Functional Medicine Evaluations

Cellular Micronutrient Testing

I wanted to do the CMA test because I was having a lot of fatigue and was losing muscle mass. I’m so glad that I did that test, because I now know exactly what my deficiencies are. It told me where I can find the nutrients in my diet. I’m also taking supplements to support my body’s ability to heal. My energy levels are starting to improve, and I can’t wait to see my levels again in 9 months when I retest again!

– Real Customer Testimonial

The cost of the test is currently $273

The cost of the visit with the detailed customized review and nutrition plan is $150 and approximately 1 hour.

Which diet is best for me?

It’s impossible to say what the best diet is by only looking at the characteristics of the food; one must foremost consider the characteristics of the person eating the foods.

What does it mean to be deficient in a nutrient?

A nutritional deficiency is defined as an inadequacy of nutrients in cells or tissues, resulting from inadequate dietary intake or altered digestion, absorption, or metabolism.

Nutrient deficiency diseases described in the early 1900s represent the end stage result of prolonged nutrient insufficiency. However, more recent discoveries reveal that years of subclinical nutrient insufficiency (without classic symptoms of deficiency) can cause a less recognizable progression of chronic disease. Insufficiency at the cellular level can be seen without the individual expressing symptoms of overt deficiency or disease. If the need for particular nutrients is not addressed, the insufficiency may progress to early stage disease. Nutrient insufficiencies and deficiencies can lead to chronic disease, a well-established fact. Such consequences can be mitigated or prevented using targeted nutrition support with an individualized food and supplement routine.

We have an abundant food supply, how could we not meet nutrient needs?

The Standard American Diet, which consists of highly processed foods, is inherently calorie rich yet nutrient deficient. Many individuals are NOT consuming the daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and insufficient micronutrient intake has been well documented. Intake of several nutrients falls below 50% of recommended levels in the United States. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) consistently reveal that the U.S. population does not meet recommended intake levels for several nutrients including magnesium, calcium, zinc, vitamins A, B6, C, and D.

Nutrients can become depleted due to growing conditions, harvest timing and methods, prolonged transportation, storage, processing, and cooking. Modern farming techniques have resulted in a decrease in the nutrient content of many foods. Decreased nutrient levels in crops are thought to result from a shift to plants that produce higher yields at the expense of lower nutrient content. Nutrient-depleted soil yields nutrient-depleted crops.
Nutrient malabsorption is often seen in people with gastrointestinal diseases, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), and pancreatic enzyme deficiency. Inherited enzyme defects may produce insufficient availability of certain essential nutrients. Impaired conversion of a vitamin to its active coenzyme form can also lead to an increased requirement for the vitamin.
Many nutrients, particularly vitamins, must be in their active form in order to carry out metabolic functions. Some individuals may require the active form of a nutrient due to genetic variations such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Most commercial brands of dietary supplements do not incorporate the bioactive form of nutrients and therefore may not be utilized optimally.
Certain medications can promote nutritional depletion and deficiencies (examples: statins, metformin, acid reflux medications, antibiotics, etc)
Chronic illness can result in nutritional deficiencies. Patients with compromised gastrointestinal function, inflammation, and/or dysbiosis often have elevated nutrient requirements that may not be met from what is consumed. Individuals may fail to meet their nutrient needs despite adequate intake if they are unable to sufficiently absorb, transport, process, or utilize nutrients due to GI dysfunction.

Should I take supplements?

It is always best to focus on food first! Supplementing a poor eating pattern will not undo the detrimental effects of the constant consumption of an eating pattern based on highly processed foods devoid of the nutrients found in whole, unpackaged, unprocessed foods. If the eating pattern is much like the SAD (Standard American Diet), it is necessary to work to change that.

Supplements alone will not replace the benefits of a plant-based eating pattern.

However, supplements can help fill in nutrient gaps and replete nutrients that show up as insufficient in the CMA. There is no “one size fits all” approach to nutrition and the same is true for nutrition supplementation. Nutrient form, recommended dosage, and length of supplementation period should all be taken into consideration. Individuals should seek the assistance of a qualified nutrition specialist for a personalized nutrition and supplementation routine.

Dosing recommendations for nutrients can vary depending on current nutritional status, medical conditions, genetic traits, exposure to toxins, increased need for detoxification, age, gender, increased metabolic demands, pregnancy, lactation, etc. A qualified practitioner must take into account all pertinent factors of an individual’s history and CMA/APA results within the context of a thorough nutrition assessment before determining individual nutrient needs and appropriate interventions. It is important to choose appropriate products that are optimally formulated, safe, pure, accurately labeled, and that adhere to CGMPs. Check on a manufacturer’s third-party certification or call the company to obtain verification that they are following CGMPs. Individual requirements, tolerances, sensitivities, preferences, and even genetic makeup must all become part of an effective supplement plan.

Is fasting required for the Cellular Nutrition Assay?

No, fasting is not required.

Should supplements/medications be discontinued prior to having the blood drawn for the Cellular Nutrition Assay?

There is no need to discontinue supplements weeks prior to testing. This micronutrient analysis is a reflection of the individual’s long- term nutrient status (over ~ 6 months).

If possible, do not take any medications/supplements at least 4 hours before blood draw.

How is this test different than what my doctor does?

Metabolism happens WITHIN the cells. Serum nutrient measurement is only a “snapshot” of nutrient status. Cellular activity gives insight into LONG TERM nutrient status.