Micronutrient Testing at Evoke 5

Understanding Micronutrients

Micronutrients are essential nutrients that the body requires in relatively small quantities to maintain proper health and function. Most micronutrients are not produced in the body, and must come from either food or supplements. They are different from macronutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins and fats, which the body needs in larger amounts.

Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamins are organic compounds that the body cannot produce in sufficient quantities, so they must be obtained through the diet. Each vitamin has a specific function, such as supporting immune function, promoting healthy skin, aiding in energy metabolism, and acting as antioxidants. Common vitamins include vitamins A, C, D, E and K, as well as B-complex vitamins.
• Minerals are inorganic substances that are essential bone health, nerve function, muscle contraction, maintaining fluid balance, and other vital bodily functions. There are major minerals, which the body needs in larger amounts, and trace minerals, which are needed in smaller amounts. Common minerals include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc and selenium.

Dangers of Micronutrient Deficiency

Your body needs both vitamins and minerals to maintain good health, and it’s important to consume a balanced diet, incorporating a variety of foods, to make sure you’re getting enough micronutrients. Supplements may also be used to complement the micronutrients in your diet.

If your body becomes deficient in micronutrients, it can lead to various health conditions. For example, a deficiency in:

• Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness, impaired immune function and skin issues
• Vitamin D deficiency may result in weakened bones, increased risk of fractures, and rickets (in children)
• Vitamin E deficiency can cause neurological issues and muscle weakness
• Vitamin K deficiency can lead to impaired blood clotting and excessive bleeding
• Vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, which includes weakness, anemia, gum disease and skin problems
• B-Vitamin deficiencies can result in many different conditions and symptoms, depending on the type.
• Calcium deficiency can result in weakened bones and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
• Iron deficiency may lead to anemia, fatigue and weakness
• Zinc deficiency can cause impaired immune function, skin issues and delayed wound healing
• Iodine deficiency may lead to goiter and thyroid problems
• Selenium deficiency can affect the immune system and may lead to muscle weakness

Micronutrient Testing and Treatment

As most micronutrients are not produced in the body, and must come from either food or supplements, it can be easy to become deficient if you’re not consuming a healthy, balanced diet.

The other issue we commonly see is that the body is not processing and utilizing micronutrients efficiently, which means your body is not benefiting from the micronutrients it is receiving.

Micronutrient testing is the best place to start when diagnosing a micronutrient-related issue. It’s also a helpful tool to help us understand the root cause of symptoms like ongoing chronic fatigue, neurologic symptoms and musculoskeletal symptoms.

Our micronutrient blood test provides a comprehensive analysis that identifies deficiencies of nutrients both within and outside of the cells. It also assesses how efficiently the body utilizes micronutrients. Test results are drawn in-office and sent to an outside lab; results are typically returned in three to four weeks.

Once we receive the micronutrient test results, our functional medicine doctor will review it carefully, and then schedule a follow-up with you to discuss the results and collaborate on an individualized treatment plan.

Common treatment for micronutrient deficiency or absorption issues includes:

• Dietary changes: In many cases, the first step in treating a micronutrient deficiency is to adjust your diet to include foods rich in the deficient nutrient.
• Supplements: We may also recommend micronutrient supplements. We’ll work closely with you on the types and dosage to avoid an excessive intake of certain micronutrients, which can be harmful.
• Addressing underlying conditions: Sometimes a micronutrient deficiency is caused or made worse by an underlying condition. Treating the underlying condition can help improve nutrient absorption and utilization.
• Lifestyle changes: Some lifestyle factors, such as excessive alcohol consumption, can affect the absorption and utilization of micronutrients. Making lifestyle changes can be part of the treatment plan.

Throughout the process, we’ll closely monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. We may order follow-up blood tests to assess your nutrient levels and assess the effectiveness of treatment.

Micronutrient Testing Costs

We offer insurance billing for office visits only. All other services, including micronutrient testing, are to be paid for out of pocket at the time of service. We are happy to provide you with a quote prior to your appointment. Please contact us with any questions or for a cost estimate.

Beyond Micronutrient Testing

Micronutrient testing is one of many tools we use to uncover the root cause of health conditions our patients are experiencing. And once we have an understanding of the root cause, we have an arsenal of the latest, most effective treatment options. In addition to micronutrient testing, other services available at Evoke 5 Medical Center include:

• Functional Medicine Primary Care
• Lab Testing
• Gut Testing
• Environmental Toxin Testing
• Micronutrient Testing
• Genetic Testing
• IV Therapy
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Peptide Therapy

In-Office and Virtual Appointments

There are several opportunities to collaborate with Evoke 5 on your health:

• We are seeing patients in-person at our functional medicine clinic in Oklahoma City.
• We also offer online functional medicine consultations for anyone looking to optimize their overall wellbeing – regardless of where you live.

Contact us to learn more or to schedule your appointment.