Description

Cellular Micronutrient Assay: Comprehensive Immune and Nutrient Status Evaluation

The Cellular Micronutrient Assay is an advanced test that evaluates how your immune cells utilize essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Unlike typical serum nutrient tests, it measures nutrient sufficiency at the cellular level, providing critical insights into hidden deficiencies that can impair immune function, energy production, detoxification, and overall health.

Please note: This test cannot be ordered for patients under 9 years of age.

Biomarkers Included and Their Importance

Amino Acids & Related Nutrients:

  • Arginine: Supports immune health, wound repair, and nitric oxide production for healthy blood flow.
  • Glutamine: A primary fuel for immune cells and gut lining repair; deficiency can compromise immunity and digestive health.
  • Tryptophan: Precursor for neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin, impacting mood and sleep quality.
  • Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine (Branched-Chain Amino Acids): Critical for muscle repair, energy metabolism, and reducing fatigue.
  • Methionine: Supports detox pathways and antioxidant synthesis.

Vitamins:

  • B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9/Folate, B12): Essential for energy production, red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Deficiencies may cause fatigue, anemia, neuropathy, or cognitive issues.
  • Vitamin C & E: Potent antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress and support immune defenses.
  • Vitamin D: Regulates immune response, inflammation, and bone health. Low levels are linked to increased infection risk and autoimmune disorders.
  • Vitamin K (K1, K2-MK4, MK7): Important for blood clotting and cardiovascular wellness.

Minerals & Trace Elements:

  • Magnesium: Involved in over 300 enzyme reactions, vital for muscle and nerve function. Deficiency can cause cramps, fatigue, and anxiety.
  • Zinc: Crucial for immune cell development, wound healing, and hormone regulation.
  • Selenium: Supports antioxidant enzymes and thyroid hormone metabolism.
  • Iron: Key for oxygen transport and energy; low iron causes anemia and fatigue.
  • Copper, Chromium, Manganese, Molybdenum: Trace elements essential for metabolism, antioxidant defenses, and enzyme functions.
  • Iodine: Necessary for thyroid hormone production and metabolic regulation.

Fatty Acids:

  • DHA & EPA: Omega-3 fatty acids important for brain function, cardiovascular health, and controlling inflammation.

Antioxidants & Other Nutrients:

  • Glutathione: The body’s master antioxidant, crucial for detoxification and protecting cells from oxidative damage.
  • Biotin & Pantothenic Acid (B5): Support energy metabolism and maintain healthy skin, hair, and nervous system function.

Fasting and Sample Collection

  • Fasting is recommended for at least 8 hours prior to sample collection to optimize accuracy, especially for amino acid and fatty acid analysis.

Who Should Consider Testing?

  • Individuals experiencing chronic fatigue, low energy, or unexplained weakness.
  • Those with frequent infections, autoimmune conditions, or poor wound healing suggesting compromised immune function.
  • Patients with complex or unexplained symptoms such as brain fog, muscle weakness, digestive complaints, or mood disorders.
  • Athletes and active individuals seeking to optimize performance, recovery, and nutrient balance.
  • People following restrictive diets (vegetarian, vegan) or with malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or IBS.
  • Anyone pursuing personalized nutrition and wellness optimization for prevention and root-cause health strategies.