Why Measure Telomeres?
Telomeres are sections of genetic material that form a protective cap at the end of each chromosome in every body's cell. 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.
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.
Why use the SpectraCell Micronutrient test?
What truly makes our test unique is that it measures micronutrients' functional level and capability present within white blood cells, where metabolism occurs, and where micronutrients do their job—thus taking a person’s biochemical individuality into account. Unlike static serum measurements, which only assess the concentration of nutrients present outside of the cell (extracellular) and only provide a glimpse of your health, SpectraCell’s Micronutrient test is a long term assessment (4-6 months) that addresses the functional impact (performance) of micronutrients—what matters. These are the things tested in the Micronutrient Test
Vitamins Tested
Minerals Tested
Amino Acids Tested
Fatty Acids Tested
Antioxidants Tested
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Metabolites
Spectrox®
Micronutrient Status & its Connection to Aging Process
Micronutrient status has direct implications for telomere length. This makes it especially important to correct specific deficiencies and maintain micronutrient balance. Measuring total antioxidant capacity via SPECTROX® is equally important as the body’s ability to handle oxidative stress contributes significantly to telomere health/length. The great news is that with telomere analysis and a targeted supplementation plan based on your micronutrient results, you can protect your telomeres and reduce the rate at which they shorten! SpectraCell’s Telomere and Micronutrient Tests can be used in conjunction to slow and even reverse the many processes that promote aging.
