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, scientifically known as Pantothenic Acid, is a crucial nutrient whose levels are often measured in blood panels to assess overall health and nutritional status. As an essential component of coenzyme A, Vitamin B5 is fundamental in various metabolic processes, including the synthesis and breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This makes it vital for energy production and the proper functioning of several bodily systems. The presence of adequate Vitamin B5 levels in a blood panel is indicative of good health, as it supports adrenal function, aids in the production of red blood cells, and is essential for synthesizing cholesterol and certain hormones.

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 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 is a water-soluble vitamin involved in energy production, synthesis of hemoglobin, serotonin, dopamine, and amino acids, and other enzymatic reactions in the body. 

Vitamin B6 is needed to metabolize proteins and is important for a healthy immune system, nerves, bones and arteries. Vitamin B6 is a complex of three similar molecules: Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal and Pyridoxamine. All are present in foods and converted into to pyridoxal-5- phosphate, the most active coenzyme form. The primary functions of vitamin B6 are in protein metabolism, transferring amino acid and sulfur groups. Roles in synthesis of heme (for hemoglobin), niacin, neurotransmitters, connective tissues, eicosanoids, and sphingolipids in nerve sheaths are also essential. Vitamin B6 also participates in the utilization of glycogen and immune function.

The Vitamin B6 (Plasma) marker on a blood panel is an essential indicator of nutritional and metabolic health, reflecting the levels of Pyridoxine in the body. Vitamin B6 is crucial in numerous biochemical reactions, particularly in amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hemoglobin formation. It plays a significant role in cognitive development, immune function, and the regulation of mood, owing to its involvement in creating important neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Adequate levels of Vitamin B6 in the blood are indicative of good dietary intake and proper absorption, as the vitamin is found in a variety of foods, including poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, and bananas.

Vitamin B7, or biotin, is an essential nutrient with diverse roles in energy metabolism, gene regulation, and maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. Though deficiency is rare, testing for biotin levels can be useful in certain clinical contexts, particularly when symptoms suggest a metabolic or nutritional imbalance. Awareness of biotin supplementation is crucial, especially for patients undergoing lab testing, to prevent test interference.

Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, is a crucial water-soluble vitamin that plays a significant role in various metabolic processes, particularly in supporting skin, hair, and nail health. In the context of an adult gut health test, Vitamin B7 serves as a marker that can offer insights into digestive health, nutrient absorption, and microbial balance in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Folate belongs to the B vitamin family and is used for healthy cell development.  Folate is water-soluble and is expelled daily in urine. For this reason, it is important that our diets have enough folate in them to make up for the loss. Deficiency can easily be caused by conditions that impair absorption in the digestive tract. 

Folate refers to the many forms of vitamin B-9. These include folic acid, dihydrofolate (DHF), tetrahydrofolate (THF), and more. The body uses B vitamins to create new cells.

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate. Food manufacturers add it to many products because it does not occur naturally. Bread, pasta, rice, and breakfast cereals tend to contain added folic acid.

Folate Reference Ranges (ng/mL):

• Normal: >5.38
• Borderline Deficient: 3.38–5.38
• Deficient: 0.35–3.37
• Excessive: >24.00

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that functions in immunity, the synthesis of collagen and neurotransmitters, and protein metabolism. It’s an antioxidant that slows down aging. Deficiency is called scurvy.

Vitamin C is required for several metabolic functions in the body. One of its major roles is in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the main structural proteins of skin, cartilage and blood vessels.

It is also necessary in the production of several stress response hormones including adrenalin, noradrenalin, cortisol and histamine, and it is required in the synthesis of carnitine, an amino acid that facilitates the conversion of fatty acids into energy within the mitochondria.

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 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.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin in a family of compounds that includes vitamins D1, D2, and D3.

Vitamin D is both a nutrient we eat and a hormone our bodies make. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that has long been known to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus; both are critical for building bone.

Also, laboratory studies show that vitamin D can: 

- reduce cancer cell growth,

- help control infections

- and reduce inflammation.

Many of the body’s organs and tissues have receptors for vitamin D, which suggest important roles beyond bone health, and scientists are actively investigating other possible functions.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and maintain strong bones throughout your entire life.

Vitamin D must go through several processes in your body before your body can use it. The first transformation occurs in the liver. Here, your body converts vitamin D to a chemical known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D, also called calcidiol.

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 D is the principle regulator of calcium homeostasis in the body. It is essential for skeletal development and bone mineralization. Vitamin D is a prohormone with no hormone activity. It is converted to a molecule that has biological activity. The active form of the vitamin is 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, usually referred to as vitamin D3. It is synthesized in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol via photochemical reactions requiring UV light (sunlight). Inadequate exposure to sunlight contributes to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency in adults can lead to osteoporosis. This results from a compensatory increase in the production of parathyroid hormone resulting in bone resorption. Increasing evidence is accumulating that vitamin D may also contribute to antioxidant function by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The mechanism of the antioxidant effect is unknown. Vitamin D is also needed for adequate blood levels of insulin. Vitamin D receptors have been identified in the pancreas.