SpectraCell Lab Panels

Cholesterol has historically been used as the standard indicator for cardiovascular disease, often being classified as “good” (HDL) or “bad” (LDL). Studies have found that it is actually the lipoprotein particles that carry the cholesterol throughout the blood, not the cholesterol within them, that are responsible for key steps in plaque formation and the development of cardiovascular disease. The small, dense, cholesterol-depleted particles impart the highest risk, as does a higher number of these lipoproteins. Standard cholesterol testing does not tell us enough about the particle types—or subgroups—of each of these LDL and HDL families;  therefore, it misses the earliest opportunity to prevent adverse cardiovascular events, when it’s easiest to treat.

SpectraCell’s Micronutrient test provides the most comprehensive nutritional analysis available by measuring functional deficiencies at the cellular level. It is an assessment of how well the body utilizes 31 vitamins, minerals, amino/fatty acids, antioxidants, and metabolites while conveying the body’s need for these micronutrients that enable the body to produce enzymes, hormones, and other substances essential for proper growth, development, and good health. Repletion recommendations are made based on need.

Methylation refers to the biochemical pathway in which methyl groups (one carbon and three hydrogen atoms) are added to molecules. Because it is involved in nearly all of the body’s functions, it contributes to countless biological processes including detoxification, energy production, genetic expression/DNA repair, inflammatory, immune and stress response, neurotransmitter balance, and production and recycling of glutathione. An inability to methylate properly can disrupt any of these processes, ultimately compromising one’s health as the body is not able to effectively respond due to the shortage of methyl groups. Impaired detoxification, cardiovascular disease, neurological problems, and weakened immune functioning in general, are some conditions linked to undermethylation

Telomeres are sections of genetic material that form a protective cap at the end of each chromosome in every cell of the body. When a cell divides, the telomere gets a tiny bit shorter, until there is no more telomere left to protect DNA from “unraveling,” and the cell dies. Cellular death causes the body to age, thus making telomeres a novel biomarker for biological age. The longer one’s telomeres, the younger one’s biological age. Moreover, the rate at which telomeres shorten is accelerated by inflammation, oxidative stress, nutritional deficiencies, genetic predisposition, and other lifestyle habits. Telomere shortening, when expedited, contributes to cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, and cancers.