Biological Tests

Want to find out where you stand right now – Vibrant Nutrition interprets a number of tests for clients that help benchmark and measure current levels of health and wellness. Just click on the links below to be taken to the test you want to know more about. 

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
Intestinal Permeability
Hormone Profiles
Functional Liver Detoxification Profile
pH Testing
Metabolic Profiles
Food Intolerance

HTMA provides indications of mineral imbalances, deficiencies and excesses of essential minerals & toxic metals. It provides reliable clinical data on over 35 nutrient and toxic minerals, and over 26 significant mineral ratios. If you feel uncertain as to what might be lacking in your diet or the level of toxicity in your body then this test is for you.

Why test for minerals?
Minerals are essential for growth, healing, vitality and wellbeing. They provide structural support in bones and teeth, and they maintain the body's acid-base balance, water balance, nerve conduction, muscle contractions and enzyme functions. Minerals participate in almost every metabolic process in the body - they are the 'spark-plugs' of life.

Ideally we should get all the minerals we need from a balanced diet. Unfortunately this is rarely possible in today's world. Modern farming techniques, fertilisers and depleted soils reduce the mineral content of foods. Environmental toxins, chemical food additives and stressful lifestyles also have a detrimental effect on our nutritional status. Consequently, we need to test and monitor our nutritional needs more than ever.

Why biopsy hair tissue?
Hair is a body tissue made up of mostly dead, keratinised cells fused together. The shaft of the hair is the portion that projects from the skin surface. The root of the hair, below the skin surface, contains living matrix cells from which the hair grows. Matrix cells depend on the blood supply for nourishment and growth. As they grow and divide, minerals are keratinised into the growing hair shaft, creating a permanent record of metabolic activity and exposure to toxic elements.

Mineral concentrations in the hair can provide a reliable indicator of mineral stores in the whole body. If your health, diet or environment has created a mineral imbalance or toxic mineral excess, it will be recorded in the hair shaft. Research has shown that hair mineral levels reflect stored mineral levels in other body tissues.

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis is a non-intrusive health screening tool for measuring your body's mineral status. This data can highlight potential health problems and help you to treat them through a nutritional program designed to meet your individual health needs. All you need is a sample of your hair and the results are returned to us within 2 weeks.

If you are interested in this test please email me: lisa@vibrantnutrition.com.au to find out if it's suitable for your requirements. I offer a referral for the test, results interpretation and a treatment plan to correct any imbalances found.

 

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The Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) is a functional test that provides an overview of the components of digestion, absorption, intestinal function and microbial flora, as well as identifying pathogenic bacteria, parasites and yeasts.

The gastrointestinal system plays a central role in health. Efficient gastrointestinal function is imperative for adequate nutritional status and changes in its function can impact upon any system in the body.

Gut Influences on Other Areas:
Immune function and Inflammation
Nervous system
Neuroendocrine function / Hormone balance
Detoxification system / Liver function
Cardiovascular system
Nutritional status

Maldigestion and Malabsorption
Maldigestion, malabsorption and abnormal gut flora and ecology lie at the root of most common gastrointestinal complaints as well as many complex chronic illnesses and numerous other conditions that may not present with digestive symptoms, such as arthritis, skin and connective tissue disorders and autoimmune diseases. 

Symptoms that may be indicative of poor gut function and indications for the CDSA include:
- Constipation / Diarrhoea
- Flatulence / Bloating / Reflux
- Abdominal discomfort / IBS
- Bad breath
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Food sensitivities
- Liver dysfunction
- Infertility
- Nutrient insufficiencies
- Toxicity syndromes
- Chronic disease
- Immune disorders / chronic inflammation
- Hormone / neuroendocrine disorders
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Improve / optimise health

If you are interested in this test please email me: lisa@vibrantnutrition.com.au to find out if it's suitable for your requirements. I offer a referral for the test, results interpretation and a treatment plan to correct any imbalances found.

 

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Using a Lactulose and Mannitol challenge, the Intestinal Permeability (IP) test, also referred to as a “leaky gut” test, also referred to as a "leaky gut" test, is a precise and non-invasive method for assessing gastrointestinal mucosal integrity.

Damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract (small and large intestine) is common in people with conditions such as food sensitivity and food allergy, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, arthritis, coeliac disease and dermatological conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

The lining of the gut wall is often subjected to a wide variety of insults from substances such as alcohol, caffeine, spices, medicines and environmental chemicals. The impact of chronic stress may also affect the permeability of the gut wall over time.

Correcting the altered permeability may have an immediate effect on the relief of symptoms and facilitate the gradual improvement in the underlying condition.

If you are interested in this test please email me: lisa@vibrantnutrition.com.au to find out if it's suitable for your requirements. I offer a referral for the test, results interpretation and a treatment plan to correct any imbalances found.

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Baseline Hormone Profile – Female

Provides valuable information on an individual’s hormonal status and the potential impact this may have on physical and emotional health. Hormonal imbalance may result in weight gain, mood swings, night sweats, disturbed sleep patterns, loss of libido and hot flushes.

Saliva specimens are collected on specified days of the month, according to the nature of the investigation. Results obtained from the Hormone Profile make it possible to individualise treatment in order to establish optimal hormone balance. Testing can also be used to monitor the effects of bioidentical/natural hormone replacement therapy.

Baseline Hormone Profile – Male

Provides valuable information on an individual’s hormonal status and the potential impact this may have on physical and emotional health. Hormonal imbalance may result in weight gain, mood swings, disturbed sleep patterns and loss of libido.

Melatonin Hormone Profile

Low levels of melatonin may result in sleep disturbances such as insomnia, poor immune function, depression and other mood disorders. If you are suffering from Stress, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Elevated Cholesterol levels, Type 2 Diabetes, Difficulty losing Weight, or Insomnia then the Melatonin Hormone Profile along with the Adrenocortex Stress Profile may help to shed some light as to why. These are simple saliva tests conducted in your own home and returned to the lab by post.

Adrenocortex Stress Profile (Cortisol & DHEA)

The Adrenocortex Stress Profile is a safe, noninvasive test that determines your DHEA and cortisol levels using 4 saliva samples which can be easily collected at home or at work. Balance is the key in assessing the overall effect of adrenal hormones on the body. That’s why, in addition to individual measures of DHEA and cortisol, the test report includes a DHEA/cortisol ratio that indicates your body’s unique and dynamic balance of these crucial stress hormones.

Thyroid Antibodies

This test is used to asses the thyroid antibodies - thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase. The presence of auto-antibodies against thyroglobulin indicates possible inflammation of the thyroid gland (Hashimoto's thyroiditis).

The presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies is also indicative for autoimmune thyroid disorders. They may be positive in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, idiopathic myxoedema and Grave's disease. Non-immune thyroid disorders show no greater incidence than normal.

Thyroid Hormone Profile

The Thyroid Hormone Profile which measures TSH, fT3 and fT4, is easily performed at home. This test measures the levels of unbound free hormones which are available to the tissues, and reflects a true measure of the body's metabolic rate.

Thyroid conditions are one of the most undiagnosed conditions in Australia with symptoms ranging from fatigue, depression, weight gain, anxiety, constipation, weight loss, diarrhoea and heart palpitations. Thyroid function decreases with age and an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism is most common in menopausal and post menopausal women.

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The Functional Liver Detoxification Profile challenges the liver's Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification capacity with low doses of Caffeine, Aspirin and Paracetamol.

The results of an FLDP will support accurate identification of the individual's detoxification profile and assist in the direction of treatment. The FLDP may particularly provide valuable information in the management of patients who suffer from food allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue syndrome, "leaky gut" and hormonal imbalance eg premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms.

Saliva and urine specimens are analysed for metabolites of the three compounds to determine the efficiency of the liver in their conversion and clearance from the body.

If you are interested in this test please email me: lisa@vibrantnutrition.com.au to find out if it's suitable for your requirements. I offer a referral for the test, results interpretation and a treatment plan to correct any imbalances found.

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The body’s acid-alkaline balance can be easily measured using urine, saliva or both. Eating the wrong food, drinking alcohol, coffee/tea can make you too acidic. For ideal health, we should be pH balanced.

If you are interested in testing your pH there are various test kits available to test at home. For more information on pH testing and my alkalize your diet programs email: lisa@vibrantnutrition.com.au.

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Urinary Amino Acids

More than 40 analytes are measured, providing valuable information on metabolic and nutritional imbalances. This test is used whenever a thorough nutritional and metabolic assessment of an individual is required. In addition to family history, a variety of presenting conditions may indicate disordered amino acid metabolism including chronic fatigue, frequent headaches, chronic digestive dysfunction, intolerances to foods and chemicals, chronic inflammation, depression, learning disabilities, malnutrition, neurological disorders and symptoms of degenerative disease.

Urinary Iodine

An accurate approximation of dietary iodine intake. Urinary Iodine measurements provide a biological indicator of Iodine Deficiency Disorders.

Iodine's main action is involved in thyroid function. Due to the numerous actions carried out by the thyroid gland, the implications of iodine deficiency are vast. Iodine is an essential constituent of the thyroid hormones which are essential for growth and development, particularly during pregnancy, early infancy and childhood, as well as control of metabolic processes in the body.

Optimal Nutrition Evaluation (ONE)

This test is used to assess an individual's overall nutritional status and assess the functional need for vitamins and minerals. The test report provides clear, personalised recommendations for nutritional supplementation.

The Optimal Nutrition Evaluation (ONE) test measures the following:
Metabolic Analysis - measuring 39 key organic acids to evaluate gastrointestinal function, cellular energy production, neurotransmitter processing and functional need for vitamins, minerals and cofactors.
Amino Acid Analysis - measuring 38 amino acids to evaluate dietary protein adequacy, digestion, absorption, amino acid transport, metabolic impairments and nutritional deficits including essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Oxidative Stress Analysis - evaluates the body's oxidative stress status, the interrelationship with liver detoxification and antioxidant reserve.

If you are interested in any of these tests please email me: lisa@vibrantnutrition.com.au to find out which is most suitable for your requirements. I offer a referral for the test, results interpretation and a treatment plan to correct any imbalances found.

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Elimination & Challenge Dietary Test

This is the best method to identify food reactivities, especially food intolerances and is far simpler than it sounds. Food intolerance often involves a number of foods, and so the most likely culprits are simultaneously avoided for 21 days. Many common foods fall into this category.

Should symptoms improve significantly or clear, each food is re-introduced one-by-one to see if it reignites any symptoms. The process is known as unmasking because the re-introduction following avoidance seems to make the symptom more pronounced. After confirmation, if reactive foods can be avoided for a further 3-6 months tolerance can improve and these foods can again be used sparingly, without the same ill effects. People who are quite poorly because of this problem are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms during the first few days. This is a clinical test, not the treatment!

Several clinical trials have shown that changes of diet, based on the findings of an Elimination & Challenge process, benefit a very high proportion of patients by identifying the food-triggers.

If you are interested in this dietary test please email me: lisa@vibrantnutrition.com.au to find out if it's suitable for your requirements. I have a clear elimination diet and re-introduction phase program that identifies your food intolerances, addresses gut healing and we develop a diet plan going forward to best prevent re-occurrence.

IgG 5, 40 and 93 Food Panels

This test is used to assess individuals with adverse reactions to food/s.

Food sensitivities may be a source of considerable discomfort in many chronic conditions and diseases. The symptoms are varied and individuals can react in different ways. Common conditions where food sensitivity may play a significant role include bloating and fluid retention, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, depression and mood swings, asthma, skin conditions and behavioural problems in children.

A blood sample is required for IgG testing and you will be referred to a pathology lab as convenient as possible to your location.

If you are interested in this test please email me: lisa@vibrantnutrition.com.au to find out if it's suitable for your requirements. I offer a referral for the test, results interpretation and a treatment plan to correct any imbalances found.  

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