Hormones

Hormones affect a wide range of body functions, including athletic performance, metabolism, muscle growth and mood. Hormone levels vary from individual to individual, both genetically and due to physical or mental stress. 

If all the other basics (nutrient balance: minerals, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids) are already in place for the athlete, but there are still performance deficiencies, hormone testing is a useful tool to identify "trouble spots" for elite athletes or wannabes.

DUTCH Plus (Hormones)

More information about hormones: In the book "Athlete's Physique: Genes Behind Performance".

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters in the nervous system are involved in the regulation of athlete performance, learning and recovery, among other things. Their levels vary from individual to individual, both genetically and due to physical or mental stress.

If all the other basics (nutrient balance: minerals, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids) are already in place for the athlete, but there are still performance deficiencies, neurotransmitter testing is a useful tool to identify "trouble spots" for elite athletes or wannabes.

Comprehensive Neurotransmitter Profile

About the test: It includes dopamine, noradrenaline (norepinephrine), adrenaline (epinephrine), serotonin, glutamate, GABA, glycine, histamine, taurine and some of their metabolites.

Where the test is done: The test can be done at home.

Where to take the sample: Urine. Collection options: First Morning Void is recommended for athletes from a recovery perspective. The other option is to do a 24-hour collection to get one a one-day average result.

How to interpret the test result: At most cases, the best result is to be in the middle third.

Where to order: Nordic Labs (from Denmark) https://howtotest.nordicvms.com/Catalogue.aspx offers a test called "Comprehensive Neurotransmitter Profile"

More information about neurotransmitters: In the book "Athlete's Physique: Genes Behind Performance".

Metabolism

The combined tests also contain a wealth of useful information at the same price. Each athlete can find out, after a little research, whether their own test results for minerals, vitamins, amino acids and fatty acids, for example, are within normal levels and make nutritional changes accordingly.

Nutrient deficiencies can be easily corrected by eating more of the missing nutrients (but not too much!). In addition, the test also reveals things about the functioning of the body's biochemical pathways that a professional test interpreter can detect from the results and make further corrective recommendations. In this way, performance can be restored.

Combination Test (Metabolomix+): 

Minerals, Vitamins, Amino Acids & Fatty Acids All-in-One

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.

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)
• Metabolomix Urine add-on: Includes minerals (except potassium) and toxic minerals such as mercury, lead, etc.
• Metabolomix Vitamin D add-on: Vitamin D.
  
• Metabolomix Fatty acids add-on: Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 9, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids.
  
• You can order the test(s) here: https://howtotest.nordicvms.com/Catalogue.aspx

More information about an athlete's metabolism: In the book "Athlete's Physique: Genes Behind Performance"