What Is Micronutrient Testing and Who Is It For?

You have your daily routine. You get a fair amount of sleep, make an effort to eat right, pop a multivitamin and get a good workout, but you still feel sluggish and not on your A-game. Where does the problem lie? Perhaps that multivitamin you picked up at the drugstore isn't giving you what your active body needs?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 10 percent of Americans have a nutritional deficiency—naming vitamin B6, iron and vitamin D as the top three deficiencies among men, women and children.

Just when you thought you were doing everything right, you find that you're still depriving your body of essential nutrients even with a good diet and exercise.

This is where micronutrient testing comes in.

Vital nutrition & prevention

A micronutrient test is a simple blood draw carried out at a doctor's office that can analyze up to 31 vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids and metabolites. The results will give a clear picture of which nutrients you may be getting too little or too much of, enabling the doctor to recommend multivitamins and additional supplements for you to take.

Micronutrient testing is often covered by insurance, but without coverage can run between $200 and $450. Many independent labs offer micronutrient testing, but one size does not fit all. It is best to consult your doctor to make sure you are taking the right test for your needs.

The fast-food industry has made it more convenient and cheaper to pick up meals loaded with sugar, sodium and all kinds of chemicals than to look around for a more nutritious meal. Chances are, even the most healthy-looking people in America may not be getting 100 percent of what they need to keep their bodies running at peak efficiency.

It is no mystery why the United States has one of the highest mortality rates in endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases, second only to Australia.

Common nutrient deficiencies

You may not imagine that a nutritional imbalance is to blame when you're feeling lousy. Take a look at some of the most common nutrient deficiencies:

Iron. Low iron is common among women and children—especially if they are vegetarians—and can lead to anemia, fatigue, a weakened immune system and impaired brain function.

Iodine. Iodine is essential for average thyroid hormone production and function. Weakness in iodine can lead to a goiter—an enlarged thyroid gland—and developmental issues in children.

Vitamin D. Even if you live in the Sunshine State, you still may not get the amount of vitamin D your body requires on a daily basis. Low vitamin D can lead to muscle weakness and bone loss. Vitamin D is also essential for vitamin C absorption.

Vitamin B12. A deficiency of vitamin B12 is common among vegetarians, vegans and anyone over 65 years old. Deficiencies can cause blood disorders and impaired brain functions and contribute to arterial damage and blood clots.

Calcium. A calcium deficiency can cause osteoporosis and weakened bones. This deficiency is prevalent in women and older adults.

Vitamin A. This vitamin supports healthy teeth, skin and bones. Deficiency in vitamin A can cause eye damage and blindness.

Magnesium. This mineral is essential for healthy teeth and bones. Low levels of magnesium may lead to symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and heart problems.

Micronutrient testing is easy

A simple blood test is all it takes to get on the right nutritional path, and it's important to make sure you are retested every six months so your doctor can monitor your progress and make changes based on your status.

If your primary care physician does not offer a micronutrient test, you may wish to seek an integrative medicine specialist or a functional medicine doctor.