Mercury, abbreviated Hg, comes in inorganic and organic forms. Both are toxic when they accumulate in the body and are associated with serious health problems.

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

This calculated ratio is called the ‘Met/Sulf Balance’ and it compares analytes between the methylation pathway and transsulfuration pathways.

Biomarker levels are compared proportionately allowing potential insight into which of the pathways is being favored.

The four analytes from the main methylation pathway that are used in the Met/Sulf Balance are SAM, SAH, methionine, and homocysteine. The four analytes from the transsulfuration pathway are cystathionine, cysteine, taurine, and glutathione.

Biomarkers:

- SCFA (%)

- Total SCFA's

- n-Butyrate Conc.

- Beta-glucuronidase

Score explanation:

The functional imbalance scores are generated using weighted algorithms that incorporate biomarkers belonging to each functional category. 

0 to 2: This represents a low need for support.

2 to 3: This represents an optional need for support.

4 to 6: This represents moderate need for support.

7 to 10: This represents high need for support.

Therapeutic Support Options: 

Therapeutic support options are static to serve as potential treatment ideas. Clinician discretion is advised when selecting appropriate therapeutics for individual patients.

- Pre-/Probiotics

- Increased Dietary Fiber Intake

- Increase Resistant Starches

- Increase Fermented Foods

- Calcium D-Glucarate (for high beta-glucuronidase)

Metabolized Cortisol is the sum of a-THF, b-THF and b-THE (the most abundant cortisol metabolites).

While free cortisol is the best assessment for tissue levels of cortisol, it only represents 1-3% of the total produced. The majority of cortisol results in a urine metabolite and the total of these metabolites best represents the total glandular output (=from glands) of cortisol for the day.

Metabolized cortisol reflects the total cortisol produced and clearing through the liver, while free-cortisol results tell us how much cortisol is free to bind to receptors and allows for assessment of the circadian rhythm.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone, in the glucocorticoid class of hormones. It is increased in response to stress and low blood-glucose concentration. It functions to increase blood glucose levels through gluconeogenesis, to suppress the immune system, and to aid in the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. It also decreases bone formation. Cortisol prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Metabolized cortisol best reflects total cortisol production.

This test measures the amount of metanephrines in your urine that your body makes over a 24-hour period.

Metanephrines are made when your body breaks down hormones called catecholamines. These hormones are made by the adrenal glands. Catecholamines help your body respond to stress. They are sometimes called "fight or flight" hormones. They also include epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

This test may have been ordered for you if your healthcare provider believes you have a condition called pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. These are rare tumors that make extra amounts of catecholamines. Pheochromocytomas are found in the adrenal glands. Paragangliomas are found outside the adrenal glands.

Metanephrine, a metabolite of epinephrine, is at normally low levels in the plasma. Certain tumors increase the levels and will increase the levels of Metanephrine. The Metanephrine test, when normal, means these tumors are not present.

To help diagnose or rule out a rare tumor of the adrenal gland called a pheochromocytoma or a rare tumor occurring outside the adrenal glands called a paraganglioma; these tumors (PPGL) produce excess hormones called catecholamines, which are broken down to metanephrines.

Metanephrines are made when your body breaks down hormones called catecholamines. These hormones are made by the adrenal glands. Catecholamines help your body respond to stress. They are sometimes called "fight or flight" hormones. They also include epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Utilization of breath methane levels for SIBO assessment is controversial largely due to a lack of validation related to diagnostic specifics such as timing and magnitude of increase; however, CH4 measurements are increasingly obtained to address other clinical questions. Recent evidence has associated CH4 production with the pathogenesis of common clinical conditions, such as obesity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation.

The Methane Dysbiosis Score on a GI Effects panel is an assessment of the likelihood of methane-dominant dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract. Methane production in the gut is primarily attributed to methanogenic archaea, particularly Methanobrevibacter smithii. These organisms thrive in an anaerobic environment and use hydrogen, a byproduct of bacterial fermentation, to produce methane. Elevated methane levels are often associated with a slower transit time in the intestines, contributing to symptoms such as constipation and bloating, as well as potential disruptions in gut motility.

Methanogens convert acetate, ammonia, hydrogen gas, and trimethylamines (TMA) to methane gas. Methane gas also slows the intestinal transit and affects gut motility, which may also allow increased time for nutrient absorption. Furthermore, methane producers compete with acetate producers for substrate utilization, which may explain why methanogens are indirectly associated with digestive issues.

Family of bacteria-like microbes that produce methane. Facilitates carbohydrate fermentation and short-chain fatty acid production by beneficial bacteria. High levels linked to chronic constipation, as well as some types of SIBO and IBS. Low levels may indicate reduced production of short-chain fatty acids and may be associated with inflammation.