Immediately actionable insights via micronutrient testing

LongevityBiohacking
Written By Nick Engerer
Immediately actionable insights via micronutrient testing
Disclaimer

Imagine my excitement as the moment finally arrived - the comprehensive results from my 15 vials of blood and four detailed blood tests arrived in my inbox. After 4 weeks of waiting, the mountain of data arrived and the real fun of digging through it for actionable insights began. To get started, I’d like to share with you three immediately actionable insights I gained from my micronutrient blood test.

Micronutrient test for Glutamine (actionable insight #1)

Huffing and puffing my way towards my cardio goals (I plan to run my first 10km race this year) sure leads to a lot of SWEAT. Much more than I’ve personally been used to. I’ve established a solid routine where 6 days/week, I am up early in the morning getting in a vigorous walk of 5k+ steps or run workout (trail runs, endurance training - follow me on Strava). However, unbeknownst to me, that SWEAT was taking with it a critical micronutrient needed for the success of many different bodily systems - Glutamine.

Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a critical role in the synthesis of proteins, which has impacts for many bodily systems. In fact, it is the most abundant amino acid in the human body. This being the case, it is also abundant in a wide variety of our food choices - including meats like beef, chicken and fish, dairy products, eggs, and many vegetables (leafy greens, carrots, cabbage, beets).

After a deep dive on all the best options, I opted for this L-Glutamine powder from California Gold. They also offer a capsule form. Save 10% and support the Longevity Blog with code EYU021

After a deep dive on all the best options, I opted for this L-Glutamine powder from California Gold. They also offer a capsule form.Save 10% and support A Longer Life with code EYU021

But my levels were low, as in rock-bottom low, and that had many knock-on effects to my neurological function, gastrointestinal barrier, my liver performance, my joint health, my skin vitality and my mitochondrial function. Just check out the useful summary graphic provided in my report (the one with the multiple indicator “gauges”, note that you can click on the image to see the full size)


Low glutamine is simply put - bad news. For a young and healthy person looking to optimise his wellbeing and longevity, this was certainly limiting my performance. For some perspective on just how low my levels were, check out the reference ranges in the next image. The ‘Serum’ levels (what was detectable in my blood liquid - not the actual cells) was only 23.6 nmol/mL! Thankfully, the amount in my white blood cells (WBC), which is an indicator of long-term micronutrient availability was in the normal range, but the serum level was nonetheless quite problematic.

Needless to say, I jumped on a high quality glutamine supplement from my brand of choice (California Gold - save 10% and support A Longer Life with code EYU021 ) within a few days. I immediately enjoyed a noticeable improvement in my gastrointestinal health, with knock on effects to the health of my skin (less acne breakouts) within just a few days. The bottom line here - this was incredibly valuable and highly actionable information that was available to me through this micronutrient test.

Micronutrient Testing - Glutamine.png

Micronutrient test for Chromium (actionable insight #2)

My glutamine levels weren’t the only important micronutrient that was critically low, as my intense levels of exercise and SWEAT were also depleting an important mineral - Chromium. Further research revealed that Chromium is commonly deficient in athletes for this reason.

Chromium plays a very important role in metabolism, and is directly involved in the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates. With respect to fats, it stimulates the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids. For carbohydrates, it is involved in the regulation of insulin. It also is involved in the metabolism of some amino acids. Once again - very important!

I took a pretty picture for you! Chromium Piccolinate to the rescue!

I took a pretty picture for you! Chromium Piccolinate to the rescue!

Dietary sources of chromium include broccoli and green beans (which I eat daily!), meats like beef and poultry, and fruits like apples and bananas (which I regularly also enjoy). However these dietary sources are still relatively low.

This makes chromium supplementation a well-informed choice for me and for anyone else who is moderately active (or wants to better manage their insulin levels, e.g diabetics), which is the second immediately actionable insight I garnered from my NextHealth micronutrient test. I turned to my vitamin supplier of choice - Thorne for a Chromium Piccolinate supplement, but later pivoted to the cheaper version from Now and take it twice a week with my Vitamin C and B-vitamin complex to improve absorption. Just like with the Glutamine options on iherb - use the discount code EYU021 to save 5% and support A Longer Life!

Micronutrient test for Vitamin K1 (actionable insight #3)

There are two forms of the fat-soluble vitamin K needed by the body - K1 and K2. These are important for blood clotting, regulation of calcium (particularly bone metabolism) and cardiovascular health. Vitamin K also plays a role in mitochondria producing energy for your cells.

It also turns out, that despite plenty of dietary intake of Vitamins K1 and K2 in my vegetable rich diet, my micronutrient testing revealed critically low amounts of Vitamin K1 in my blood serum. Additionally, despite my 100mcg/day supplementation of K2, it was also fairly low. This clearly made supplementation of Vitamin K1 (and continued supplementation of K2) the third immediately actionable insight gained from my micronutrient testing at NextHealth.

Micronutrient Testing - Vitamin K1.png

Conclusion - Micronutrient testing is a valuable, actionable tool

There is so much more that I gained from my micronutrient testing that I hope to share with you in upcoming posts (be sure to subscribe to A Longer Life!), including my Omega 3/6 balance, copper-zinc ratio and antioxidant levels. However, even without these added benefits, I believe the outcome of my first micronutrient test is clear - regular assessment (I’m guessing every 6-months) of one’s micronutrients provides actionable insights that can be used to improve your health and optimise longevity.

I’d like to close with my sincere thanks to NextHealth for living up to their mission as a Health Optimisation and Longevity Center, and making is simple, straightforward and affordable to access this resource. I’ll certainly be back for my next micronutrient test in 2020!

Follow-up Post: Considering a micronutrient test? Do these two things first!

Ready to test your micronutrient status?

We’ve found three valuable DIY options for you! No doctor required!

HealthLabs USA)

UltaWellness (USA)

I-Screen (Australia)

  1. Nutrition Check

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FDA & TGA DISCLAIMER

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for medical care or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. These blog posts are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and only may become actionable through consultation with a medical professional.

Nick Engerer

Founder of Longevity Blog

http://nickengerer.org
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