Ulta Lab Tests

UltaNutrient™ Advanced Mineral Balance Panel

The UltaNutrient™ Advanced Mineral Balance Panel delivers an in-depth evaluation of essential minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes that influence iron balance, cellular energy, nerve signaling, and metabolic stability. By measuring iron markers, magnesium (serum and RBC), zinc, copper, vitamin D, B12, folate, and electrolytes, this panel offers a comprehensive view of mineral balance and nutritional foundations.

Plasma-Unspecified Vial Pour, Serum, Other, Blood
Phlebotomist

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Copper

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein found inside cells that stores iron so your body can use it later. A ferritin test indirectly measures the amount of iron in your blood. The amount of ferritin in your blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in your body.

Also known as: Iron and TIBC, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity TIBC, TIBC

% Saturation

Iron Binding Capacity

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test to see if you may have too much or too little iron in the blood. Iron moves through the blood attached to a protein called transferrin. This test helps your doctor know how well that protein can carry iron in the blood.

Iron, Total

Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for many functions. For example, iron is part of hemoglobin, a protein which carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. It helps our muscles store and use oxygen. Iron is also part of many other proteins and enzymes. Your body needs the right amount of iron. If you have too little iron, you may develop iron deficiency anemia. Causes of low iron levels include blood loss, poor diet, or an inability to absorb enough iron from foods. People at higher risk of having too little iron are young children and women who are pregnant or have periods.

Magnesium

Also known as: Magnesium RBC

Magnesium, Rbc

About half of the body's magnesium is found in bone. The other half is found inside cells of body tissues and organs. Magnesium is needed for nearly all chemical processes in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, and keeps the bones strong. Magnesium is also needed for the heart to function normally and to help regulate blood pressure. Magnesium also helps the body control blood sugar level and helps support the body's defense (immune) system.

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, D2

Vitamin D2 ((ergocalciferol,) is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The D2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D2 is effective when it is converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, D3

Vitamin D3 (cholecalcifero) which comes from animals. Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. Vitamin D3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. Vitamin D3 are is converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, Total

Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The chemical structures of the types of vitamin D are slightly different, and they are named vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, which comes from plants) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, which comes from animals). The D2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. Vitamin D2 and D3 are equally effective when they are converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Also known as: Cobalamin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B 12, Vitamin B 12 and Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Cobalamin and Folate Panel Serum, Vitamin B12/Folic Acid

Folate, Serum

Folate is part of the B complex of vitamins and is measures the levels of folate in the liquid portion of the blood, the serum or plasma, to detect deficiencies. Folate is necessary for normal RBC formation, tissue and cellular repair, and DNA synthesis.. A deficiency inr folate can lead to macrocytic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia, a type of macrocytic anemia, is characterized by the production of fewer but larger RBCs called macrocytes, in addition to some cellular changes in the bone marrow.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is part of the B complex of vitamins and measurea the levels of vitamin B12 in the liquid portion of the blood, the serum or plasma, to detect deficiencies. Cobalamine, or vitamin B12, is found in animal products such as red meat, fish, poultry, milk, yogurt, and eggs and is not produced in the human body. In recent years, fortified cereals, breads, and other grain products have also become important dietary sources of B12. Vitamin B12 is necessary for normal RBC formation, tissue and cellular repair, and DNA synthesis. B12 is important for nerve health. A deficiency in B12 can lead to macrocytic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia, a type of macrocytic anemia, is characterized by the production of fewer but larger RBCs called macrocytes, in addition to some cellular changes in the bone marrow. B12 deficiency can lead to varying degrees of neuropathy, nerve damage that can cause tingling and numbness in the affected person's hands and feet.

Also known as: ZN, Plasma

Zinc

*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The UltaNutrient™ Advanced Mineral Balance Panel panel contains 9 tests with 17 biomarkers .

The UltaNutrient™ Advanced Mineral Balance Panel is a comprehensive laboratory assessment designed to evaluate critical minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes that collectively influence metabolic function, oxygen transport, neuromuscular signaling, and cellular balance. This panel expands beyond basic nutrient screening by incorporating iron status markers, trace minerals such as copper and zinc, and both serum and red blood cell (RBC) magnesium measurements—offering a deeper and more physiologically nuanced view of mineral balance.

Minerals and electrolytes operate within tightly regulated systems. Imbalances can affect energy production, red blood cell formation, immune function, muscle contraction, and fluid regulation. By combining iron studies (iron, ferritin, and total iron binding capacity) with vitamin D, B12, folate, magnesium (serum and RBC), zinc, copper, and core electrolytes, this panel provides layered insight into both circulating and intracellular nutrient status.

The UltaNutrient™ Advanced Mineral Balance Panel is frequently used when a more detailed evaluation is needed—whether to explore patterns seen on prior testing, assess nutritional sufficiency in complex clinical contexts, or monitor mineral-related trends over time. Its design supports a holistic interpretation of mineral interactions rather than isolated results, making it a valuable tool for clinicians and patients seeking clarity around mineral balance and foundational nutritional health.

When and Why Someone Would Order This Panel

Evaluating Complex Nutritional and Mineral Patterns

This panel is commonly ordered when individuals or healthcare providers want to move beyond basic nutrient screening and examine deeper mineral relationships. Iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium interact closely in metabolism, red blood cell production, and enzymatic function. Assessing these markers together can help identify patterns that may not be apparent when nutrients are measured in isolation.

Assessing Iron Balance and Oxygen Transport

Iron status is multifaceted. Measuring iron alone may not provide sufficient context, which is why this panel includes ferritin and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). These markers together help characterize iron storage, transport, and utilization. This can be particularly relevant for individuals with dietary restrictions, endurance athletes, or those undergoing long-term monitoring of iron-related trends.

Monitoring Dietary, Lifestyle, and Supplement Changes

Individuals following plant-based diets, restrictive eating patterns, or structured supplementation regimens may use this panel to evaluate how their nutrient intake translates into measurable mineral status. The inclusion of both serum and RBC magnesium provides additional depth, as intracellular magnesium levels may differ from circulating values.

Medication Use and Long-Term Health Oversight

Certain medications and chronic health management strategies can influence mineral absorption and electrolyte balance. Healthcare providers may use this panel to monitor stability over time, identify emerging imbalances, or guide further evaluation when laboratory trends change.

Preventive and Integrative Health Approaches

The UltaNutrient™ Advanced Mineral Balance Panel is also used in preventive and integrative health settings, where understanding mineral balance is viewed as a foundational component of long-term metabolic and physiological resilience.

What Does the Panel Measure

Iron and Trace Mineral Assessment

The panel evaluates iron, ferritin, and total iron binding capacity, offering a comprehensive look at iron availability, storage, and transport. Copper and zinc are essential trace minerals involved in immune function, antioxidant activity, connective tissue integrity, and enzymatic processes. Their balance is particularly important, as excess or deficiency in one may influence the other.

Vitamin Status

QuestAssureD® Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Total with D2 and D3 measures vitamin D from both dietary and endogenous sources, supporting evaluation of bone, immune, and metabolic health. Vitamin B12 and serum folate are key markers for red blood cell formation, neurological integrity, and DNA synthesis.

Magnesium: Circulating and Intracellular

This panel uniquely includes both serum magnesium and RBC magnesium. Serum magnesium reflects circulating levels, while RBC magnesium provides insight into intracellular stores, which may better represent tissue-level availability in certain contexts.

Electrolytes and Acid–Base Balance

Sodium, potassium, and chloride are core electrolytes essential for hydration, nerve conduction, and muscle function. Carbon dioxide (CO2), reported as bicarbonate, helps contextualize electrolyte findings by reflecting metabolic acid–base balance.

How Patients and Healthcare Providers Use the Results

Identifying Mineral and Nutrient Trends

Results from the UltaNutrient™ Advanced Mineral Balance Panel may reveal patterns consistent with iron imbalance, trace mineral insufficiency, electrolyte shifts, or vitamin-related trends. These findings are interpreted in conjunction with clinical history and other laboratory data.

Supporting Evaluation of Related Conditions

Healthcare providers may reference this panel when evaluating conditions associated with fatigue, anemia patterns, neuromuscular symptoms, metabolic imbalance, or mineral-related concerns. Potential areas of evaluation may include iron deficiency or overload patterns, zinc or copper imbalance, magnesium insufficiency, electrolyte disturbances, or vitamin D–related trends.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

For individuals undergoing dietary changes, supplementation, or long-term health monitoring, repeat testing can help track how mineral and nutrient markers change over time. This supports informed decision-making and individualized care planning.

Facilitating Data-Driven Conversations

Rather than serving as a diagnostic endpoint, this panel provides a structured dataset that helps patients and providers engage in informed, evidence-based discussions about next steps, additional testing, or ongoing monitoring strategies.

The UltaNutrient™ Advanced Mineral Balance Panel offers a detailed and integrated view of mineral, vitamin, and electrolyte status, emphasizing the interconnected nature of these essential nutrients. By combining iron studies, trace minerals, dual magnesium measurements, and foundational electrolytes, the panel supports a deeper understanding of how the body maintains balance at both the circulating and cellular levels.

Its value lies in context and continuity—helping identify trends, monitor changes, and support thoughtful interpretation over time. Whether used as part of preventive screening, nutritional assessment, or ongoing health monitoring, this panel provides reliable laboratory insight that complements clinical evaluation and personalized care.

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