Vibrant America

Environmental toxins, technically called toxicants, are substances produced endogenously from the human body and which, when absorbed, inhaled, or ingested, can cause acute or chronic toxic overload, which may manifest in a variety of biological organ, tissue, and cellular-level systems. Environmental toxins are cancer-causing chemicals and endocrine disruptors, both human-made and naturally occurring. Susceptibility to toxic overload varies person-to-person, and can be affected by a variety of factors including: Genetics Environment Diet Liver and kidney health Microbiome composition and diversity Age Adiposity Gender Lifestyle Immune system capacity Screening patients with multiple chronic inflammatory symptoms, resistance to weight loss, and signs of excessive total toxic load is important to detecting unknown chemical exposure to daily products, foods, and environment Screening for Environmental Toxins can aid practitioners in uncovering true root causes of toxicity from common environmental sources and provide a clear roadmap to detoxification and healing In order to assess the most comprehensive potential for total toxic load, consider running Environmental Toxins with a Vibrant Heavy Metals, Mycotoxins, or Food Additives panels

The Vibrant Heavy Metals test is a urine-based test to screen for 20 of the most common heavy metals known to accumulate and cause adverse health effects in the human body. This test can be taken either provoked or non-provoked. - Heavy metal toxicity is under-represented as a root cause of illness and disease in humans, is thought to affect over 1 million individuals annually, and can affect virtually all biological systems within the human body - Heavy metals may be the root cause of common neurological disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune diseases, and disorders associated with increased oxidative stress and cellular dysfunction - Due to the ability of many heavy metals to deplete critical nutrients such as antioxidants and minerals, the Vibrant Heavy Metals test should be run alongside a Vibrant Micronutrient panel, to assess both intra- and extracellular levels of commonly affected nutrients - Populations at greater risk of heavy metal toxicity include developing fetuses, children, and the immunocompromised, as well as individuals with impaired liver function and reduced antioxidant activity - Heavy metals are present in all regions of the United States, and can accumulate in air, soil, and drinking or ground water sources in and around concentrated sources of heavy metals from industrial production or pollution - Some professions and hobbies are at greater risk of heavy metal toxicity, including fuel, munitions, painting, rubber manufacturing, industrial smelting, mining, photographic processing, agriculture, semiconductors, welding, and waste or radioactive waste disposal sites - The World Health Organization (WHO) considers 13 heavy metals of significance to human and environmental health: arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, tin, and titanium, however, there are other metals and metalloids that may be significant causes of health problems in humans.

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.

The Vibrant Mycotoxins test is a urine-based assay for 31 of the most common mycotoxins produced by molds to which humans are exposed. Individuals most at risk for mycotoxin exposure include those who live or work in older buildings, those who have known exposure to water-damaged buildings, and those with impaired immune responses or higher levels of oxidative stress. Mycotoxins complicate human health in a number of ways and their presence in the human body can lead to a number of serious health concerns, including autoimmune disease and cancer. There may be higher incidence of autoimmune or neurological symptoms in your patients with mycotoxin toxicity. Consider screening for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, connective tissue disorders, celiac disease, and neurological autoimmunity along with mycotoxin testing. Treatment of mycotoxin exposure should include a holistic approach to eradicate the mold from the individual, thorough and professional removal of mold from environmental sources, and continued testing to monitor reductions in mycotoxin levels post-intervention. Due to the common co-occurrence of Lyme and mycotoxin exposure from depressed immunity in affected individuals, as well as symptom overlap between tickborne diseases and mycotoxins, consider running the Vibrant Tickborne Diseases panel along with the Vibrant Mycotoxins test.

The Total Immunoglobulins panel measures four major antibody classes—IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE—to provide a comprehensive overview of immune system activity and balance. These antibodies play distinct but complementary roles in infection defense, immune memory, mucosal protection, and allergic responses. Evaluating immunoglobulin levels helps identify immune deficiencies, chronic or recurrent infections, autoimmune conditions, allergic disease, and abnormal immune activation. This panel is particularly useful for individuals experiencing frequent infections, unexplained inflammation, allergy-related symptoms, or those undergoing immunosuppressive or immune-modulating therapies. IgG (Immunoglobulin G) What it measures IgG is the most abundant antibody in the bloodstream and is central to long-term immune protection. It is produced after initial exposure to an infection and remains in circulation to provide immune memory and lasting defense. High IgG levels may indicate Chronic or persistent infections (e.g., hepatitis, HIV) Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) Chronic immune activation Plasma cell disorders (e.g., multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathies) Low IgG levels may indicate Primary or secondary immunodeficiency (e.g., Common Variable Immunodeficiency) Reduced immune resilience Malnutrition or impaired protein synthesis Protein-losing conditions (e.g., nephrotic syndrome) Why it matters Low IgG levels are associated with increased susceptibility to infections, while elevated IgG can signal ongoing immune stimulation, autoimmune activity, or hematologic disease. IgA (Immunoglobulin A) What it measures IgA is the primary antibody found in mucosal tissues and secretions, including the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, saliva, and breast milk. It plays a critical role in defending against pathogens at entry points into the body. High IgA levels may indicate Chronic liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis) Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) Autoimmune conditions (e.g., celiac disease, lupus) Chronic mucosal immune activation Low IgA levels may indicate Selective IgA deficiency (the most common primary immunodeficiency) Increased vulnerability to respiratory and gastrointestinal infections Food sensitivities or gut barrier dysfunction in some individuals Why it matters Abnormal IgA levels can impair mucosal immune defense and are often linked to gut, respiratory, or autoimmune conditions. IgM (Immunoglobulin M) What it measures IgM is the first antibody produced during an initial immune response. It serves as an early defense against infections before more specialized antibodies, such as IgG, are generated. High IgM levels may indicate Acute or recent infections Early-stage immune responses Certain autoimmune conditions (e.g., primary biliary cholangitis) Plasma cell disorders (e.g., Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia) Low IgM levels may indicate Immunodeficiency Bone marrow suppression Genetic immune disorders Why it matters IgM helps distinguish early or active immune responses from long-standing or resolved infections and provides insight into immune system responsiveness. IgE (Immunoglobulin E) What it measures IgE is involved in allergic reactions and parasitic defense. It binds to allergens and triggers the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells and basophils. High IgE levels may indicate Allergic conditions (e.g., food allergies, pollen, dust mites) Asthma Eczema or atopic dermatitis Parasitic infections Low IgE levels Low IgE is generally not clinically significant on its own but may be interpreted in the context of other immune markers. Why it matters Elevated IgE is a key marker of allergic disease and can help guide evaluation and management of asthma, eczema, and hypersensitivity reactions. Clinical Value of the Panel Together, IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE provide a broad and integrated view of immune function, helping clinicians and individuals understand immune strength, immune regulation, and potential sources of dysfunction. Interpreting these markers collectively—rather than in isolation—offers deeper insight into immune health and disease risk.

Vibrant America is a leading science and technology company delivering laboratory services.