Decoding Micronutrients: What is a Micronutrient Test?
If you are like most people, you probably think of vitamins and minerals as something you need to take care of your health but are unsure how to examine the ones you need. That’s where the micronutrient test comes in.
The micronutrient test is a great way to provide you with additional and informed insights about the level of certain nutrients in your body. These tests can be beneficial to medical professionals as another tool to best serve their clients, but also to individuals that are looking for more in-depth details about their lifestyles and the impact their nutrient status has on their overall health.
Nutrient deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients are becoming more common amongst all populations. The CDC says, “Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anemia which is defined as low hemoglobin concentration. Anemia affects 40% of children younger than five years of age and 30% of pregnant women globally.”
A great way to counter the rise of vitamin and mineral deficiencies is through increased education and awareness of the role micronutrients have in the functioning of the human body.
Understanding micronutrients in HD (High Definition)
Routine or standard blood tests are not easily accessible as they need to be ordered by a medical professional. They are also not easily customizable as they are used for clinical purposes, and the pathologist’s reports that accompany the results are not easily understood. Micronutrient or nutrient tests are an excellent option for those looking to gain insights that they would not be able to without a visit to a general practitioner or those healthcare professionals looking for quick and practical insights for their clients.
Although macronutrients (fat, protein, carbohydrates) are needed in larger quantities, micronutrients are just as crucial to the proper functioning of the human body. Micronutrients are vital for immune function, brain development, growth, and other essential functions and chemical mechanisms that are required by the body.
Micronutrients are grouped into vitamins and minerals. These two groups are then further categorized into four categories:
- Water-soluble vitamins: These vitamins are dissolvable in water and are not readily (easily) stored in the body. When consumed in excess, the body gets rid of what it doesn’t need by flushing them out with urine.
- Most B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12).
- Vitamin C.
- Fat-soluble vitamins: These vitamins don’t dissolve in water. The body stores these vitamins in the liver and fatty tissue for later use.
- Vitamin A is essential for proper organ and vision function.
- Vitamin D assists in calcium absorption and bone growth and plays a role in immune function.
- Vitamin E plays a role in immune function and acts as antioxidant-protecting cells from damage.
- Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone development.
- Macrominerals: These minerals are needed in more significant amounts than trace minerals. They perform specific roles in metabolism and other mechanisms in the body.
- Calcium is essential for the structure and function of teeth and bones; it also plays a role in blood vessel contraction and muscle function.
- Phosphorus has a role in bone and cell membrane structure.
- Magnesium plays a role in over 300 enzyme reactions.
- Sodium plays a role in the maintenance of blood pressure and fluid balance.
- Chloride helps maintain fluid balance.
- Potassium has a role in the maintenance of fluid status in cells, as well as functioning to help muscle function and nerve transmission.
- Sulfur is an essential part of every living tissue that is found in amino acids cysteine and methionine.
- Trace minerals: These are needed in smaller amounts and play essential roles in the body’s functions.
- Iron helps provide oxygen to muscles.
- Manganese plays a role in amino acid, carbohydrate, and cholesterol metabolism.
- Zinc is essential for wound healing, immune function, and normal growth.
There are over 30 different types of vitamins and minerals that humans need to consume regularly.
Meet the next generation of testing to fill health gaps
Although traditional blood tests are highly sensitive, they can be inconvenient as they are required to be ordered by a medical professional and require a minimally invasive procedure (needle). The wait time to see a GP may take a couple of days or weeks, depending on the urgency or the healthcare system. Micronutrient or nutrient tests are becoming more appealing to individuals and healthcare professionals, as they are easily accessible, customizable, and do not require authorization from a GP. Thus, making nonclinical information available to the average individual with detailed feedback.
Micronutrient test kits can be used to identify common health gaps such as:
- Fatigue
- Sleep disorders
- Mood disorders
- Lack of concentration
- Weakened immunity
- Brittle hair, etc.
Is a micronutrient test worth it?
Everything in life is an investment. The more time and money spent, the more likely we gain value. The good news is micronutrient tests are not the same. These tests gain the same value without tons of time and money invested. How so?
Our bodies prosper when we receive the right amount of intended care – micronutrient tests contribute by revealing to us undisclosed health and wellness gaps that can be fixed and allow our body to be in good shape. Micronutrient testing kits are delivered straight to your doorstep and provide you with complete laboratory analysis to provide information on how your nutritional habits affect your overall wellness.
A micronutrient test is worth the cost and process if you want:
- To change your lifestyle. Whether mentally or physically, you may be in the market for a lifestyle change. The only problem is if you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, your body may not want the same. With micronutrient testing, you could adapt your body to transform and change your lifestyle.
- A long-term overlook. Micronutrient testing can be used by individuals that know they are at risk for nutrient deficiencies due to chronic conditions, pregnancy, etc., to ensure that their overall health or nutrient requirements are met and looked after.
- High performance. Perhaps you are a high-performing athlete or work a physically demanding job. Maybe, you want to be high-performing in other aspects, such as mental awareness in your pressuring job; micronutrient tests can help discover methods to improve your mental focus.
So, is a micronutrient test worth it? Short answer: Yes. Because your entire health and wellness are valuable, and anything to contribute is worth it.
Skip the hassle and fill your health and wellness gaps with Biostarks!
Believe it or not, even if you exercise and consume your five-a-day by eating the colors of the rainbow in fruits and vegetables, you may still have micronutrient deficiencies. This could be to lifestyle habits, underlying conditions, or shortfalls in nutritional habits. That’s why health professionals seek ways to optimize and optimize their fill patients’ health and wellness gaps.
At Biostarks, we made testing a simple process. We fill these gaps by providing an easy, efficient, and affordable process for micronutrient testing.
You can test in the comfort of your home with our easily accessible testing kits, so you can skip the hassle and make informed lifestyle decisions to achieve optimal micronutrient intake.