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Arsenic is a natural element found in the earth's outer layer, often connected to minerals and metals. It's spread throughout the environment, entering water, air, and soil, and eventually making its way into our food and water sources. Although it's known for being poisonous, arsenic also plays a role in the human body. It helps in breaking down amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and supports the function of over 200 enzymes, which are proteins that help chemical reactions happen faster in the body. Even though it can be toxic, small amounts of arsenic are necessary for keeping our bodies healthy.
If Your Levels Are High
Elevated arsenic levels might suggest that you've been exposed to more of this element than usual, possibly due to your environment, the food you eat, or your job. This could come from drinking contaminated water, eating certain foods, working in industries like mining or manufacturing that involve arsenic, or taking specific medications or herbal supplements. It's also possible that your body is having trouble processing and getting rid of arsenic effectively. High arsenic levels can interfere with how enzymes and amino acids work in your body, which are essential for maintaining good health.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of Arsenic could include fatigue, confusion, stomach pain, diarrhea, and changes in skin color.
If Your Levels are Low
Low levels of arsenic in your body might mean that you're not getting enough of this natural element, which is actually important for our health. Even though arsenic is known for being poisonous, it helps our bodies in several ways, like supporting the work of over 200 enzymes and breaking down amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. If your arsenic levels are low, it could be because you're not eating enough seafood, grains, or certain vegetables, which are common sources of arsenic. Some medications or supplements might also affect how much arsenic is in your body. Additionally, it's possible that an underlying health issue is making it harder for your body to absorb arsenic from the environment.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of Arsenic are not typically noticeable as the body can generally function without it. However, in some rare cases, a deficiency might contribute to issues with metabolism and enzyme function.
The NutrEval® Plasma evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 2 years of age.
Hair Elements by Doctor's Data
Hair
The Hair Elements profile provides information regarding recent and ongoing exposure to several toxic metals and the status of specific nutrient elements. This noninvasive screening test requires only .25 grams of hair.
NutrEval® FMV by Genova Diagnostics
Whole Blood
Urine
Serum
The NutrEval® FMV evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.
Urine Toxic Metals - Timed by Doctor's Data
Urine
The Urine Toxic Metals test can be used to evaluate exposure to toxic elements and the efficacy of detoxification therapy. This test uses a timed urine collection. You MUST tell your patients how long you wish them to collect. It is also available as a random or 24-hour collection.
Metals - Toxic + Nutrient Elements - Hair by Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains)
Hair
This test is a valuable and inexpensive screen for physiological excess, deficiency, or maldistribution of elements. It provides important information that can assist in the early diagnosis of disorders associated with aberrations in essential and toxic element metabolism.