Frustrated with normal blood work but still feeling unwell? You’re not alone.cMany of our patients arrive at Austin MD after months of doctor visits without answers. Standard testing misses critical nutritional imbalances that could be affecting your wellbeing.
We believe the Genova Diagnostics NutrEval test reveals what conventional blood tests simply cannot detect. This advanced assessment examines over 125 biomarkers to uncover your true nutritional status and metabolic function.
“Is the NutrEval test worth it?” The answer depends on your health goals. When you understand what this test reveals about your body’s inner workings, the value becomes clear. NutrEval testing goes beyond obvious deficiencies. It uncovers subtle metabolic imbalances that may be undermining your health from within.
We’ll guide you through everything about the NutrEval test – from understanding its components to interpreting your results. Most importantly, we’ll help you determine if this functional medicine approach fits your specific health concerns.
What is the NutrEval Test and Why It Matters
NutrEval stands as the most advanced functional and nutritional assessment available today. Genova Diagnostics created this diagnostic tool to evaluate over 125 biomarkers through blood and urine samples. Unlike traditional testing, it identifies root causes of dysfunction rather than just treating symptoms.
What exactly does the NutrEval measure? This sophisticated assessment examines:
- Organic acids and oxidative stress markers
- Amino acids (both essential and non-essential)
- Essential and metabolic fatty acids
- Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Toxic and nutrient elements
How NutrEval fits into Functional Medicine
Functional medicine seeks to understand the underlying causes of health issues. We use the NutrEval test as a cornerstone assessment tool to identify nutritional imbalances contributing to your health concerns.
The NutrEval employs a unique algorithm that interprets biomarker results to determine your personalized nutrient needs. This approach aligns perfectly with our emphasis on individualized care. Rather than generic supplement recommendations, we target the specific deficiencies your test reveals.
What makes it different from standard blood tests
Standard blood tests reflect only short-term nutrient status. The NutrEval measures nutrient status in the context of cellular function. This distinction allows us to assess your long-term nutritional status with greater accuracy.
Traditional testing focuses on diagnosing disease rather than optimizing health. The NutrEval identifies hidden deficiencies that conventional tests miss.
The NutrEval examines multiple biochemical pathways including methylation, cellular energy production, detoxification, oxidative damage, and various metabolic functions. This approach explains why we consider it worthwhile for patients with complex health issues.
Your blood levels of a vitamin can appear normal while you still exhibit signs of insufficiency or deficiency. The NutrEval’s functional approach provides a more complete picture than standard nutrient testing alone.
Breaking Down the NutrEval Test Components
The NutrEval test examines five crucial metabolic areas. Let’s explore what each component reveals about your body’s inner workings.
Organic acids and what they reveal
Think of organic acids as metabolic fingerprints. These compounds form when your body digests protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Measured in urine, they provide insights into intestinal absorption, mitochondrial energy production, toxin load, and detoxification capacity.
Here’s what makes this interesting: elevated organic acids [PDF] can indicate functional nutrient needs at the cellular level, even when blood levels appear normal. Your cells might be starving for nutrients while your blood work looks perfect.
Amino acids and protein metabolism
Amino acids are the building blocks of life. The NutrEval examines both essential amino acids (must come from your diet) and non-essential amino acids (your body makes these). These crucial compounds fuel energy generation, neurotransmitter synthesis, growth, repair, immune function, and blood cell production.
What’s particularly revealing? Intermediary metabolites measured in this section may signal B-vitamin cofactor needs or genetic variations affecting optimal function.
Fatty acid balance and inflammation
Fatty acids tell a 90-120 day story about your health. Measured in red blood cell membranes, the test analyzes omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, saturated, and monounsaturated fats.
These essential fatty acids control inflammation through eicosanoids—local hormones that determine whether inflammation starts, spreads, or stops. Your fatty acid balance directly impacts how your body handles inflammation.
Oxidative stress and antioxidant status
Oxidative stress happens when your body produces more reactive oxygen species than it can remove. The NutrEval measures both your antioxidant armor and oxidative damage markers. This analysis quantifies your need for antioxidant support based on actual cellular and DNA damage assessment.
Toxic and nutrient elements
Finally, the test measures essential nutrients like copper, zinc, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and selenium alongside toxic elements including lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Toxic elements measured in whole blood show recent exposure within approximately 90-120 days. This information helps identify environmental exposures that might be sabotaging your health.
How to Interpret Your NutrEval Results
Your NutrEval results arrive packed with data. The report design makes understanding your nutritional status simpler than you might expect.
Understanding the scoring system
The NutrEval report uses a unique scoring system that reveals your nutritional and metabolic status. Your Functional Imbalance Scores evaluate five critical areas: methylation, toxic exposure, mitochondrial dysfunction, fatty acid imbalances, and oxidative stress. Each score falls into high, moderate, or low needs for support. This helps you prioritize which areas need immediate attention.
The Nutrient Need Overview highlights your specific requirements for antioxidants, B vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, GI support, and amino acids. This algorithm analyzes your biomarkers to generate personalized supplement recommendations just for you.
Common patterns and what they mean
Amino acid results often show telltale patterns. Most of your essential and non-essential amino acids trending low? This could indicate insufficient protein intake, maldigestion issues, or increased demand from pregnancy or athletic training. Elevated amino acids might signal excessive protein consumption or your need for specific vitamins and minerals like B6 and magnesium.
Organic acid interpretation focuses on four key questions: Are symptoms related to gut bacteria or fungi imbalances? Is mitochondrial energy production affected? Are functional nutrient needs present? Is excessive toxic load affecting detoxification?
Working with a practitioner for personalized insights
Working with a qualified healthcare provider is essential for meaningful interpretation. Your practitioner will examine results within your medical history, current health concerns, medications, supplements, and dietary habits. Together, you’ll develop targeted interventions based on your specific needs.
At Austin MD, we are your personal health detectives, researching your health history and discovering “clues” to your ailments. Our Cedar Park clinic offers FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE treatments tailored just for you – from Nutreval DNA Testing, IV Vitamins to Bio-identical Hormone Replacement. Your path to optimal health starts here. Questions? Call us! +1 (512) 593-5605
NutrEval testing enables practitioners to create precise treatment plans addressing your identified nutrient deficiencies, oxidative stress issues, and gut health concerns. Through regular reassessment, your provider can track progress and adjust recommendations as your nutritional status improves.
Who Should Consider NutrEval Testing
Is the NutrEval test worth it for your specific health concerns? Clinical research shows this assessment provides valuable insights for several health conditions.
Chronic fatigue and low energy
Persistent tiredness despite adequate rest? The NutrEval test reveals underlying causes.
Patients struggling with chronic fatigue often discover mitochondrial dysfunction or B-vitamin deficiencies through testing. The test examines energy production markers and identifies nutritional imbalances contributing to your exhaustion.
Feeling “wiped out” after normal activities? These insights lead to targeted nutritional support that addresses the root cause of fatigue.
Mood disorders and cognitive issues
Nutritional imbalances significantly impact mental wellness.
The NutrEval test benefits those experiencing depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. B-vitamins, essential fatty acids, and amino acid imbalances influence emotional health and cognitive function. The test evaluates neurotransmitter metabolites, providing insights into biochemical factors affecting your mental health.
Digestive problems and food sensitivities
Unexplained digestive symptoms often have nutritional components.
Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and food reactions can indicate deeper issues. Food sensitivities manifest as IBS, skin rashes, joint pain, and even autoimmune conditions. The NutrEval examines markers of maldigestion, malabsorption, and intestinal permeability that contribute to these problems.
Athletic performance and recovery
Athletes seeking optimal performance gain crucial insights into nutritional status.
The U.S. Olympic Committee’s Chief of Sport Performance notes, “keeping athletes healthy… everything else falls into place”. The test identifies nutrients depleted during intense training, supporting recovery and endurance. Athletes experiencing “bonking” or diminishing performance discover key deficiencies affecting their results.
Preventive health and aging
Your health journey extends beyond holiday seasons. At Austin MD, your wellness stands at the heart of our mission. Our Cedar Park clinic offers FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE treatments tailored just for you – from Nutreval DNA Testing, IV Vitamins to Bio-identical Hormone Replacement. Your path to optimal health starts here. Questions? Call us! +1 (512) 593-5605
Even individuals without obvious symptoms benefit from NutrEval testing to identify “silent” nutrient deficiencies. Iron, Vitamin D, B12, calcium, and magnesium are among the most common deficiencies in the United States.
We are here to help you address these before they cause noticeable symptoms. This supports longevity and overall wellness.
Your Path to Optimal Health Starts Here
The NutrEval test stands as a powerful tool for anyone seeking answers beyond conventional blood work. This assessment examines over 125 biomarkers to reveal what standard testing misses.
We are your personal health detectives, researching your health history and discovering “clues” to your ailments. The NutrEval serves as our roadmap for creating a customized treatment plan based on your unique biochemistry.
Patients struggling with chronic fatigue, mood disorders, digestive problems, or athletic performance concerns finally discover the nutritional imbalances undermining their health. The detailed scoring system makes complex information accessible, though working with our qualified healthcare team remains essential.
The NutrEval offers preventive benefits by identifying “silent” deficiencies before they manifest as symptoms. This proactive approach supports long-term wellness and may prevent future health complications.
“Is the NutrEval test worth it?” The answer depends on your commitment to optimal health. For those who have struggled with persistent symptoms despite normal blood work, this assessment might be the missing puzzle piece needed to restore your vitality.
We are committed to supporting you to live your best life! At Austin MD, we utilize the latest advanced lab testing to diagnose and formulate a customized treatment plan that’s right just for you.
Your health journey extends beyond holiday seasons. At Austin MD, your wellness stands at the heart of our mission. Our Cedar Park clinic offers FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE treatments tailored just for you – from Nutreval DNA Testing, IV Vitamins to Bio-identical Hormone Replacement. Your path to optimal health starts here. Questions? Call us! +1 (512) 593-5605
