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Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, synthesize important molecules in the body, including neurotransmitters, hormones, and pigments. They play a crucial role in developing muscle mass, hair, and all body tissues. Balancing different amino acids is important, as some, like lysine, can block the uptake of others, such as arginine, and vice versa.
Amino Acid Therapy
People often associate amino acids with athletes or bodybuilders, but everyone needs them for mental well-being, digestion, nervous system function, reproductive health, and immune system support. For example, the body uses the amino acid tryptophan to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood.
Healthcare professionals use amino acid therapy to treat various ailments, including mood and mental health disorders, sleep issues, fatigue, cognitive function problems, and ADHD.

Understanding Amino Acid Levels
Your amino acid levels can be either too low or too high. Several factors can cause this imbalance:

Weak digestion, which happens if you don't break down protein properly.
Taking hydrochloric acid inhibitors like Omeprazole.
Consuming a diet low in protein.
Experiencing individual biochemical differences.
Having a deficiency in cofactors, the supplemental nutrients the body needs to utilize amino acids.
Suffering from diseases that impair the body's ability to use certain amino acids effectively.

Performing the Amino Acids Test
You should take the Amino Acids Test on an empty stomach in the morning. You can easily collect all our health tests, including blood tests, at home. To obtain capillary blood, prick a finger and collect the blood on dried blood spot (DBS) paper. Then send the DBS paper to our ISO-certified lab for analysis. We will deliver your results digitally. Children can also perform this test, as long as they can manage a blood test.

GetTested's Nutrition Test
GetTested's Nutrition Test is an essential tool for uncovering hidden nutrient deficiencies, which often go unnoticed without specific testing. Therefore, our comprehensive test plays a crucial role in identifying these deficiencies. Initially, some deficiencies may cause immediate health issues, while others might subtly affect your well-being over time. Fortunately, once identified, these deficiencies are typically easy to rectify.
Our test is a nutrition blood test you can take at home. It is convenient to use. Simply collect a blood sample and have it sent over to our certified lab for analysis. 
For those interested in a complete assessment of their vitamin levels, GetTested also offers a Vitamin Test as part of our home-testing range.
Key Nutrients Analysed in the Nutrition Test
Our test includes a range of essential nutrients, each with a unique and vital role in maintaining health:

Sodium: Crucially maintains the body's water-salt balance and can be depleted by excessive sweating or certain chronic conditions. The body requires only a small amount of sodium to perform these functions.
Potassium: It is indispensable for water balance, blood pressure regulation, and maintaining a healthy heart. It also helps the nerves and muscles function properly. Potassium is found in various fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and meat products.
Calcium: Notably essential for bones, teeth, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. Dairy products, cheese and yoghurt contain calcium. 
Magnesium: It plays a key role in enzyme reactions, muscle and nerve function, and in the absorption of other minerals. Dark chocolate, avocados and nuts are some of the foods that contain magnesium. 
Iron: This element is critical for oxygen transport and immune function, but can be toxic in excess. The body uses iron to make Haemoglobin, which is what helps carry oxygen to different parts of the body. Iron is found in poultry and meat, but also beans, spinach and beets. 
Copper: Supports the cardiovascular system, brain, nerves, and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Copper helps with the production of red blood cells. Shellfish is rich in copper. 
Zinc: Essential for growth of cells, digestion and a healthy immune function. It also helps with the healing of damaged tissue. The body only needs a small amount of Zinc. Meat, fish and seafood contain the most Zinc. 
Selenium: Acts as a potent antioxidant, vital for immune support and protection against heavy metals. It also helps to make DNA. Organ meats, Seafood and Brazil nuts contain a high amount of Selenium. 

Importance of Measuring Mineral Ratios
Although mineral levels are important to be considered, the mineral ratios are often more important when it comes to determining nutritional deficiencies and excesses. Balance is crucial in all phases of life to maintain health, and the same goes for balance in mineral levels. 
Our Nutrition Test evaluates the ratios between key minerals, such as Sodium/Potassium, Magnesium/Calcium, and Copper/Zinc. These ratios are vital for managing blood pressure, heart health, hormonal balance, and overall well-being.
Advantages of Whole Blood Analysis
GetTested's Nutrition Test utilises whole blood analysis, which is a method that offers a more comprehensive view of nutrient levels. This is especially beneficial for those with chronic conditions. This approach contrasts with the traditional healthcare practice of measuring nutrients in serum or plasma, typically focused on acute issues. Whole blood analysis ensures a deeper understanding of long-term nutritional health, providing insights that are crucial for addressing chronic nutrient deficiencies effectively.
Simple and Convenient Home Testing Process
With GetTested's user-friendly home blood test, you simply use a finger prick to collect a blood sample and send it to our lab. For optimal accuracy, it's best to take the test on an empty stomach in the morning. Consequently, your comprehensive digital results will provide a detailed view of your nutritional health.

GetTested's Vitamin B12 test
GetTested's Vitamin B12 test is designed to accurately trace for B12 in the blood. 
Whereas traditional tests measure the total B12 in the body, encompassing both inactive and active forms, GetTested's Vitamin B12 test specifically measures holotranscobalamin, which is the active form of B12. This marker is more sensitive than MMA (methyl malonate), making it a reliable indicator of B12 deficiency. 
Measure your B12 levels with our vitamin b12 test kit, delivered to your door and convenient to use at home. If you suspect you may have a Vitamin B12 deficiency, test for B12 now and quickly gain insights into your health. 
About Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, a crucial water-soluble vitamin, plays a vital role in our bodies. Unlike other vitamins, our body cannot produce B12, making dietary intake essential. There are two forms of Vitamin B12: an active form known as Active B12, bound to the protein transcobalamin, and an inactive form. Cells in the body utilise the active form.
One key function of B12 involves DNA production. Without B12, cells cannot divide properly, hindering the replacement of damaged or malfunctioning cells. B12 also contributes to nerve myelination (creating insulating fats around nerves) and breaks down homocysteine, a by-product of protein metabolism.
B12's Unique Absorption Process
Despite being water-soluble, B12 does not dissolve well in water or fat. Its absorption requires a special mechanism involving the intrinsic factor (IF), produced by stomach wall cells. This factor binds to B12, facilitating its transport through the intestinal wall, into the blood, and eventually to the liver. Here, it is stored or distributed throughout the body.
The liver can store B12 for up to 20 years. Unlike other B vitamins, regular B12 intake isn't necessary if liver reserves are sufficient. However, certain groups, including vegans, alcoholics, and individuals who have had bariatric surgery, face a higher risk of B12 deficiency. This risk arises from a potential reduction in intrinsic factor production, crucial for B12 absorption.
Symptoms of a B12 deficiency
A Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms that usually develop gradually. If untreated, these conditions can get worse.  
Most common symptoms of vitamin B12 include: 

Fatigue and weakness
Shortness of breath 
Stomach pain
Diarrhoea 

Vitamin B12 deficiency can also have an affect on mental well-being and cause:

Headaches,
Feelings of depression 
Anxiety 
Problems with memory

Symptoms of this deficiency range from mild (like fatigue and weakness) to more severe issues like heart palpitations, aforementioned mental health problems, and neurological symptoms. These symptoms may progress to pernicious anaemia or nerve-related issues like tingling, muscle weakness, and "burning feet syndrome," a result of inadequate myelin formation around nerves. 
Vegans and B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 naturally occurs in animal-based foods, placing vegans at a heightened risk of deficiency. For vegans, supplementing B12 is vital. The extent of deficiency largely depends on the liver's stored B12 levels at the time of switching to a vegan diet.

Gluten Intolerance and Its Symptoms
Gluten is a protein naturally found in wheat and other grains. Many foods, including pasta, cereal, and beer, as well as vitamins and cosmetics, contain gluten. Gluten acts as a binder, holding food together. For instance, without gluten, pizza dough would easily tear. Most people tolerate gluten well, as it can be beneficial for the good bacteria in the gut. However, some people experience serious side effects after consuming gluten, indicating gluten intolerance.
When you have gluten intolerance, you might feel sick after eating products containing gluten. Gluten intolerance is one of the most prominent autoimmune diseases, affecting about 1% of the world's population. It is wise to take our gluten intolerance test when heving the following symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance
The most common symptoms of gluten intolerance and celiac disease include:

Diarrhea or constipation
Difficulty gaining weight
Fatigue
Joint pain
Infertility
Flatulence
Nausea
Skin problems, such as rash
Headache

Gluten intolerance can also lead to mental health issues, including:

Anxiety
Concentration problems
Depression

Research has also established a link between celiac disease and both infertility and menstrual cycle changes in women.
Gluten Intolerance vs. Celiac Disease: Understanding the Difference
Gluten intolerance shares similarities with celiac disease and wheat allergy. People with gluten sensitivity and those with celiac disease experience similar symptoms. However, there's a crucial distinction. Celiac disease triggers the body to treat gluten as a harmful invader, leading to damage in the digestive tract. It's caused by an abnormal gene, which is not present in those with gluten sensitivity. The gluten intolerance test identifies the presence of this gene.
Individuals with gluten sensitivity or intolerance may not need to follow a strictly gluten-free diet. In contrast, people with celiac disease must avoid gluten completely, as even the smallest amount can cause long-term harm.
Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Celiac Disease
Celiac disease can lead to various nutrient deficiencies due to the damage it causes in the small intestine, affecting nutrient absorption. Key nutrients that individuals with celiac disease often find themselves deficient in include:

Iron: Reduced absorption can lead to anemia, a common issue in celiac disease.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Essential for bone health, deficiencies in these nutrients increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Folate and Vitamin B12: Important for red blood cell formation, their deficiency can also result in anemia.
Zinc: Necessary for immune function and skin health, zinc deficiency is common in individuals with celiac disease.
Vitamin B6: Crucial for metabolism and brain function, a lack of Vitamin B6 can affect overall health and well-being.

Identifying and addressing these deficiencies through diet or supplementation is crucial for managing celiac disease and improving quality of life.