Overview of the Nutrition Test
Most people won’t know they’re deficient in any key nutrient unless they get tested. Some nutrient deficiencies can immediately affect your quality of life, such as confusion, cramps, sunken eyes, nausea and vomiting from low sodium levels. But for others, the problem may go undetected for decades. Fortunately, most nutritional deficiencies are easy to correct once identified. By taking this nutrition test, you will gain insight into your diet and nutritional status so you can better manage all of your dietary and supplementation needs.
Which nutrients are analysed:
-
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Copper
- Zinc
- Selenium
Sodium
Few people suffer from sodium deficiency today. Sodium is needed for the acid-base balance, the water and salt balance in the body, as well as it affects the balance between sodium and potassium. Although deficiency is less common, low levels can occur in, for example, hard physical exercise, people who sweat a lot and drink a lot of water, or people with certain chronic diseases.
Symptoms of sodium deficiency:
- Confusion
- Cramps
- Sunken eyes
- Nausea and vomiting
Symptoms of high sodium levels:
- High blood pressure
- Swelling
- Migraine
- Heart failure
Potassium
Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body. Just like sodium, potassium is needed for the body’s water balance, to regulate blood pressure and for the body’s nerve and muscle functions. Both too low and too high amounts of potassium can affect the heart. In deficiency, insulin is not released and sugar is not converted into energy and instead stored in the liver, which can lead to hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of potassium deficiency:
- Muscle tension
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue / weakness
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Symptoms of excessive potassium levels:
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Irregular heartbeats
Calcium
Calcium is renowned for its crucial role in forming our skeleton and teeth. Additionally, it facilitates nerve signals, muscle contraction, and blood coagulation, while aiding various enzymatic processes and the transport of nutrients through cell membranes. It can also serve to calm the nerves.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency:
- Osteoporosis
- Muscle cramps
- Numbness or tingling
- High blood pressure
Symptoms of high calcium levels:
- Kidney stones
- Fatigue, indifference and mental depression
- Constipation
Magnesium
Acting as a natural antihistamine, magnesium offers calming effects and plays a pivotal role in hundreds of enzyme reactions. It’s vital for absorbing other minerals like calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. Often, magnesium and calcium work in tandem, especially in our muscles and nerves.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency:
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue or insomnia
- Irritation and depression
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Symptoms of high levels of magnesium (very rare):
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
Iron
Playing a crucial role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to our cells, iron is essential for our blood and immune system due to its oxygen-binding capacity. However, it becomes highly toxic when present in excess. Roughly 1 in 250 individuals struggle with iron excretion, unknowingly storing it in their bodies. Thus, it’s vital to measure your iron levels before considering supplements.
Symptoms of iron deficiency:
- Fatigue
- Pale skin, dry hair and dry skin
- Shortness of breath
- Intermittent claudication
Symptoms of excessive iron levels:
- Nausea, stomach pain or vomiting
- Pain, low libido, cardiovascular problems or liver problems
- Increased risk of cancer and other degenerative diseases
Copper
Required by various body systems, copper plays a pivotal role in the cardiovascular system, bone structure, brain, nerves, connective tissue, and thyroid gland. This essential mineral also aids in the formation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant. Often, copper and zinc collaborate in their functions. Additionally, high copper levels frequently correlate with elevated estrogen levels.
Symptoms of copper deficiency:
- Anaemia
- Skeletal problems
- Degeneration of the nervous system
- Impaired brain function
Symptoms of high levels of copper:
- Depression and learning difficulties
- PMS and mood swings
- Weakened immune system
Zinc
Many people have low levels of zinc, a mineral essential for growth, genital health, enzymatic reactions, digestion, and the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Groups like vegans, seniors, pregnant and nursing women, as well as those on low-calorie or low-protein diets (where zinc absorption is less due to lower protein intake) often face the risk of deficiency.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency:
- Loss of appetite
- Impaired sense of taste
- Impaired wound healing ability
- Skin problems
- Weakened immune system
Symptoms of high levels of zinc:
- Weakened immune system
- Anaemia
- Irritation in the stomach
Selenium
An essential antioxidant, selenium safeguards the body from oxidation reactions that can damage cells and hasten aging. It plays a vital role in supporting the immune system and offers protection against specific heavy metals like arsenic and mercury. Nonetheless, consuming excessive amounts of selenium can be toxic.
Symptoms of selenium deficiency:
- Increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and heavy metal poisoning
- Growing pains in children
- Infertility
Symptoms of high levels of selenium:
- Affects the gastrointestinal tract
- Impaired growth of hair and nails
Nutrition Test measures the ratio between:
- Sodium / Potassium
- Magnesium / Calcium
- Potassium / Calcium
- Copper / Zinc
Why measure the ratio of minerals?
The ratio, i.e. the balance between different minerals, is often at least as important to review as the individual values. Being at the right levels of sodium/potassium can affect blood pressure and the heart and blood vessels. The ratio between copper/zinc has an effect on the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Potassium/calcium is an important ratio for the thyroid gland, while magnesium/calcium plays a role in cardiovascular health, bone health, metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
How does the Nutrition Test work?
The Nutrition Test is a blood test that you do from home via a prick in the finger where you squeeze blood and drip into a test tube. The test should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning. The test is performed at home and then sent to our lab for analysis and you will receive your test results digitally.
If you would also like to test your vitamins, we offer our Vitamin Test.
Before you start, you need to register your test. Your test kit contains a sticker with your unique test ID. Register your test ID at 
Wash your hands in hot water for about a minute. This will increase blood circulation in your fingers. Dry your hands. Doing a blood test without stimulating blood circulation might prove difficult, so please do not skip this step.
Disinfect your “test finger” with the supplied disinfectant paper. Wait a few seconds until the finger is completely dry.
Rotate the protective cover on the blood lancet to remove it. Use the extra lancet if you need to do another finger prick.
Place your hand on a flat surface. Put the lancet diagonally toward the test finger and press down the button. Make sure the lancet is pressed against the finger the whole time.
We recommend that you stand up at this stage to let the blood in your arm flow downward. Help the blood drops come out by massaging the finger toward the needle stick.
Transfer the blood drops into the test tube until the blood reaches the marked line. If it doesn’t reach the marked line, there won’t be enough blood for the lab to test. Please contact us if you have any trouble.
Place the sticker with your unique test ID on the test tube. Place the test tube inside the transport tube and seal.
Put the tubes in the enclosed envelope and send it to the lab the same day, preferably a Monday or Tuesday.
Sarah –
Really nice!
Amy –
It was simple and quick. Received my result in 7 days. Happy!
Laura –
Modern life, with its hustle and bustle, often tends to compromise our dietary habits. It was during a health-focused resolution that I stumbled upon the Nutrition Test Including Ratio. The idea was not only to get a clearer view of my nutritional profile but also to understand the crucial ratios which can be just as significant. Once the test kit arrived, I appreciated the meticulous thought behind its design. The instructions were straightforward, ensuring that even the minutest detail wasn’t overlooked. The entire collection process was so seamless; it hardly felt like a chore. However, it’s the aftermath of the testing that truly reshaped my perspective. The results didn’t merely list down the nutrients and their respective levels. Instead, they offered a comprehensive analysis, emphasizing the importance of each element, potential repercussions of deficiencies, and most importantly, the ratios of different nutrients in relation to one another. With this newfound knowledge, I could confidently tweak my diet. Incorporating foods to not just replenish deficient nutrients, but also to balance their ratios, led to noticeable improvements. From better skin health to more consistent energy levels throughout the day, the changes were undeniable. I wholeheartedly endorse this test to anyone willing to delve deeper into their nutritional landscape. It’s more than just numbers; it’s about understanding your body’s intricate needs. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Eudora –
It’s hard to emphasise enough how beneficial the Nutrition Test has been. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the whole process was straightforward and efficient. The results were delivered promptly and were easy to understand. The ratio information was especially helpful in understanding my body’s needs and the areas I need to work on. I’ve since adjusted my diet accordingly and already noticing improvements. I’d recommend this to anyone who’s serious about understanding their nutritional health.
Aisha –
Amidst the overwhelming amount of dietary information available today, pinpointing one’s unique nutritional requirements feels like finding a needle in a haystack. That’s where the Nutrition Test Including Ratio played a transformative role for me. When the kit arrived, I was immediately impressed by its user-friendly design. The collection process was simple, bolstered by clear and concise guidelines. But the true marvel was in the detailed results. The comprehensive report not only detailed my nutrient levels but delved into the significance of maintaining balanced ratios between them. The report highlighted the symphony of interactions between different nutrients, drawing attention to the importance of equilibrium. Utilizing this wealth of information, I revamped my diet. I prioritized foods that addressed both deficiencies and imbalances. The results? Enhanced mental clarity, improved digestion, and an undeniable zest for life. For anyone eager to transcend generic dietary advice and tailor their nutrition, this test is an invaluable asset.
Victoria –
Simple, convenient, and insightful.
Merula –
This test is excellent! Very useful for understanding my nutritional needs.
Eric Yu –
In the ever-evolving realm of nutrition, personalizing one’s approach is the key. This belief led me to the Nutrition Test Including Ratio. Right from receiving the kit, the process felt easy, eliminating any room for errors. 🙂 However, it was the depth of the results that truly astounded me. Apart from outlining my nutrient levels, the test shed light on the often-overlooked importance of maintaining proper nutrient ratios. Armed with this knowledge, I embarked on a journey to optimize my nutrition. 🙂 Since recalibrating my diet, I’ve noticed elevated mood, fewer energy slumps, and a general feeling of well-being. A must-try for anyone on a mission to holistic health. 🙂
Catherine –
Informative!
Raphael –
Elevated my dietary choices, emphasizing nutrient harmony. A revelation.