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Advanced Nutrition Blood Test

Tests Included

Cholesterol Status

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that is found within the blood. After a meal, the body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides. These are then transported to cells where they are stored as fat. Later, the production of hormones can stimulate the release of triglycerides which can be used for energy between meals. The regular overconsumption of greater than those burned may result in hypertriglyceridemia, a condition in which the level of triglycerides are elevated. This can be a risk factor for microvascular disease which affects the tiny blood vessels around the heart.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is an essential body fat (lipid) that is predominantly derived from the foods we consume, though, is also produced by the liver. Cholesterol is an important component of cell membranes and is also a precursor molecule to a variety of essential hormones. Individuals with high levels of cholesterol in the body are at a significantly increased risk for developing heart disease. However, total cholesterol is a sum of both good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol therefore, it is necessary to investigate whether the rise in total cholesterol is caused by a high proportion of HDL or LDL as HDL can in fact exhibit protective effects against heart disease.

HDL Cholesterol

HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as the "good" cholesterol due to its ability to pick up other forms of excess cholesterol present in the blood and transport this back to the liver where it is broken down and removed from the body. Individuals with increased levels of HDL cholesterol have been found to be associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease.

LDL Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) also known as the "bad" cholesterol is responsible for transporting triglycerides, other fats and other cholesterol to a variety of tissues located throughout the body. Excessive amounts of LDL in the body as a result of the overconsumption of certain foods, can result in fatty deposits accumulating on the walls of the artery. This can subsequently result in the development of atherosclerosis and is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Non-HDL Cholesterol

Measurements of Non-HDL cholesterol are important in establishing the total amount of cholesterol present in the blood that serve a non-protective role for the body and are potentially harmful. The value is calculated by subtracting an individuals HDL cholesterol result from the value of total cholesterol. As the value includes a total of all the forms of potentially damaging cholesterol and not just LDL alone, it is considered to be a greater biomarker for cardiovascular risk.

Total/HDL Chol ratio

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. In humans, it acts as a buffer against iron deficiency and iron overload. Plasma ferritin is also an indirect marker of the total amount of iron stored in the body, hence serum ferritin is used as a diagnostic test for iron-deficiency anaemia. Low levels are indicative of anaemia and may be caused by events such as excessive bleeding or lack of iron within the diet. In contrast, elevated ferritin levels could indicate iron overload syndrome or liver damage.

Vitamin D

Interestingly enough, vitamin D is in fact a hormone that is produced by the body and requires exposure to sunlight for activation. In addition. it can be found in certain foods such as egg yolks, fish and fortified dairy and grain products. Vitamin D is an essential component required for maintaining bone strength due to its role in aiding the intestines ability to absorb calcium. Low levels of vitamin D may be associated with secondary low bone mineral density and hyperparathyroidism. Consequently, these patients have a greater risk of suffering fractures and osteoporosis. Other conditions such as rickets and osteocalcin may also develop as a result of continued vitamin D deficiency over a long period of time.

Vitamin B12 - Active

Vitamin B-12 is an important vitamin that is involved in several processes ranging from the production of red blood cells to aiding in the correct functioning of the nervous system. Consequently, prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency can result in anaemia or nerve damage respectively. In contrast, elevated levels of vitamin B12 can be an indication of a liver or blood disorder. The most common cause of raised vitamin B12 is due to over supplementation.

Zinc - Serum

Zinc is a trace element that plays an important role in supporting several processes within the body such as wound healing. It is also a vital component of a healthy immune system. The most common cause for reduced amounts of zinc within the body is typically due to insufficient dietary intake of zinc rich foods including nuts, seeds and pulses. However, zinc deficiency may also be attributed to by underlying a host of underlying medical conditions ranging from diabetes to sickle cell disease. In comparison, elevated zinc may be caused by oversuplementation which can be fatal.

Folate - Serum

Folate is a type of B vitamin that is involved in several processes from the production of red blood cells to the production and repair of DNA. Individuals mainly receive folate from their diet therefore, a lack of folate within the diet can result in folate deficiency. Low levels may also be indicative of anaemia.

Magnesium - Serum

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant essential element found within the body and is a vital component in supporting several key processes including; energy production, DNA creation and repair, muscle contraction and nerve functioning. Significantly raised magnesium in the body (hypermagnesemia) is an event that rarely occurs due to the body's effective strategy in removing excessive amounts from the blood stream via the kidneys. However, when kidney function is impaired patients are at a greater risk of developing hypermagnesemia. In contrast, reduced levels of magnesium may be the result of increased alcohol consumption or decreased consumption of magnesium rich foods such as leafy green vegetables and nuts.

CRP-hs

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a protein that increases in response to inflammation detected within the body - though it cannot be used to identify the exact location of where this inflammation is occurring. On the other hand, high Sensitivity CRP (CRP-hs) is used to detect low-level inflammation and can give more of an indication of the location of the inflammation as this type has been found to be associated with damaged blood vessels. Damage to blood vessels can increase an individuals likelihood of suffering a stroke or heart attack. Therefore, an elevated hs-CRP may be considered a risk factor for cardio-vascular disease.

HbA1c

When glucose attaches itself to the haemoglobin present in your red blood cells it produces glycosylated haemoglobin also known as HbA1c. HbA1c can be used to give an indication of the levels of glucose present in the blood over a three month period as red blood cells only live for around 12 weeks. Measuring HbA1c is one of the most important steps in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. In addition, it also provides a good indication of how well blood sugar levels are being controlled during this period in individuals that may have already been diagnosed with diabetes.

How it works

Collect Sample

We send you an easy-to-use kit to collect your blood sample.

Post Sample

Post your sample to our lab in the prepaid envelope provided.

View Results

View results securely in your own personal dashboard.

About this test

Whether you are suffering from food allergies, chronic illness or simply want to understand the current state of your health, nutritional testing services can provide valuable insights about how the foods you eat are affecting your body.

Nutrition testing can be used to evaluate the levels of these macronutrients and micronutrients in the blood. Test results can be compared to a reference range of normal values, and help doctors diagnose nutritional deficiencies.

Nutritional testing has many uses in functional medicine, such as in assessing blood chemistry, hormone function, gut health, metabolic function, blood sugar regulation, food sensitivities and allergies, organ function and more.

Nutrients play a vital role in almost every physiological process in the body, from metabolism and immunity to digestion and hormone regulation. Over time, nutritional imbalances can lead to symptoms such as weight gain or loss, muscle mass and/or bone density loss, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, poor memory and focus, insomnia and even life-threatening diseases.

Vitamin and nutrition blood tests can detect gluten, mineral, iron, calcium and other deficiencies, telling you which vitamins you lack and which you are getting enough of through natural sources. Don't just take supplements, know how much and which ones you should be taking.

Nutrition is one of the cornerstones of good health. The foods that you eat not only provide nourishment and energy for your body, they also supply macronutrients and micronutrients your organs and body systems need to function properly.

Advanced Nutrition Blood Test - Home finger prick test

£ 69.99