high in tryptophan *Enriched grains provide supplemental niacin.

Physiological Function:

Niacin is extensively involved in metabolic reduction reactions through NAD-NADPH pathways. Over 200 enzymes in the human body require niacin.

Other important major functions of niacin B include: fatty acid synthesis, ATP synthesis, DNA repair, lower cholesterol/LDL, aids in
circulation.

Vitamin B5 (Serum)

Optimal range: 22.7 - 429.2 mcg/L

Vitamin B5 is part of the structural component of coenzyme A. It is also important for synthesis of red blood cells, sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and vitamin D. Another significant function of B5 is to work with carnitine and CoQ10 for fatty acid oxidation/metabolism.

Vitamin B5 (WBC)

Optimal range: 2.5 - 32.8 pg/MM WBC

Vitamin B5 is part of the structural component of coenzyme A. It is also important for synthesis of red blood cells, sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and vitamin D. Another significant function of B5 is to work with carnitine and CoQ10 for fatty acid oxidation/metabolism.

Vitamin B6 (Serum)

Optimal range: 2.8 - 76.2 ng/mL

Vitamin B6 (WBC)

Optimal range: 0.5 - 9.7 pg/MM WBC

Vitamin C (Serum)

Optimal range: 0.2 - 1.1 mg/dL

Vitamin C has a major function of being an antioxidant. It boosts immunity through increasing white blood cells, in addition to supporting regeneration of vitamin E. Vitamin C can also reduce atherosclerosis, stroke and high blood pressure, and inflammation. Because of its role in the generation of connective tissue, it is necessary for optimal collagen production. Vitamin C is also an important component of l-carnitine, which is necessary for breakdown of fats into energy.

Vitamin C (WBC)

Optimal range: 0.5 - 9.7 ng/MM WBC

Vitamin C has a major function of being an antioxidant. It boosts immunity through increasing white blood cells, in addition to supporting regeneration of vitamin E. Vitamin C can also reduce atherosclerosis, stroke and high blood pressure, and inflammation. Because of its role in the generation of connective tissue, it is necessary for optimal collagen production. Vitamin C is also an important component of l-carnitine, which is necessary for breakdown of fats into energy.

Vitamin D, 25-OH (Serum)

Optimal range: 30 - 108 ng/mL

25-hydroxyvitamin D is a standard lab test which measures the inactive precursor to 1,25-OHD, which is a combination of two forms of vitamin D in the body: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.

25-OHD has a longer half-life in the blood than 1,25-OHD, and, therefore, levels may differ from levels of active 1,25-OHD3.

Because 25-OHD is a precursor to active forms of vitamin D, it is important to note that it is not reflective of overall active D3 levels, but rather what is available for conversion if cofactors are sufficient.

The conversion of 25-OHD to 1,25-OHD is performed in the kidneys and regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH). When blood calcium levels fall, PTH signals the kidneys to convert more 25-OHD to 1,25-OHD, which increases intestinal absorption of calcium, and reduces bone demineralization of calcium.

Vitamin D3 (Serum)

Optimal range: 0.4 - 1.8 ng/mL

Vitamin D3 is also referred to as 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-OHD3).

1,25-OHD3 has a shorter half-life in the blood than 25-OHD (what most standard labs run, and what is most commonly used to assess total vitamin D status), and, therefore, levels may differ from what is measured as 25-OHD.

The conversion of 25-OHD to 1,25-OHD is performed in D the kidneys and regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH).

When blood calcium levels fall, PTH signals the kidneys to convert more 25-OHD to 1,25-OHD, which increases intestinal absorption of calcium, and reduces bone demineralization of calcium.

Vitamin D3 also regulates the function of hundreds of genes, supports the immune system, supports production and function of endocrine hormones, is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, tightly regulates the levels of calcium and phosphorus being absorbed intestinally as well as released from bone, regulates cell differentiation and growth, and may play an important role in regulating mood.

Patients who present with hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and low PTH may suffer from unregulated conversion of 25-OHD to 1,25-OHD.

Vitamin D3 (WBC)

Optimal range: 25.9 - 246.6 pg/MM WBC

Vitamin D3 is also referred to as 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-OHD3).

1,25-OHD3 has a shorter half-life in the blood than 25-OHD (what most standard labs run, and what is most commonly used to assess total vitamin D status), and, therefore, levels may differ from what is measured as 25-OHD.

The conversion of 25-OHD to 1,25-OHD is performed in D the kidneys and regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH).

When blood calcium levels fall, PTH signals the kidneys to convert more 25-OHD to 1,25-OHD, which increases intestinal absorption of calcium, and reduces bone demineralization of calcium.

Vitamin D3 also regulates the function of hundreds of genes, supports the immune system, supports production and function of endocrine hormones, is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, tightly regulates the levels of calcium and phosphorus being absorbed intestinally as well as released from bone, regulates cell differentiation and growth, and may play an important role in regulating mood.

Patients who present with hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and low PTH may suffer from unregulated conversion of 25-OHD to 1,25-OHD.

Vitamin E (Serum)

Optimal range: 7.4 - 30.6 mg/L

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that reduces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that result from fat oxidation.

Vitamin E also regulates cell signaling, influences immune function, and inhibits coagulation.

Vitamin E (WBC)

Optimal range: 18.4 - 1031.1 pg/MM WBC

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that reduces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that result from fat oxidation.

Vitamin E also regulates cell signaling, influences immune function, and inhibits coagulation.

Vitamin K1 (Serum)

Optimal range: 0.1 - 8.1 ng/mL

Vitamin K1 (WBC)

Optimal range: 0.1 - 0.71 pg/MM WBC

Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins. This group of vitamins includes two natural vitamins: vitamin K1 and vitamin K2. These Vitamins are structurally similar and their name comes from the German word “klotting”.

Vitamin K1, is also known as phylloquinone.

Vitamin K assists with blood clotting, supports the K formation of bone and bone matrix, and aids in
glucose to glycogen conversion for storage in the
liver.

Vitamin K2 (Serum)

Optimal range: 0.1 - 5.19 ng/mL

Vitamin K2 (WBC)

Optimal range: 0.1 - 0.89 pg/MM WBC

Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins. This group of vitamins includes two natural vitamins: vitamin K1 and vitamin K2.

Vitamin K2 is the main storage form of Vitamin K in animals. It has several forms, referred to as menaquinones.

The nomenclature denoting vitamin K2 types will include an‘MK’to specify this is a menaquinone and the number following this denotes how many isoprenyl units are on the side chain of the molecule. The most common forms are MK-4 and MK-7.

Bacteria in the colon can convert K1 (from K plant-based foods) into vitamin K2.

Vitamin K2 is necessary to prevent arterial 2 calcification, which it does by activating matrix GLA
protein (MGP). This matrix GLA protein is present in blood vessels and inhibits soft tissue calcification.

Matrix GLA protein needs to be carboxylated to work properly and Vitamin K2-MK7 plays a major role in this carboxylation.