Actual Nutrient Levels Tests
Nutrient Levels
All the hormones, neurotransmitters and other factors that are important for performance are made up of different building blocks such as minerals, vitamins, amino acids and fatty acids.
Deficiencies in any of these can impair an athlete's performance. Many of these factors can be measured by laboratory tests. Once an athlete knows which nutrient deficiencies they have, they can adjust their nutrition based on this information and improve their performance or maintain a higher level of performance for longer.
Micronutrient
tests are useful tools for assessing the levels of essential vitamins,
minerals, amino acids and other key nutrients in the body. The tests
help identify deficiencies or imbalances that may not be obvious but can
have a significant impact on your energy and overall performance.
By identifying specific nutrient deficiencies, you can make targeted changes to your diet or take supplements to restore optimal levels. In addition, these tests provide information about your body's metabolic processes and how well nutrients are absorbed and utilised. For athletes and people interested in their performance, understanding the status of micronutrients enables a more personalised approach to performance improvement.
Useful Tests Include the Following:
Mineral Test
Where the
test is done: The test can be done at home.
Where to take the sample: Urine (First Morning Void) or hair sample (depending on the type of test).
How to
interpret the test result: At most cases, the best result is to be in the middle third. In some cases, copper and iron are more difficult to interpret.
More information: In the book Athlete's Physique: Genes Behind Performance
Where to order: Recommended to be purchased as part of a wider metabolism package, which is presented later on this page.
Vitamin Test
Where the
test is done: The test can be done at home.
Where to take the sample: Urine (First Morning Void).
How to
interpret the test result: At most cases, the best result is to be in the middle third.
More information: In the book Athlete's Physique: Genes Behind Performance
Where to order: Recommended to be purchased as part of a wider metabolism package, which is presented later on this page.
Amino Acid Test
Fatty Acid Test
Where the
test is done: The test can be done at home.
Where to
take the sample: Urine (First Morning Void).
How to
interpret the test result: At most cases, the best result is to be in the middle third. Of these amino acids, nine must be obtained from the diet and the rest the body needs can be synthesized from these nine, provided the body is functioning normally. Therefore, in some situations, deeper expertise may be needed to interpret the results.
More information: In the book Athlete's Physique: Genes Behind Performance
Where to order: Recommended to be purchased as part of a wider metabolism package, which is presented later on this page.
Where the
test is done: The test can be done at home.
Where to
take the sample: Bloodspot finger stick.
How to
interpret the test result: At most cases, the best result is to
be in the middle third. Nine of them are produced by the human body and
the rest are produced from these nine. Therefore, in some cases, more
knowledge is needed to interpret them.*
More information: In the book Athlete's Physique: Genes Behind Performance
Where to order: Recommended to be purchased as part of a wider metabolism package, which is presented later on this page.
Combined Test Kit:
Minerals, Vitamins, Amino Acids And Fatty Acids All-in-One
Combination tests may include some or all of the tests described above. In addition, the composite tests also contain a wealth of other useful information at the same price. To get the most out of the results, it is advisable to hire expert help to interpret the additional information they contain.
Where the
test is done: The test can be done at home.
Where to take the sample: Urine (First Morning Void)
How to
interpret the test result: At most cases, the best result is to
be in the middle third. However, the test provide a lot of useful information and therefore in some cases more professional expertise is needed to interpret them.
More information: In the book "Athlete's Physique: Genes Behind Performance"
Where to order: Nordic Labs (from Denmark) offers a test called Metabolomix and its add-ons:
- Metabolomix+: Includes vitamins (expect Vitamin D), amino acids, some minerals and several important metabolites for an athlete, some oxidative stress markers)
- Urine elements add-on for Metabolomix+: Includes minerals (except potassium) and toxic minerals such as mercury, lead, etc.
- Metabolomix Vitamin D add-on: Vitamin D.
- Fatty acids add-on for Metabolomix+: Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 9, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids.
Order here: https://howtotest.nordicvms.com/Catalogue.aspx
Purchasing Tests Separately:
Mineral Test (from Hair or Pubic Hair)
This test measures mineral levels in hair (or pubic hair), providing a long-term view of mineral status and potential exposure to toxic metals. It's particularly useful for assessing chronic imbalances or exposure.
Where the
test is done: The test can be done at home.
Where to take the sample: Hair or pubic hair. Cut a 2.5 cm (1 inch) section of hair from the root, as close to the scalp as possible. Collect hair samples from five different areas of your head. If your hair has been permed, dyed or bleached, take a sample from pubic hair instead. A sample of 0.25 grams (about 0.009 ounces or one tablespoon) is required.
Test name: "Hair Elements"
Where to order: Nordic Labs, based in Denmark: howtotest.nordicvms.com/Catalogue.asp
More information: For a deeper understanding of how to use these test results to enhance athletic performance or overall health, the book "Athlete's Physique: Genes Behind Performance" offers valuable insights.
Amino Acid Test
This test measures amino acids levels in urine. Many people have "hidden" amino acid metabolism disorders that are problematic and often go unnoticed.
Where the test is done: The test can be done at home.
Where to
take the sample: Urine.
Test name: "Urine Amino Acids (24 hour or first morning void) DDI"
Where to order: Nordic Labs, based in Denmark: howtotest.nordicvms.com/Catalogue.asp
More information: For a deeper understanding of how to use these test results to enhance athletic performance or overall health, the book "Athlete's Physique: Genes Behind Performance" offers valuable insights.
