Functional Nutrition
When Conventional Medicine Fails, there is a Functional Medicine Approach at iLabMD
The Power of Personalized Functional Medicine
Understanding the Importance of Initial Consultations
As the world of functional medicine expands, it’s crucial to understand that while you may be tempted to request a lab test without an initial consultation, everyone is unique. The same test that worked wonders for a friend might not be beneficial for you. That’s why at iLabMD, we stress the importance of an initial consultation before proceeding with any testing.
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Why the Initial Consultation Matters
During the initial consultation, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms and health goals with our medical providers. This dialogue helps us guide you towards the necessary tests and away from those that might not be useful in your specific case. We recommend sending us your latest blood work via our HIPAA protected portal prior to your initial appointment to give our physicians a better understanding of your health.
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Functional Nutrition Test
Includes Metabolomix + with Essential & Metabolic Fatty Acids and Comprehensive Urine Element Profile by Genova Diagnostics (used for fatigue, chronic stress, inflammation, mood disorders, vitamin deficiencies, etc).
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Test results in 2-4 weeks depending on the complexity of your test.
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For best results, an initial consultation with a trusted professional is strongly recommended
During the initial consultation, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms and health goals with our medical providers. This dialogue helps us guide you towards the necessary tests and away from those that might not be useful in your specific case. We recommend sending us your latest blood work via our HIPA protected portal prior to your initial appointment to give our physicians a better understanding of your health.
The Process of Testing
After the initial consultation and ordering of labs, it typically takes 2-4 weeks for results to come in. Once received, we’ll schedule a review of the results and a treatment recommendation session with the provider.
Please note that occasionally, phlebotomy (blood draw) is needed. In such cases, we will find a lab near you or arrange a mobile phlebotomy technician to come to you. An extra charge ($30-$100) will be applied depending on the phlebotomy service.
Functional nutritional assessment has several components:
Amino acids in functional nutrition are viewed as the building blocks of proteins and are essential for numerous bodily functions. Here’s a breakdown of their role and importance:
- Building Blocks of Proteins: Proteins, made up of amino acids, are crucial for almost every bodily function. They play a role in building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function.
- Essential vs. Non-Essential Amino Acids: There are 20 different amino acids, divided into essential and non-essential categories. Essential amino acids cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from food. Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body.
- Roles in the Body: Amino acids are involved in a wide range of bodily functions, including:
- Muscle growth and repair
- Neurotransmitter function, affecting mood and brain function
- Immune response
- Energy production
- Nutrient absorption and utilization
- Functional Nutrition Perspective: From a functional nutrition standpoint, amino acids are not just nutrients; they are seen as critical components that influence the body’s function at a cellular level. Their balance and availability can impact overall health, including metabolic processes, mental health, and physical well-being.
- Dietary Sources: High-quality proteins, both animal (like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy) and plant-based (like beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds), are primary sources of amino acids.
- Supplementation: In some cases, amino acid supplements may be recommended in functional nutrition to address specific health issues, such as muscle recovery, mood disorders, or metabolic imbalances.
- Individual Needs: Functional nutrition often emphasizes the individualized needs for amino acids, recognizing that requirements can vary greatly based on a person’s health status, lifestyle, age, and other factors.
In functional nutrition, amino acids are recognized for their integral role in maintaining health and wellness, and their balance is considered crucial for optimal bodily function.
Fatty acids play a vital role in functional nutrition, which emphasizes the importance of nutrients in supporting the body’s health and function. Here’s an overview of how fatty acids are viewed in this context:
- Essential Components of Diet: Fatty acids, particularly essential fatty acids that the body can’t produce on its own (like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), are crucial dietary components. They must be obtained through food.
- Types of Fatty Acids:
- Saturated Fatty Acids: Found in animal products and some plant oils. While necessary in moderation, excessive consumption can be linked to health issues.
- Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs): Found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts, these are considered beneficial for heart health.
- Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs): Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found in fish, flaxseeds, and some nuts and oils. They are essential for various bodily functions.
- Roles in the Body: Fatty acids are involved in numerous body functions, including:
- Cell membrane structure and function
- Inflammatory responses
- Brain and nervous system function
- Energy storage and usage
- Hormone production
- Balancing Omega-3 and Omega-6: Functional nutrition focuses on the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. An imbalance, particularly an excess of omega-6 (common in many Western diets), can lead to inflammation and other health issues.
- Supporting Overall Health: Adequate intake of healthy fats, including various fatty acids, is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases, better mental health, and improved metabolic functions.
- Individualized Recommendations: In functional nutrition, fatty acid needs are tailored to the individual, considering factors like age, health status, and specific health goals or conditions.
- Supplementation: For some individuals, supplementation with fish oil or other sources of omega-3 fatty acids may be recommended to achieve a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.
In summary, in functional nutrition, fatty acids are not just seen as a source of energy but as crucial components for maintaining and improving health, requiring a balanced approach in dietary intake.
Here’s an overview of organic acids in this context:
- What are Organic Acids?
- Organic acids are compounds that occur naturally in the body as part of metabolic processes. They are also found in foods.
- Examples include citric acid (from the citric acid cycle), lactic acid, acetic acid, and various amino acid metabolites.
- Metabolic Markers:
- In functional nutrition, organic acids are often used as markers to assess various aspects of metabolism. They can indicate how well the body is producing energy, detoxifying, and synthesizing necessary neurotransmitters and vitamins.
- Testing urine for organic acids can provide insight into metabolic functions and detect deficiencies or imbalances.
- Diet and Nutrition:
- Organic acids in foods, such as those found in fruits, fermented products, and vinegars, are considered important for gut health and metabolism.
- These acids can influence the microbiome, aid in digestion, and have antioxidant properties.
- Health Indicators:
- Elevated or reduced levels of specific organic acids in the body can signal underlying health issues such as nutritional deficiencies, gut dysbiosis, or metabolic disorders.
- They are often used to identify issues with the Krebs cycle (energy production), fatty acid oxidation, and amino acid metabolism.
- Personalized Nutrition:
- Functional nutrition often uses organic acid testing to develop personalized nutrition plans. This approach can address specific health concerns, optimize metabolic pathways, and improve overall wellness.
- Detoxification and Antioxidant Support:
- Some organic acids are involved in detoxifying harmful substances and combating oxidative stress in the body.
- Their levels can indicate how effectively the body is managing these processes.
In functional nutrition, organic acids are valued not just as components of food, but as critical indicators of metabolic health and efficiency.
Micronutrients are essential nutrients that the body requires in relatively small amounts for various physiological functions, growth, and overall health. Unlike macronutrients (such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats), which the body needs in larger quantities to provide energy, micronutrients are essential for maintaining health but do not provide calories. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals, and they play vital roles in numerous biochemical processes in the body.
Here are the primary categories of micronutrients:
Vitamins: These are organic compounds that are essential for various metabolic reactions in the body. There are two main categories of vitamins:
   –Water-Soluble Vitamins: These include vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins (e.g., B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folate). They dissolve in water and are not stored in the body in significant amounts, so they need to be regularly obtained from the diet.
   – Fat-Soluble Vitamins: These include vitamins A, D, E, and K. They are stored in the body’s fat tissues and can be stored for longer periods, which means excessive intake can lead to toxicity.
Minerals: Minerals are inorganic elements that the body requires for various functions, such as bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. Common minerals include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, selenium, and others.
Micronutrient FAQs & Testing
Micronutrient testing is a diagnostic tool that assesses the levels of various vitamins, minerals, and other essential micronutrients in an individual’s body. It provides a comprehensive analysis of a person’s nutritional status, helping to identify potential deficiencies or imbalances. Here are some key aspects and benefits of micronutrient testing:
- Personalized Assessment
- Early Detection of Deficiencies
- Targeted Supplementation
- Disease Prevention
- Monitoring Nutritional Therapies
- Avoiding Excess Supplementation
Calcium Deficiency: Calcium is crucial for bone health, muscle function, blood clotting, and nerve signaling. Insufficient calcium intake can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis, a disease characterized by weak and brittle bones that are more prone to fractures.
Iron Deficiency: Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency can result in iron-deficiency anemia, leading to fatigue, weakness, and reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.
Iodine Deficiency: Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and overall growth and development. Severe iodine deficiency can lead to goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) and hypothyroidism.
Zinc Deficiency: Zinc is involved in numerous enzymatic reactions, immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Zinc deficiency can impair the immune system, increase susceptibility to infections, and affect growth and development in children.
Magnesium Deficiency: Magnesium plays a role in muscle function, nerve function, and bone health. A deficiency in magnesium can contribute to muscle cramps, irregular heart rhythms, and potentially increase the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Selenium Deficiency: Selenium is an essential component of antioxidant enzymes. A deficiency in selenium can weaken the body’s defense against oxidative stress and increase the risk of chronic diseases, including certain types of cancer.
Potassium Deficiency: Potassium is essential for maintaining proper heart and muscle function, as well as regulating blood pressure. Severe potassium deficiency can lead to irregular heart rhythms, muscle weakness, and hypertension.
Sodium Deficiency: While sodium deficiency is less common, it can occur in certain situations, such as excessive sweating or certain medical conditions. Severe sodium deficiency can lead to hyponatremia, which can cause confusion, seizures, and even coma.
Copper Deficiency: Copper is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and connective tissues. Copper deficiency can result in anemia, bone abnormalities, and neurological symptoms.
Manganese Deficiency: Manganese plays a role in bone formation and metabolism. Although manganese deficiency is rare, it can lead to skeletal abnormalities and impaired growth.
Vitamin deficiencies occur when the body lacks an adequate supply of essential vitamins. Vitamins are organic compounds that are vital for various physiological processes and overall health. Each vitamin has specific functions in the body, and a deficiency in any particular vitamin can lead to a range of health problems and symptoms. Here’s an overview of what can happen with vitamin deficiencies:
- Fatigue and Weakness
- Anemia
- Vision Problems
- Skin Issues
- Bone Disorders
- Neurological Symptoms
- Weakened Immune System
- Delayed Growth and Development
- Mental Health Symptoms
- Digestive Problems
Replenishing micronutrients through dietary changes or supplements can help alleviate or manage certain medical conditions by addressing specific nutrient deficiencies or imbalances. Here are some examples of how this can work:
Iron Deficiency Anemia: Iron supplements or dietary changes to increase iron intake can help alleviate iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Supplementing with iron can improve red blood cell production and alleviate symptoms like fatigue and weakness.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Bone Health: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Replenishing vitamin D levels, often through supplements or increased sun exposure, can help prevent or manage conditions like osteoporosis and rickets.
Folate and Neural Tube Defects: Adequate folate intake is crucial during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Folate supplementation is often recommended for pregnant women to ensure sufficient folate levels and reduce the risk of birth defects.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Nerve Health: Vitamin B12 is necessary for nerve function and the production of red blood cells. Replenishing vitamin B12 levels, either through dietary sources, injections, or supplements, can help manage conditions like pernicious anemia and neuropathy associated with B12 deficiency.
Vitamin C and Scurvy: Severe vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, a condition characterized by weakness, bleeding gums, and skin problems. Replenishing vitamin C through dietary changes or supplements can quickly alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.
Zinc and Immune Function: Zinc is essential for immune system function. Replenishing zinc levels through dietary sources or supplements can help support the immune response and may reduce the severity and duration of infections.
Iodine and Hypothyroidism: Iodine is necessary for thyroid hormone production. Replenishing iodine levels, often through iodized salt or dietary sources, can help manage iodine-deficiency-related hypothyroidism.
Vitamin A and Vision: Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision. Replenishing vitamin A levels can improve vision problems associated with vitamin A deficiency, such as night blindness.
Selenium and Antioxidant Defense: Selenium is a component of antioxidant enzymes. Replenishing selenium levels can enhance the body’s defense against oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of certain diseases associated with selenium deficiency.
Magnesium and Muscle Cramps: Magnesium is involved in muscle function. Replenishing magnesium levels through dietary changes or supplements can help alleviate muscle cramps and spasms associated with magnesium deficiency.
It’s important to note that while replenishing micronutrients can be effective in managing specific conditions related to deficiencies, it should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Nutrient supplementation should be tailored to individual needs and monitored to avoid excessive intake, which can lead to adverse effects. A balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods is the best way to maintain overall health and prevent nutrient deficiencies.
This test includes:
VITAMINS*: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, CoQ10, Glutathione, B-Vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyrixidone, biotin, folic acid, cobalamin)
*Please note: Vitamin D is not included in this test
MINERALS: Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Zinc
ORGANIC ACIDS: Accumulation of organic acids in the urine could be an indicator of the disease. This may happen due to variety of reasons, including deficiency of minerals and vitamins.
The following markers are measured:
- Toxin and Detoxification Markers
- Oxalate Markers (related to kidney stones and metabolic dysfunction).
- Vitamin Markers
- Neurotransmitter Metabolites (byproducts of epinephrine, serotonin, dopaminn-related to mood disorders)
- Cellular Energy and Mitochondrial Metabolites
- Malabsorption and Bacterial / Yeast Dysbiosis Markers
AMINO ACIDS:
- Essential amino acids come from food.
- Non-essential amino acids are made by the body.
- Dietary Peptide Markers
- Oxidative Stress Markers
FATTY ACIDS:
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Omega 6 Fatty Acids
- Omega 9 Fatty Acids
- Saturated Fatty Acids
- Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
- Omega 3 Index
ELEMENTS MEASURE IN URINE:
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Aluminium
- Antimony
- Arsenic
- Barium
- Bismuth
- Cadmium
- Lead
- Mercury
- Nickel
Explore Our Test Packages
Our process begins with an initial intake consultation to define the issue and decide which tests would be beneficial both medically and financially. We guide you towards the most medically high-yield and cost-effective testing and treatment options. We ensure that the results obtained from sophisticated testing improve your health.
We believe in transparency, so there are no hidden fees with iLabMD. Our initial consultation fee is $385 for a 1-hour session. Please note that this fee does not include any tests. If further testing is required based on the consultation with the provider, you will be informed about its purpose and cost. No testing is done without your consent or payment.
The review of test results is a 1-hour session priced at $385. The timing of a follow-up visit varies depending on your condition. A 30-minute follow-up is $250. We also offer a 4 follow-up package at a discounted rate of $900, giving you a savings of $100.
