Nutrient status is a vital foundation of health. Each micronutrient plays an indispensable role in promoting optimal cell function. When some cells do not function at their best, the foundation of our health is compromised, setting the stage for the development of disease. Identifying and correcting nutritional deficiencies is an important step in the long-term maintenance of optimal health.
Vitamin deficiencies aren’t just a reflection of diet. Since we are all biochemically unique, nutrient deficiencies will vary from patient to patient, and do not necessarily correlate directly with nutrient intake, even among those with similar health conditions. Many factors beyond diet determine whether nutrient function is adequate. These include biochemical individuality, genetic predisposition, absorption and metabolism, age, disease conditions and medications.
Testing can be repeated weekly to increase the certainty of an accurate assessment, which then allows the practitioner to develop and prioritize nutrition and supplement programs and strategies. Testing can also be done less frequently for periodic body composition measurements.
A Complete Lipid Profile is a detailed measure of the fats in your blood. It consists of measuring your total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and calculating your LDL cholesterol. NCEP (National Cholesterol Education Program) ATP III Guidelines recommend a complete lipid profile as the initial test and testing every 6 weeks until lipid goals are met and every 4-6 months thereafter.
ALT and AST are enzymes that are measured to determine the function of your liver. Your AST and ALT levels will need to be monitored to assess the potential side effects of cholesterol, diabetes and other drug therapies.
Hemoglobin A1c reflects the average blood sugar levels (blood glucose concentration) over the past 2-3 months. It indicates how well blood sugar levels are being controlled. These A1c values are not subject to the fluctuations that are seen with daily blood glucose monitoring and are used as a measure of long-term glycemic control.
Zinc Tally Test A Zinc Tally test is a simple screening method for evaluating zinc status. Sufficient Zinc stores are important for adequate immune system function & healing processes.
The Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Assessment gives an accurate read of how your body utilizes energy, instead of just an estimate. The 10-15 minute assessment is performed while you rest comfortably in a chair. With a mask surrounding your face, you breathe into the testing device, which measures the amount of oxygen going into your body and the amount of carbon dioxide being expelled from your body while it is at rest. The readings accurately determine how your body burns fat and carbohydrates and to establish your resting caloric needs—the precise number of calories your body needs to maintain its basic functions. By assessing your daily energy expenditure, you are then able to determine the most effective fitness and weight management program for you.
VO2 max is the maximum capacity to transport and utilize oxygen during incremental exercise. It is also known as aerobic capacity, which reflects the physical fitness of a person. Accurately measuring VO2 max involves a physical effort sufficient in duration and intensity to fully tax the aerobic energy system. In general clinical and athletic testing, this usually involves a graded exercise test in which exercise intensity is progressively increased while measuring ventilation and oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration of the inhaled and exhaled air. VO2 max is reached when oxygen consumption remains at a steady state despite an increase in workload. Theoretically, the more oxygen you can use during high level exercise, the more ATP (energy) you can produce and increases fat utilization. By assessing your VO2 max, you are then able to determine the most effective weight management, cardiovascular fitness, and aerobic endurance program.
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