You will also receive a separate invoice from the laboratory by mail (the costs are currently approximately 82 euros for self-payers or 100 euros for private patients).

Minerals and trace elements play an important role as cofactors for numerous enzymes in diverse metabolic processes. Even a slight deficiency can be accompanied by numerous symptoms and complaints , such as reduced performance, increased susceptibility to infections, fatigue and exhaustion, or chronic inflammatory phenomena, e.g., of the skin or mucous membranes, and much more. However, in overdose, some substances can even have toxic effects.

Because trace elements are involved in a wide variety of metabolic processes, the symptoms of a deficiency are often vague, and it's not immediately clear what the deficiency is. This is especially true when there is a mild deficiency of multiple trace elements.

This laboratory test examines the following minerals and trace elements: magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, selenium, chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, sodium, as well as their antagonistic counterparts and toxins such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and lead.

What is the difference between a full blood test and a standard serum test, which is often, if ever, performed only in doctor's offices?

Most micronutrients are concentrated mainly in blood cells and only to a small extent in serum.
Take a look at this diagram:





If you only have these micronutrients checked in a standard serum test, it is very common for values to appear "normal" - but they may be deficient in a full blood test (blood cells + plasma):

Some elements, such as zinc and magnesium, are predominantly found intracellularly. Others, such as copper, are concentrated in the extracellular space. Mineral analysis in EDTA whole blood allows the simultaneous determination of both intracellular and extracellular metals, thus providing a much better insight into the body's actual supply situation.

Deficiencies can arise from disturbances in absorption, excretion, or altered metabolism. Common causes include:

- impaired absorption in the gastrointestinal tract due to stomach and intestinal diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, intolerances)

- Thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, autoimmunity)
- Diabetes
- poor diet (diets, fast food, alcohol)
- as interactions when taking medication (e.g. for blood pressure, cholesterol-lowering drugs, hormonal contraceptives, stomach acid inhibitors, etc.)
- special life circumstances (pregnancy, growth, increased strain, stress, sports, chronic illnesses in general).

Whole blood mineral analysis helps to identify possible deficiencies, to use targeted nutritional supplements and also to avoid oversupply.
Correcting deficiencies and imbalances can contribute to improving well-being, quality of life, alleviating symptoms and discomfort, improving sleep, and maintaining health.

If you are interested in further information, please see the "Product Information" and "Downloads" tabs.