What are Nutrients Biomarkers?
Arachidonic Acid / EPA Ratio
This ratio helps assess the balance between inflammation-promoting and inflammation-reducing fatty acids. It’s important for managing chronic diseases, heart health, and general inflammation levels.
Example: Think of this ratio like the balance between firefighters and fire starters in your body. You want more firefighters (EPA) to keep things calm.
How it’s measured: Blood test measuring the levels of arachidonic acid (omega-6) and EPA (omega-3).
Calcium
Calcium supports bones, teeth, nerve function, and blood circulation. Imbalances may signal issues with your kidneys, thyroid, or bones.
Example: Calcium is like the cement in your body’s foundation—essential for strength and stability.
How it’s measured: Blood test for total calcium levels.
Copper
Copper helps with iron metabolism, bone strength, and making connective tissue and melanin. Too much, however, can harm the heart, liver, or brain.
Example: Copper is like a multi-tool mineral—super useful, but dangerous in excess.
How it’s measured: Blood test for serum copper.
Ferritin
Ferritin stores iron in your cells and releases it when needed. Low or high levels can point to anemia, inflammation, or liver issues.
Example: Ferritin is like your iron pantry—it shows how much iron reserve your body has.
How it’s measured: Blood test measuring ferritin protein levels.
Homocysteine
This amino acid reflects vitamin B status and how well your body performs methylation, a key process in detox, brain, and heart health. High levels are linked to clotting, stroke, and dementia.
Example: Homocysteine is like a traffic buildup—too much clogs your system and increases health risks.
How it’s measured: Blood test measuring homocysteine levels.
Iodine
Iodine is needed for your thyroid to make T3 and T4 hormones, and helps with protein production and oxygen use.
Example: Iodine is like fuel for your thyroid engine—no iodine, no horsepower.
How it’s measured: Blood or urine test.
Iron
Iron powers energy, brain focus, and immune strength. Too little can cause anemia, and too much can be harmful.
Example: Iron is like the battery charger for your body—no charge, no energy.
How it’s measured: Blood test measuring iron levels in the serum.
Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
This test checks how well your blood can carry iron. It helps diagnose iron overload or deficiency.
Example: TIBC is like checking how many delivery trucks are available to move iron around your body.
How it’s measured: Blood test that measures transferrin-bound iron transport capacity.
Iron % Saturation
This measures the percentage of transferrin (iron transport protein) that is actually carrying iron.
Example: Think of it as how full your iron delivery trucks are—more full = better iron status.
How it’s measured: Calculated from iron and TIBC blood test results.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps with energy production, nerve signaling, and muscle relaxation. It also affects calcium, potassium, and hormone balance.
Example: Magnesium is like the power strip that keeps your body’s electrical systems grounded.
How it’s measured: Blood test, often using red blood cell (RBC) magnesium for accuracy.
Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)
MMA rises when B12 is low, making it a sensitive early marker for B12 deficiency.
Example: MMA is like a smoke alarm for B12—if levels go up, you know you’re running low on the vitamin.
How it’s measured: Blood or urine test for methylmalonic acid.
Omega-3: EPA + DPA + DHA
These omega-3s support brain function, reduce inflammation, and protect the heart.
Example: These are like brain and heart superfoods—your body thrives with enough of them.
How it’s measured: Blood test.
Omega-3 Total
This test measures your total omega-3 level. Adequate amounts help fight inflammation, protect the heart, and support mental clarity.
Example: Omega-3s are like oil for your body’s gears—they keep everything running smoothly.
How it’s measured: Blood test.
Omega-6: Arachidonic Acid
Arachidonic acid is a type of omega-6 that can fuel inflammation when levels are too high.
Example: This is like gasoline for inflammation—your body needs just enough, not too much.
How it’s measured: Blood test.
Omega-6: Linoleic Acid
Linoleic acid supports healthy cell membranes but in excess can promote inflammation.
Example: Linoleic acid is like salt—essential in moderation, harmful in excess.
How it’s measured: Blood test.
Omega-6 / Omega-3 Ratio
This ratio shows the balance between inflammation-promoting omega-6s and inflammation-reducing omega-3s. Lower ratios are healthier.
Example: This is like checking if your body is in peace mode (low ratio) or war mode (high ratio).
How it’s measured: Blood test comparing levels of omega-6 to omega-3.
Omega-6 Total
Total omega-6 includes several fatty acids that influence inflammation, brain health, and more. Balanced with omega-3s, they’re essential for optimal body function.
Example: Omega-6s are like electricity—useful and necessary, but dangerous without a circuit breaker (omega-3s).
How it’s measured: Blood test.
Selenium
Selenium is a mineral that supports thyroid hormones, immune defense, and protects against oxidative stress.
Example: Selenium is like a bodyguard for your cells—fighting damage and supporting energy systems.
How it’s measured: Blood test for serum selenium.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps regulate mood, immunity, and bone strength. Low levels are linked to fatigue, depression, thyroid issues, and chronic illness.
Example: Vitamin D is like sunlight in your blood—without it, you feel drained and vulnerable.
How it’s measured: Blood test measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
Zinc
Zinc supports immunity, hormone health, and insulin function. It’s also important for mood, wound healing, and sexual function.
Example: Zinc is like your internal handyman—it keeps systems running and fixes what breaks.
How it’s measured: Blood test for serum zinc levels.
