Introduction to Nutritional Health
The Role of Nutrients in Overall Health and Well-Being
Your body uses the foods and beverages you consume to aid in vital functions. Because of this, your daily dietary intake plays a significant role in your overall health. Ensuring you get a substantial amount of essential vitamins and minerals benefits your day-to-day energy levels and mood and can lower your risk of certain conditions.
The Theriome 12 Metabolic Blood Test: An In-depth Overview
The Theriome 12 metabolic blood test provides a unique method for assessing your health and altering your future. Our primary emphasis revolves around 12 essential metabolic pillars, providing you with a thorough understanding of your general state of health. These pillars include:
- Liver Health
- Gut Health
- Cardiovascular Health
- Inflammatory Score
- Environmental Toxin Exposure Index
- Neurocognitive Index
- Nutritional Index
- Mutation Load
- Aging Index
- Integumentary Health
- Reproductive Health
- Mitochondrial Health
You’ll be given personalized scores ranging from 1 to 10 for each of these fundamental aspects, enabling you to steer your own path toward better health.
In this blog, we will look at the following topics:
- The importance of balanced nutrition
- Delving into the nutritional index
- Common nutrient deficiencies and their implications
- Strategies to optimize nutritional health
- The significance of regularly monitoring your nutritional index
Spotlight on the Nutritional Index as an Essential Metabolic Pillar
The nutritional index of Theriome assesses your body’s nutrient levels, any existing deficiencies, and imbalances. With this knowledge, you can determine whether your lifestyle contributes to a healthy being or if it’s time to make adjustments.
The Importance of Balanced Nutrition
The Building Blocks of the Body: Vitamins, Minerals, and More
If you’ve ever looked at the label on the back of a multivitamin, I’m sure you’ve recognized several of the ingredients. Your body requires certain nutrients to operate correctly. These allow it to grow and regulate all vital functions that keep you alive and healthy.
Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and contributes to muscle movement, nerve messaging between the brain and body systems, bone and teeth formation, and blood flow.
Iodine
Your body needs iodine in order to produce thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism, energy levels, and internal temperature, among other critical bodily functions.
Iron
Iron is used in the development of hemoglobin, a red blood cell protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. When your body gets an adequate amount of iron, it provides energy, improves mental and physical performance, and reduces tiredness and fatigue.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is present in the body’s bones and teeth (85%), cells, and tissues. It plays a crucial role in filtering out waste from the kidneys and storing energy for the body.
Protein
Protein is incredibly crucial to a healthy body. Without the amino acids that make up protein, the body would be unable to properly build and repair muscles and bones or create essential hormones and enzymes for energy.
Vitamin A
As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A contributes to vision health, immune system function, and reproduction and helps your organs to work correctly. Likewise, vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy teeth, along with other parts of the body.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B supports your immune system, boosts energy levels, promotes healthy cells, and increases concentration, among many other benefits to your health.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential ascorbic acid that is a crucial part of your body’s healing process. Working with other functions, vitamin C effectively forms blood vessels, cartilage, muscle, and collagen in the bones.
Vitamin D
As another essential fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D aids in absorbing and retaining calcium and phosphorus in the body – a critical factor in building healthy bones and energy storage.
The Consequences of Nutrient Deficiencies
When your body doesn’t get enough of certain nutrients, it cannot send the right amount to areas in which they form roles. For example, low levels of iodine decrease the amount of thyroid hormones produced. This can result in several complications, including weight gain and the development of certain conditions like hypothyroidism. Similar consequences are seen in other nutritional deficiencies, with some of the most common symptoms being fatigue, weight changes, and muscle weakness.
Delving into the Nutritional Index
What the Index Measures: Key Nutrients and Their Roles
The nutritional index pillar of Theriome 12 looks for certain key nutrients in your blood to determine their presence and whether they exist in deficit or surplus, which can impact your overall health. The Theriome blood test can pick up on various nutrients in your blood, including minerals, gluten, folates, and vitamins.
Minerals
The nutritional index can measure the levels of vital minerals in your blood to determine if any deficiencies, toxicities, or imbalances exist. The body requires an adequate amount of several minerals, both those the body can and cannot store, including zinc, magnesium, calcium, selenium, and more.
Gluten
Gluten is a commonly discussed dietary topic. You’ve likely seen your fair share of “Gluten-free” foods in grocery aisles and restaurant menus. It’s estimated that around 6% of the U.S. population has a gluten intolerance.
One benefit of gluten is the added protein it brings to foods. Elevated antibody proteins in the bloodstream indicate an immune reaction to gluten, which can be used to diagnose gluten intolerance and celiac disease.
Vitamins
Like minerals, the body requires an abundance of vitamins to function properly. Vitamins aid in keeping your immune system strong, pulling energy from food sources, and correctly forming blood clots. Some of the most essential vitamins include vitamins D, B6, C, A, B, B12, K, and riboflavin. A deficiency or imbalance in one or more of these could explain symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as fatigue.
Folate
The nutritional index looks at the amount of folate stored in the body through blood sampling. Folate is a B vitamin that plays an essential role in cell division and producing energy for the body.
Interpreting the Results: Understanding Your Nutrient Profile
Your test results inform you about any deficiencies or imbalances you have, which often play a role in symptoms you’ve been experiencing.
Identifying Deficiencies and Potential Areas of Concern
| Key Nutrient | Healthy Blood Levels |
|---|---|
| Folate | 2.7 to 17.0 ng/mL |
| Gluten | 0.00 – 100.00 ug/g |
| Vitamin C | 0.4 to 2.0 mg/dL |
| Vitamin B6 | 3.4 – 65.2 ug/L |
| Vitamin A | 20 to 60 mcg/dL |
| Vitamin D | 20 ng/mL or above |
| Vitamin B | 160 to 950 pg/mL |
| Vitamin B12 | 160 to 950 pg/mL |
| Vitamin K | 0.2-3.2 ng/mL |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 106-638 nmol/L |
| Magnesium | 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL |
| Selenium | 0.07 to more than 0.1 ppm |
| Zinc | 80 to 120 mcg/dL |
| Iron | 60 to 170 mcg/dL |
Measurement Reference List
ng/mL = nanograms per milliliter
ug/g = microgram per gram
mg/dL = milligrams per deciliter
ug/L = micrograms per liter
mcg/dL = micrograms per deciliter
pg/mL = picograms per milliliter
nmol/L = nanomoles per liter
ppm = parts per million
Common Nutrient Deficiencies and Their Implications
Vitamin D, Iron, and Other Common Deficiencies
The body can be deficient in any given nutrient when it cannot produce enough or receive it from other sources. That said, some of the most common deficiencies include,
- Folic acid
- Iron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Vitamins D, B12, and A
| Nutrient | Common Deficiency Implications |
|---|---|
| Folic Acid | – Fatigue – Mouth sore – Reduced sense of taste – Muscle weakness – Numbness/tingling in hands and feet |
| Iron | – Fatigue – Dizziness – Racing heart or palpitations – Brittle nails – Shortness of breath |
| Calcium | – Fatigue – Irritability – Muscle cramps – Confusion – Numbness/tingling in lips and fingers |
| Magnesium | – Fatigue – Low appetite – Nausea and vomiting – Muscle spasms or tremors – Irregular heartbeat |
| Vitamin D | – Fatigue – Muscle pain or weakness – Sleep problems – Depression – Hair loss – Loss of appetite |
| Vitamin B12 | – Fatigue – Anemia – Poor balance – Memory loss – Shortness of breath – Tingling in feet |
| Vitamin A | – Dry eyes or skin – Frequent infections – Difficulty seeing in low light – Spots in eyeballs – Skin irritation |
Health Risks Associated with Nutrient Shortfalls
As mentioned above, deficiency in one or more essential nutrients can lead to mild to moderate problems in the body. In severe cases of deficiency or imbalance, you may develop more serious health issues like vision loss and acute respiratory infection. For example, studies have found vitamin D deficiency to be associated with cancers, including prostate, multiple myeloma, colorectal, and breast cancer. Likewise, vitamin supplements can aid in reducing your risk of cancer.
Addressing and Preventing Nutrient Imbalances
Always speak with your doctor to determine the specific recommended daily doses of nutrients for you. Factors such as age, sex, and preexisting health conditions can affect how much of certain vitamins and minerals your body requires. Below, we’ve outlined the standard dietary guidelines from Harvard Health.
| Nutrient | Recommended Daily Dose for Men and Women |
|---|---|
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1) | M: 1.2 Mg W: 1.1 Mg |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | M: 1.3 Mg W: 1.1 Mg |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3, Nicotinic Acid) | M: 16 Mg W: 14 Mg |
| Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) | M: 5 Mg W: 5 Mg |
| Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) | M: 2.4 Mcg W: 2.4 Mcg |
| Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) | M: 90 Mg W: 75 Mg |
| Vitamin D | M: 15 Mcg W: 15 Mcg |
| Folic Acid (Vitamin B9, Folate, Folacin) | M: 400 Mcg W: 400 Mcg |
| Vitamin K | M: 120 Mcg W: 90 Mcg |
| Calcium | M: 1,000 Mg W: 1,000 Mg |
| Copper | M: 900 Mcg W: 900 Mcg |
| Fluoride | M: 4 Mg W: 3 Mg |
| Iodine | M: 150 Mcg W: 150 Mcg |
| Iron | Ages 19–50: M: 8 Mg, W: 18 Mg Ages 51+: M: 8 Mg W: 8 Mg |
| Magnesium | M: 420 Mg W: 320 Mg |
| Phosphorus | M: 700 Mg W: 700 Mg |
| Potassium | M: 4.7 G W: 4.7 G |
| Selenium | M: 55 Mcg W: 55 Mcg |
| Sodium | M: 2,300 Mg W: 2,300 Mg |
| Zinc | M: 11 Mg W: 8 Mg |
Measurement Reference List
g = grams
mg = milligrams
mcg = micrograms
Strategies to Optimize Nutritional Health
Dietary Recommendations for a Balanced Nutrient Intake
Eating various healthy foods daily is the best way to get the nutrients your body needs. This gives you a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals without overindulging in one or another.
Fresh Fruit
Key Nutrients: Potassium, fiber, vitamin C, and folate.
Healthiest Fruits:
- Apples
- Berries
- Avocado
- Lemons
- Cherries
- Bananas
- Mango
Fresh Vegetables
Key Nutrients: Potassium, folate, dietary fiber, and vitamins A and C
Healthiest Vegetables:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Sweet potatoes
- Beets
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Green peas
Nuts and Seeds
Key Nutrients: Fiber and protein
Healthiest Nuts and Seeds:
- Lentils
- Beans
- Peas
- Almonds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Walnuts
Lean Proteins
Key Nutrients: Iodine, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and essential fatty acids
Healthiest Lean Proteins:
- Eggs
- Chicken breast
- Salmon
- Tofu
- Beef
- Black bean
Whole Grains
Key Nutrients: B vitamins, iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium
Healthiest Whole Grains:
- Oats
- Wheat
- Rye
- Buckwheat
- Millet
- Barley
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
Along with a balanced diet, minimize the amount of highly processed foods, refined grains, processed meats, saturated fat, trans fat, and alcohol you consume. These tend to have little to no overall nutritional quality and can contribute to different health conditions.
The Role of Supplementation: When and How to Use It
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you want to incorporate supplements into your diet. It’s important to make sure you’re aware of the amount to take and when to take them.
Some supplements are meant to be taken with a meal, while others are taken right before or following a workout. Your doctor can also help you decide on the correct type of supplement for you, whether that’s a specific kind or a foundational multivitamin.
Lifestyle Factors That Influence Nutrient Absorption and Utilization
Depending on your lifestyle, your body may require more of certain nutrients due to a lack of absorption. For example, it’s recommended that people who smoke add 35 mg of vitamin C to their diet to make up for the lack of levels from increased oxidative stress. Several factors can influence how well your body can absorb nutrients and how it will affect your overall health.
- Smoking. A 2018 study found that Smoking disrupts calcium absorption in the intestines by altering the metabolism of calciotropic hormones.
- Alcohol. Research from the NCBI reports that heavy alcohol consumption can cause poor intestinal absorption of certain nutrients or increase nutrient losses.
- Certain Medications. One recent study found that some medications can influence how your body handles micronutrients, as they might share the same pathways for processing and transporting in the body, impacting absorption, distribution, metabolism, or elimination.
The Significance of Regularly Monitoring Your Nutritional Index
Early Detection of Nutrient Imbalances and Deficiencies
Get a head start on your health today with the Theriome 12 Nutritional Index. Find out if your body has any deficiencies or imbalances that need to be addressed, and alter your diet and lifestyle to make healthy changes.
Personalized Recommendations for Optimal Nutritional Health
Your Theriome 12 report is a unique reflection of you. It provides an overall index score of 1 to 10 on each major metabolic pillar so you can feel peace of mind about your health. Learn more today, and begin your personal journey towards a higher quality of life.
