Healthy eating equals a healthy life. However, only half of Americans consume a healthy diet, according to their own testimony. The other half is at risk of micronutrient deficiency, among many different dietary problems that can affect their health and quality of life. 

Micronutrient testing helps establish where you’re lacking in your diet regarding micronutrients and enables you to mitigate the deficiencies to deal with underlying health problems that may arise from it. These include anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, a weak immune system, fatigue, and heart and blood pressure irregularities.

So, is micronutrient testing the missing key to your health puzzle? Let’s find out.

What Are Micronutrients?

Micronutrients are minerals and vitamins your body requires in small quantities for normal cognitive function, metabolism, bone and skin health, hormone production, growth and physical well-being, and immune response. 

The most common micronutrients the body needs include Vitamins A, D, E, K, C, and B-complex and trace minerals such as sodium, selenium, copper, iodine, zinc, and fluoride. These micronutrients are critical in converting macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, water, and fats, into blood tissue and energy. 

Despite eating a balanced diet, your body might still fail to absorb the necessary micronutrients, leading to deficiencies. Not all food you consume is nutrient-rich. Storage time, soil quality, and processing can all affect the number of micronutrients in your diet. 

According to data, about 1 billion people globally have vitamin D deficiency, and 50% of the population has vitamin D insufficiency. 

More data shows that 9 out of 10 Americans have potassium deficiency, 7 out of 10 have calcium deficiency, 8 out of 10 have vitamin E deficiency, and 50% of the American population has vitamin A, C, and magnesium deficiencies. 

What is Micronutrient Testing?

Micronutrient deficiencies are easily reversible or avoidable if we know the nutrients our bodies are missing. That’s the essence of micronutrient testing. Since micronutrients work at a cellular level, only laboratory equipment can accurately tell the actual levels.

There are various types of micronutrient tests used to assess micronutrient levels. Most tests require a blood sample, though a urine sample may be needed in rare cases. 

The following are the most common types of micronutrient testing:

• Comprehensive metabolic panel – This test measures 14 different substances in your blood. These include calcium, blood sugar levels, sodium, and several protein-based compounds.
• Organic acids test – This test uses urine to assess the concentration of metabolites and organic compounds in urine. 
• Complete blood count – This test measures the different features of the blood, such as red blood cell size and count. It will also typically include platelets and white blood cells. Abnormalities in cell count or cell structure may indicate micronutrient deficiency. 
• At-home test kits – This test includes a lancet, a small, sharp medical device, to prick your finger and draw a blood sample that is dropped off at a lab for testing.
• Specialized micronutrient tests – Each lab can implement a unique version of micronutrient testing to analyze over 30 organic compounds and micronutrients in the blood.

Micronutrient tests are often not covered by most health insurance policies. As out-of-pocket costs can be expensive, consult your insurance provider about the financial implications. 

Why You Should Know Your Micronutrient Status

Knowing your micronutrient levels helps you take corrective action and prevent potentially worse health issues due to micronutrient deficiency. Mental health issues can arise from low levels of vitamin D, Zinc, B12 and thyroid hormone.

Some people might enjoy more benefits from micronutrient testing than others. For instance, individuals at high risk of nutritional deficiencies or those with above-average nutrient requirements, such as people recovering from surgery and pregnant women, will benefit more. For those suffering from mental health disorders, micronutrient testing is a great start to see if supplements can reverse symptoms.

People on a specialized diet also have to monitor their micronutrient levels closely. This includes vegans (whose diet tends to be naturally low on B12 – which was once abundant in the soil, but no longer is and is now fed to livestock) and other groups of people whose diet eliminates entire food groups. 

Consult a Professional

Knowing your micronutrient status is an excellent way of keeping tabs on your mental health and indulging in a healthy diet. Sufficient micronutrient levels reduce the risk of contracting or worsening various diseases and health conditions. Contact the Ketamine & Wellness Clinic of South Florida today and learn how you can get tested.