Nutritional deficiencies can play a significant role in various health conditions. The Standard American Diet (SAD) often falls short of supporting optimal health, with 31% of the population at risk of at least one vitamin deficiency and 60% dealing with a chronic illness. The causes of chronic diseases are multifactorial, but nutrition can be a key factor.
Nutritional testing is a valuable tool for doctors to better understand complex patient histories. Specialty tests can provide insights into potential causes of health issues and symptoms, guiding dietary and supplement recommendations while assessing health risks.
Genova Diagnostics offers a comprehensive nutritional analysis called NutrEval, which utilizes various testing methods to provide in-depth insights. This article explores NutrEval Plasma and NutrEval FMV, explaining their purpose and how functional doctors use them.
What is the NutrEval Test?
The NutrEval by Genova Diagnostics is their most thorough nutritional assessment, analyzing organic acids, oxidative stress, amino acids, fatty acids, micronutrients, and toxic elements. It evaluates over 125 biomarkers from blood and urine to offer a detailed look at the body’s biochemical and metabolic functions, helping identify potential nutritional deficiencies and imbalances.
Key features of the NutrEval report include:
- Functional Imbalance Scoring: Highlights areas like oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, fatty acid balance, and toxin exposure, guiding treatment recommendations.
- Nutrient Need Overview: Identifies nutritional insufficiencies and provides personalized suggestions for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and digestive support.
- Interpretation-at-a-Glance: Offers educational guidance on nutrient deficiencies and how to meet health goals through dietary changes.
- Graphics: Visual aids help make complex biochemical data easier to understand.
What Does the NutrEval Plasma Test Measure?
NutrEval tests both blood and urinary biomarkers across several metabolic areas, including:
- Organic Acids: These urinary byproducts offer insights into gut health, energy production, nutritional status, toxin load, and detoxification.
- Oxidative Stress: Measures the body’s oxidative balance, which, when disrupted, can contribute to chronic diseases.
- Amino Acids: Essential for protein synthesis, energy, immune function, and more, amino acid analysis provides a look into dietary protein intake and metabolic health.
- Fatty Acids: Measured over 90-120 days, fatty acid analysis includes omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, and saturated fats, with an Omega-3 Index used to assess cardiovascular health.
- Nutrient and Toxic Elements: Analyzes levels of essential minerals like copper and zinc, as well as toxic elements like lead and mercury, which reflect recent exposures.
NutrEval FMV vs. NutrEval Plasma
Both tests measure amino acids, but the NutrEval FMV (First Morning Void) uses urine samples, measuring 40 amino acid analytes, while NutrEval Plasma uses blood samples to measure 36 analytes. The choice between the two depends on clinical concerns and dietary habits, with plasma reflecting protein intake over three weeks and urine reflecting recent dietary protein intake from the last 48-72 hours.
When to Consider the NutrEval Test
NutrEval offers valuable insights into micronutrient and macronutrient status, making it useful for assessing conditions like:
- Mood disorders
- Cardiovascular health
- Metabolic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes
- Chronic fatigue
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Nutritional imbalances related to disordered eating
It can also be used to guide dietary plans for healthy aging, athletic performance, and general well-being.
How to Use the NutrEval Test in Clinic
NutrEval can be ordered for patients over two years old. The results help doctors recommend dietary, lifestyle, and supplement changes to support nutritional and metabolic health. Proper patient preparation is key to ensuring accurate results, including fasting overnight and collecting a first-morning urine sample.
In some cases, additional testing like a Methylation Panel, GI Effects Profile, or Cardio Check may be warranted based on NutrEval results. For monitoring, a repeat test every 3-4 months is recommended for the most accurate assessment of progress.
Summary
NutrEval provides a comprehensive look at nutritional status on a cellular level, offering a valuable tool for addressing a wide range of health concerns. With clear scoring systems, personalized recommendations, and user-friendly visuals, it simplifies the process of interpreting complex biochemical data and supporting overall health.
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