NutrEval FMV | Amino Acids in Urine

NutrEval FMV | Amino Acids in Urine by Genova

Most people know that the foods they eat affect their health. On the other hand, the nutrients you do not consume, but might need, can also have a powerful impact on your body.

This is why many people take vitamins and supplements—to feel better and prevent disease. While taking vitamins can be beneficial, everyone has specific nutritional needs. It is important to determine which supplements are right for your body and circumstances to avoid wasting resources on unnecessary or potentially harmful items.

The NutrEval® test by Genova Diagnostics provides precise answers to your health questions. It helps you achieve optimal health beyond just feeling better. This test panel includes several comprehensive tests:

Benefits of Amino Acids Urine Testing

Amino acids are vital for health. They are the building blocks of the body and are responsible for bone and muscle health. Balance is essential for proper nerve function, detoxification, metabolism, and digestion.

When amino acids are too high or low, they can cause fatigue, increase the risk of heart disease, and contribute to depression, anxiety, and mood swings. The NutrEval® test can identify imbalances, helping to correct them and prevent many chronic illnesses before lasting damage occurs.

Urine amino acid testing provides insight into how your body uses and processes proteins. It represents short-term imbalances or how the body manages amino acid breakdown. This contrasts with
testing amino acids in the blood, which represents a long-term view of amino acid balance and needs.

When amino acids are not fully used, they appear in your urine, revealing key areas such as:

• Wasted Nutrients: High levels may indicate inefficient use of amino acids.
• Kidney Function: Unusual levels could signal kidney issues.
• Stress or Toxins: Certain patterns reveal if your body is under stress or detoxing.

Think of this as checking what’s left over—it helps pinpoint where your body might need support.
The information from the NutrEval by Genova Diagnostics can help restore your body’s chemical balance.

Omega 3, 6, and Other Fatty Acids Test

Fatty acids are essential for constructing cell membranes. Too little or too much fat can cause health problems. Reduced levels of certain fats can result in depression, hyperactivity, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, and early senility.

Pregnant and lactating mothers should have their fatty acids tested to ensure their children receive the fats needed for proper brain and nerve development. Testing is the only way to determine your individual needs.

Mineral and Heavy Metal Testing

Minerals in the body serve two functions: they act as building blocks and as regulators of bodily processes. Many of these minerals come from supplements, but some can be toxic. Magnesium, copper, and manganese are beneficial. If adequate amounts are not obtained, issues like joint pain, weight problems, low libido, depression, or anxiety can occur.

Exposure to mercury, lead, arsenic, or other heavy metals can also be harmful, causing fatigue, emotional disturbances, and even kidney failure. Testing can provide valuable information about your health.

Antioxidant Lab Test for Oxidative Stress

Antioxidants are protective molecules that reduce free radical damage or oxidative stress. Free radicals are naturally occurring compounds that can cause severe cellular damage. Low antioxidant levels reduce protection against these harmful compounds.

Antioxidants are essential for neurological, endocrine, and immune system health.

Oxidative stress is linked to premature aging, heart disease, neurological diseases, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Testing can assess the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant protection.

NutrEval FMV Test: Understanding Key Categories

Below is an overview of the main categories and a few key markers within the full NutrEval sample report.

Metabolic Analysis

The metabolic analysis section provides insight into energy production, neurotransmitter balance, and metabolic health.

Key Markers:

• Lactic Acid: Indicates how efficiently cells produce energy. Elevated levels can suggest oxygen utilization issues or metabolic dysfunction.
• Vanilmandelic Acid (VMA): A metabolite of adrenaline that assesses adrenal function and stress response. Imbalances may indicate chronic stress or adrenal fatigue.

Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids

This section evaluates the balance of fatty acids critical for cell membrane integrity, inflammatory response, and cardiovascular health.

Key Markers:

• Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: An imbalance between these can contribute to inflammatory conditions and cardiovascular risk.
• Nervonic Acid: Plays a key role in brain and nerve development. Low levels may impact cognitive health.

Antioxidant and Oxidative Stress Analysis

Antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage, while markers of oxidative stress reveal potential cellular injury.

Key Markers:

• Glutathione: A vital antioxidant for detoxification and cellular defense. Low levels can lead to increased oxidative stress.
• 8-OHdG: A marker of oxidative DNA damage, often linked to aging and chronic disease.

Mineral and Heavy Metal Testing

Minerals regulate various body processes, while heavy metals can disrupt normal function and pose significant health risks.

Key Markers:

• Magnesium: Supports muscle function, energy production, and nerve health. Deficiency can lead to fatigue and cramps.
• Mercury: A toxic heavy metal; elevated levels can cause neurological and kidney damage.