This Cellular Nutrition Assay (CNA) - ALCAT Test Kit includes the following assays:
- Cellular Micronutrient Assay (CMA)
- Redox Assay
- Antioxidant Protection Assay (APA)
What is the purpose of this test?
The Cellular Nutrition Assay (CMA, Redox and APA) - ALCAT Test Kit addresses patients' nutritional needs at a cellular level, measuring nutrient insufficiencies, overall antioxidant function, and specific beneficial antioxidants. This means that it can provide valuable insights into the nutrient stores present in your cells, much like hemoglobin A1C provides long-term information about blood sugar levels. The CNA is calibrated to meet the unique requirements of each individual, taking into account how their immune cells react to the addition of different test components.
Cellular Micronutrient Assay (CMA)
Functional cellular nutrient analysis evaluates how individual nutrients impact cell function. The CMA method measures micronutrient effects on T and B lymphocyte reproduction when stimulated by a mitogen. Faster reproduction of these cells helps fight infections, driven by nutrient stores that vary due to factors like stress and genetics. Nutrients are crucial for cell growth and multiplication.
Intracellular vs. Serum and Plasma Assessment
When measuring micronutrients in plasma or serum, it's important to note that levels reflect nutrients outside cells, not inside, where they have the greatest impact. These levels can also fluctuate daily, so assessing the nutrient impact on cellular function is best to understand long-term nutritional status better.
Redox Assay
Redox is a chemical reaction that can cause oxidative stress, leading to chronic disease. To measure this, a Redox Assay is necessary. The assay tests cells' resistance to oxidative damage and overall antioxidant capacity. It involves adding increasing levels of H2O2 to lymphocytes, which can harm the cells and decrease growth rates. The assay determines cells' ability to resist damage and prevent harm, identifying potential health risks.
Antioxidant Protection Assay
The Antioxidant Protection Assay (APA) identifies antioxidant nutrients that can help patients' cells resist oxidative stress. The process involves adding individual antioxidants to the patient's cells and serum in the presence of oxidative stress molecules. The test is then repeated for each antioxidant. The results identify which specific antioxidants are highly protective or protective and can help support the recovery of patients' lymphocytes from the effects of oxidative stress.
