08 Jan What Does a Micronutrient Test Include?

Part of managing our health means being aware of what we put into our bodies. To function properly, our bodies need a sufficient amount of micronutrients. We get many of these micronutrients from what we eat daily, but having too much or too little of these nutrients can have negative health consequences. That’s why it’s important to get tested if you experience a change in your health, as it could be a sign of a problem with your micronutrient levels.

This post will discuss how micronutrients impact the body, what signs of low micronutrients look like, and what a micronutrient test may include.

Understanding micronutrients

Even if you aren’t familiar with the term micronutrient or what a micronutrient blood test is, you’ve likely heard of most of them already. Micronutrients are the vitamins, minerals, and other substances our bodies need to function properly. These include vitamin C, iron, B-complex vitamins, and many more.

The levels of micronutrients in our bodies impacts our health in different ways. For instance, not having enough calcium makes it difficult for our bodies to produce healthy bones and can make it easier to become injured. Vitamins like B12 promote immune health and help protect us from disease; a deficiency can mean that we are more prone to illness. As such, too much or too little of even one micronutrient can have major consequences.

Some symptoms, such as fatigue, can coincide with multiple imbalances. For this reason, if your doctor orders a micronutrient test panel, they will typically test for several different types to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

Common Micronutrient Deficiencies

Because of our diets and certain other factors, some micronutrient deficiencies are more common than others. Understanding these deficiencies and how they affect the body is beneficial so that you can talk with your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Vitamin D

Along with calcium, the body uses vitamin D to grow new bone tissue. Without enough vitamin D, the bones become thinner and weaker, and the risk of a broken bone or another type of injury increases.

The primary natural source of vitamin D is sunlight.

However, many struggle to get enough sunlight to meet their daily requirements, especially during winter months. A healthy supply of vitamin D in your diet can lead to a vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency is less common than vitamin D deficiency because it is widely available in food. However, the importance of this nutrient cannot be overstated. B12 is responsible for creating new red blood cells and DNA, and also helps support our immune system and our recovery response.

B12 deficiency can be caused by many health disorders, such as gastrointestinal problems, Crohn’s disease, and immune diseases like Lupus.

Iron

Low iron levels can cause iron deficiency anemia, a condition where your body cannot produce enough healthy blood cells to function normally. Iron is necessary to create hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your cells, muscles, and tissues.

From heavy menstrual bleeding to genetic conditions, there are many potential causes of low iron levels. Symptoms of low iron are most commonly characterized by fatigue and weakness, cold hands and feet, and pale skin.

What is micronutrient toxicity?

Vitamin toxicity occurs when a person has too much of a particular nutrient. Some examples include Vitamin A toxicity, which affects the skin and causes reddening, itching, peeling, and in extreme cases, migraines, coma, and death.

Hemochromatosis is another type of micronutrient toxicity in which the body has too much iron. Symptoms of excess iron typically affect the organs, including the heart, pancreas, and liver. Without treatment, this condition can cause complete organ failure and death.

How does a micronutrient test work?

Micronutrient testing is the best way to determine if you have a deficiency or an excess of a particular nutrient. Unlike standard blood tests, micronutrient tests look for specific substances in your blood or serum instead of taking a blood count.

DIY at home micronutrient testing allows you to check your nutrient levels for various vitamins, minerals, and other key substances. Micronutrient testing at home is a great way to get a general idea of your micronutrient levels. If you experience symptoms, remember to talk with your doctor and allow them to test you to make a formal diagnosis and recommend treatment.

Final Thoughts

Micronutrients are an important part of our overall health. Ensuring we get enough of the things we need is the best way to stay healthy. If you experience a sudden change in health, it could signify that one of your micronutrients is too high or too low. Getting tested can help you prevent serious health problems. Talk with your doctor today about how micronutrient testing can benefit you.

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