Hello,

I have had idiopathic PN for about 6 years. Recently, I went to a MD who helps me with menopause issues but he is also interested in the PN. He recommended that I take a blood test called Spectracell. It cost $300 so it wasn't cheap, but it is supposed to tell you what vitamins/minerals/amino acids etc you are deficient in.

I got the results and I wanted to share this with you all to see if it is something that may help any of us.

First, I have nothing to do with this company.

Here is their methodology:

"Overview of test procedure

1. a mixture of lymphocytes is isolated from the blood
2. these cells are grown in a defined culture medium containing optimal levels of all essential nutrients necessary to sustain their growth in cell culture
3. the T-lymphocytes are stimulated to grow with a mitogen (phytohemagglutinin) and growth is measured by the incorporation of tritiated (radioactive) thymidine into the DNA of the cells

The growth response under optimal conditions is defined as 100%, and all other growth rates are compared to this 100% level of growth.

For example - we remove vitamin B6 from the medium and stimulate the cells to grow by mitogen stimulation. Growth is measured by DNA synthesis and the rate of growth is dependent only upon the functional level of vitamin B6 available within the cells to support growth. For vitamin B6 a growth rate of at least 55% of the growth rate observed in the optimal (100%) media is considered normal. Results less than 55% are considered to indicate a functional deficiency for vitamin B6. Each nutrient has a different reference range that was established by assaying thousands of apparently healthy individuals."

I think that this test more accurately reflects how our bodies are processing these nutrients....at least in my non-scientific mind!

So my results showed deficiencies in:

Oleic Acid, Chromium, Calcium, CoQ10, and Glucose Insulin Interaction.

I do not regularly take any vitamins/minerals. I am on Neurontin and Baclofen.

I have a new order coming in from Iherb.com and it is nice to be able to actually take a nutrient that I know I am deficient in, rather than guessing.

The test reports on:

B Complex Vitamins
Amino Acids
Metabolites
Fatty Acids
Vitamins D,A & K2
Calcium, Zinc, Copper & Magnesium
Carbohydrate Metabolism (Glucose-Insulin Interaction, Fructose Sensitivity, and Chromium
Antioxidants

So take it for what its worth....I just wanted to let you all know that this test is available.

Any thoughts?

Ann

That is interesting. Some people on the Vitamin forum have used Spectracell also.

So your Vit D was normal then? If so, you are one of the few on here who got normal results!

Oleic acid is found in olive oil. It is an omega-9 fatty acid.

Were you omega-3s normal too? Were you taking supplements before this test?

Thanks for bringing your experience here.

Mrs. D.,

Here's where it is interesting: My last Vitamin D test came in at 23. On the Spectracell is showed as (Vitamin D Ergocalciferol) 88% with the reference range at 83%. So I was just slightly above the average. I'm not quite sure what to make of this. I am still supplementing with D and had been at the time of this test.

I was not taking any other supplements at the time.

Ann

There are TWO Vit D tests;

The ergocalciferol is the storage form, and the form given
by doctors to raise levels...50,000 IU per cap D2 (ergocalciferol)

The D3 is an separate test.

So I would supplement what shows up low then.

Not low in Omega-3's. You are lucky!

Did they test magnesium?

Under Repletion Suggestions, they suggest the following:

600 mg BID of EPA and DHA in Omega 3 fatty acids
200 mcg of Chromium nicotinate or glycinate for 90 days
50 mg BID calcium as citrate, malate, ascorbateor glycinate
600 mg daily of NAC
200 iu Vitamin E
50 mcg Selenium
150 mg daily CoQ10
50 mg daily Lipoic Acid
250 mg daily Vitamin c

I am also going to take 50,000 iu D3 once a week for a month and have the D3 test again.

Magnesium came in at 42% with reference range 37% and above.

Ann
Ann

That is a really low calcium recommendation!

Where is the recommendation for oleic acid?

You will want to choose NATURAL vit E products. The label will say natural. (synthetic only has one form of Vit E...which normally in nature comes in a mixture).

50mg of lipoic acid is low, very, if referring to alpha form.
If r-lipoic, then that is better and in range.

The magnesium is great for most Americans! Most are low in this mineral.

Not too bad... compared to most!

Sorry...typo 500 MG BID (1,00 mg daily) Calcium

THe Oleic Acid is covered under the 600 mg BID epa/dha Omega 3 Fatty Acids

ann

This is interesting. I have had extensive blood work but I can't recall having fatty acids checked. I will have to look back. Was this just an internist who did these tests? Or a speciality doctor?

He is a "wellness" MD specializing in hormone replacement. But, he is very keen on nutrition. I suppose any doctor can order the test. The Spectracell website does have a search engine to locate a doctor near you to order the test.

Ann