The Heavy Metals Extended Profile, Serum is a comprehensive analysis of toxic and potentially toxic heavy metals in the serum while at the same time testing for possible imbalances, deficiencies, or excess of the necessary nutrients (micronutrients and trace elements).
The test for Heavy Metals Extended Profile, Serum (or Plasma) reflects the levels of elements regardless of their form (organic or inorganic), only extracellular.
Blood is the body's transportation and circulation system, providing the tissues with micronutrients, trace elements, and toxic heavy metals. The minerals circulate in the blood for about 72 hours and then are either excreted or deposited in various tissues of the body.
Elevated levels of heavy metals in the blood indicate immediate exposure, while reduced concentrations of micronutrients and trace elements reflect inadequate intake and maybe a sign of nutritional deficiency.
The Heavy Metals Extended Profile, Serum is useful in finding the causes of pathological conditions such as:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Decreased bone density (osteoporosis / osteopenia)
- Anemia
- Cardiovascular diseases and hypertension
- Renal dysfunction
- Depression, neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson, Alzheimer)
- Alopecia, Dermatitis, and other dermatological diseases
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Immune system disorders
- Chronic inflammation
- Diabetes mellitus and abnormal glucose tolerance
- Vision disorders
- Impotence or decreased testosterone production
- Nutritional deficiencies
Additionally, the Heavy Metals Extended Profile, Serum is used in:
- Testing for possible exposure to toxic substances (occupational or environmental)
- Monitoring and evaluation of heavy metal removal treatments (e.g. with chelating agents)
The Heavy Metals Extended Profile, Serum is used:
- To assess a person's nutritional status and nutrition-related diseases
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the dietary supplements one is taking
- To monitor nutrient losses during heavy metal removal treatments. Agents used to remove heavy metals (eg chelating agents) can significantly increase the simultaneous excretion of nutrients such as zinc, copper, manganese, and molybdenum
The measurements are performed by the ICP-MS method (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), a method that enables the simultaneous detection of many metals. Its sensitivity and accuracy are significantly better compared to the conventional method of atomic absorption, having the ability to measure metals in concentrations up to 1 in 1015 (1 in 1 quadrillion, ppq)!
