There is overwhelming evidence that our nutritional status affects our physical and mental health and ultimately our quality of life. Nutrient deficiencies are associated with cognitive disorders, accelerated aging, inflammation, and chronic disease.

However, avoiding deficiencies and determining the optimal levels of nutrients needed to feel our best has become increasingly complex.

Eating a healthy diet is a good place to start, but there are many other factors to consider. Your gut health, genetics, medications, age, gender and lifestyle (to name a few) can affect your nutritional status and/or requirements. Here’s a few examples:

GUT HEALTH

• A significant portion (23-35%) of the population doesn’t produce enough stomach acid, a condition called hypochlorhydria. Stomach acid is essential for digestion and assimilation of nutrients. It is particularly important for protein digestion and uptake of vitamin B-12. Other deficiencies linked to low stomach acid include Vitamin A, Vitamin D, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

• Dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) can affect some B-Vitamin production as intestinal bacteria synthesize biotin, vitamin B12 and thiamine.

• Celiac, Chrohn’s and other diseases that damage the lining of the intestine can negatively affect nutrient absorption.

GENETICS

• Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can contribute to Vitamin D insufficiency.

• A polymorphism in the MTHFR gene alters folate metabolism which increases the need for additional folate or methylfolate intake.

Medications

• Cholesterol lowering drugs called statins can inhibit the production of CoQ10, an antioxidant that is involved in energy production within cells.

• Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) used for acid reflux and heartburn reduce stomach acid which is necessary for B-12 absorption. PPIs can also lower calcium, magnesium and other nutrients.

• Blood pressure lowering diuretics can reduce potassium, magnesium and calcium levels.

Age

• Mild vitamin deficiencies are very common among seniors, and particularly so among frail and institutionalized elderly who, for many reasons, do not eat a healthy diet.

• Loss of gastric Intrinsic factor (required for B12 absorption) and low stomach acid or GI infection (H pylori) is extremely common in elderly populations and all disrupt nutrient absorption.

• As we age, the likelihood of taking medications for chronic health condition increases. As mentioned above, many of these medications can deplete nutrients or inhibit their absorption.

• At the other end of the spectrum, the two most common deficiencies in healthy growing children are Vitamin D and iron with Zinc and Calcium not far behind. The reasons for inadequate amounts of these nutrients include “picky eaters,” poor diets, lactose intolerance (iron,calcium, zinc), or dark skin/inadequate sunlight exposure (vitamin D).

Gender

• In many cases, women have higher vitamin and mineral needs than men, especially during childbearing years. Sufficient intake of calcium, iron, and folic acid are of special importance to women.

• What’s good for the goose is not always good for the gander. Too much calcium (more than 2,000 mg per day) may be harmful to men as it has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. High consumption of calcium from dairy products increased a man’s risk by up to 37%.

Lifestyle

• Excessive physical activity, smoking, alcohol, sedentary habits and physical, emotional, and environmental stressors all impact micronutrient status and demands.

So, how do you know if you’re getting enough nutrients from your diet?

This is where functional medicine with its focus on bio-individuality really shines. Functional lab work and other diagnostic tools can help you optimize your diet and supplements (if needed) to ensure you are giving your body what it needs.

Micronutrient Lab Tests

The only true functional lab assessment for micronutrient levels was developed by SpectraCell Laboratories. This is not your typical blood test that measures nutrients in fluid outside your cells. SpectraCell’s test looks at the nutrient levels INSIDE your cells – where the magic happens.

This was one of the first tests my Functional Medicine practitioner ordered to investigate the underlying cause of my symptoms. When I received my results, I was floored.  I thought I ate a clean, healthy diet—plus I was taking a multivitamin, fish oil, Vitamin D and a B-complex supplement. But that wasn’t enough.  I was deficient in a few key nutrients and my immune function score was sub-optimal. This and other lab tests helped me optimize my diet and supplements to fill in the gaps.  I repeated the micronutrient lab test after a few months to ensure all nutrient levels were up to par.

Because the SpectraCell test was so instrumental in regaining my health, I offer it to my coaching clients and fellow health hackers. Learn more about SpectraCell Lab’s Micronutrient test and how to order it in this post.