What does a Micronutrient Profile tell me?
Micronutrients are substances required in small amounts that are essential to our health, development and growth. They are often referred to vitamins and minerals, which cannot be produced in human body and are obtained from a wide variety of food and supplements.
Micronutrients play an important role in metabolism, maintenance of tissue function, optimising health and prevention or treatment of disease. An adequate intake of micronutrients is necessary, but the excess supplementation may be harmful. Therefore, accurate assessment of micronutrient status in our bodies is very important.
These special lab tests will be utilized to evaluate either a person has any nutrient deficiencies or imbalance. It gives one a better understanding of own body and make healthier lifestyle choices, dietary adjustments and customizing nutritional supplements.
What can I expect to get?
Here is an example of how the results typically look and the level of detail provided. Based on these results, the doctor will create a plan to address any gaps including nutritional plans, personalised supplements and/or IV therapies where suggested.
References
- Combs, G. F., McClung, J. P. (2022). "The Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health, 6th edition." Academic Press, ISBN: 9780323903813
https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780323903813/the-vitamins - Bailey, R. L., West, K. P., Black, R. E. (2015). "The Epidemiology of Global Micronutrient Deficiencies." Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 66(Suppl 2), 22–33
https://doi.org/10.1159/000371618 - Calder, P. C., Carr, A. C., Gombart, A. F., Eggersdorfer, M. (2020). "Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections." Nutrients, 12(4), 1181
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041181 - Drake, V. J., Frei, B., et al. — Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. "Micronutrient Information Center."
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic - World Health Organization (2024). "Micronutrients — Health Topics."
https://www.who.int/health-topics/micronutrients