Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency Testing

How do vitamins and minerals support my health?

You know that you need vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Most people, however, don’t stop to think about how essential these nutrients are to their daily functioning. Each vitamin and mineral play a vital role in normal cell function.

Every day your body produces energy, repairs wounds, maintains your immune system, makes new skin and muscles, and keeps your nerves, heart, and brain continuously working. All these functions and many more depend on an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals.

Failing to get enough nutrients results in a wide range of diseases. Lack of vitamin C makes your connective tissues break down. Without calcium and vitamin D, your bones become weak and brittle. If you lack iron, folate, or vitamin B12, you end up with anemia. A vitamin B12 deficiency also leads to nerve damage.

When might I need vitamin and mineral deficiency testing?

Even if your diet is well balanced and packed with nutrients, you can still have a vitamin and/or mineral deficiency. Your body’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients may not be up to par, a problem that’s normal in people over the age of 50. Your genetics also influence how well your body uses the nutrients you consume.

If your diet isn’t the best or you rely on processed foods, it’s a sure bet that you lack essential nutrients. You can also quickly develop nutrient deficiencies if:

• You’re diagnosed with a chronic health condition
• You engage in intensive athletic training
• You’re constantly stressed or anxious
• You were recently sick or had surgery
• You recently suffered an injury
• You have frequent allergies
• You have recurring infections

In all the above circumstances, your body uses more nutrients than normal, which means your stores are rapidly depleted and must be replenished to prevent a deficiency.

What should I expect from vitamin and mineral deficiency testing?

The team at Woodlands Wellness and Cosmetic Center uses the SpectraCell Laboratories micronutrient test panel to measure your levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They only need to draw a sample of your blood to get detailed information about your nutritional status.

Your provider at Woodlands Wellness and Cosmetic Center isn’t interested in simply meeting the recommended daily allowances. Rather, their goal is to ensure you get the supplementation you need to promote optimal health and wellness.

To learn more about vitamin and mineral deficiency testing, call Woodlands Wellness and Cosmetic Center, or book an appointment online.