Ulta Lab Tests

UltaNutrient™ Functional Nutrient Status Panel

The UltaNutrient™ Functional Nutrient Status Panel delivers an advanced evaluation of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and functional biomarkers that reflect how nutrients are utilized at the cellular level. By measuring homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, hs-CRP, iron status, magnesium (serum and RBC), folate (serum and RBC), trace minerals, and key vitamins, this panel provides deep insight into metabolic efficiency and nutrient balance.

Plasma-Unspecified Vial Pour, Serum, Blood, Other
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: Folate RBC, Folic Acid, Red Cell Folate

Folate, Rbc

Also known as: Homocysteine, Homocysteine Cardiovascular

HOMOCYSTEINE,

Also known as: C-Reactive Protein, Cardio CRP, Cardio hs-CRP, CRP, High Sensitivity CRP, High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein, High-sensitivity CRP, Highly Sensitive CRP, hsCRP, Ultra-sensitive CRP

Hs Crp

A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test may be used by itself, in combination with other cardiac risk markers, or in combination with a lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) test that evaluates vascular inflammation. The hs-CRP test accurately detects low concentrations of C-reactive protein to help predict a healthy person's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High-sensitivity CRP is promoted by some as a test for determining a person's risk level for CVD, heart attacks, and strokes. The current thinking is that hs-CRP can play a role in the evaluation process before a person develops one of these health problems.

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.

Methylmalonic Acid

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.

Selenium

Also known as: Retinol, Vitamin A, Vitamin A Retinol

Vitamin A

This test measures the level of retinol in the blood; retinol is the primary form of vitamin A in animals. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient required for healthy vision, skin growth and integrity, bone formation, immune function, and embryonic development. It is required to produce photoreceptors in the eyes and to maintain the lining of the surface of the eyes and other mucous membranes. Deficiencies in vitamin A can impair night vision, cause eye damage, and in severe cases lead to blindness. Acute or chronic excesses of vitamin A can be toxic, cause a range of symptoms, and sometimes lead to birth defects. The body cannot make vitamin A and must rely on dietary sources of vitamin A. Meat sources provide vitamin A (as retinol), while vegetable and fruit sources provide carotene (a substance that can be converted into vitamin A by the liver). Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat tissues (it is fat-soluble), and healthy adults may have as much as a year's worth stored. The body maintains a relatively stable concentration in the blood through a feedback system that releases vitamin A from storage as needed and increases or decreases the efficiency of dietary vitamin A absorption.

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: B6, B6 Vitamin, Pyridoxal, Pyridoxal Phosphate, Pyridoxal Phosphate (PLP), Vitamin B6 Pyridoxal Phosphate

Vitamin B6

Also known as: Alpha-Tocopherol, Vitamin E Tocopherol

Alpha-Tocopherol

Beta-Gamma-Tocopherol

Also known as: ZN, Plasma

Zinc

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The UltaNutrient™ Functional Nutrient Status Panel panel contains 17 tests with 26 biomarkers .

The UltaNutrient™ Functional Nutrient Status Panel is an advanced laboratory assessment designed to evaluate not only nutrient levels, but how effectively key vitamins and minerals are being utilized within the body. Unlike standard nutrient panels that focus primarily on circulating concentrations, this panel integrates functional biomarkers—such as homocysteine, methylmalonic acid (MMA), RBC folate, RBC magnesium, and hs-CRP—to provide deeper insight into metabolic efficiency, intracellular nutrient status, and inflammation-related nutrient demand.

Micronutrients play critical roles in energy production, methylation pathways, neurological function, red blood cell formation, antioxidant defense, immune balance, and cardiovascular health. However, normal serum levels do not always reflect functional sufficiency at the cellular level. This panel is structured to bridge that gap by combining direct nutrient measurements with downstream functional markers that reflect biological activity and utilization.

By assessing iron status, trace minerals, fat- and water-soluble vitamins, electrolytes, magnesium in both serum and red blood cells, and inflammatory and metabolic intermediates, the UltaNutrient™ Functional Nutrient Status Panel delivers a multidimensional view of nutritional health. It is particularly well suited for longitudinal monitoring, integrative and preventive care models, and situations where functional performance matters more than isolated reference ranges.

This panel supports clinicians and patients seeking a more nuanced understanding of nutritional status—one that emphasizes metabolic context, intracellular balance, and physiologic demand rather than isolated nutrient values alone.

When and Why Someone Would Order This Panel

Evaluating Functional Nutrient Utilization

This panel is often ordered when there is a need to assess how efficiently the body is using nutrients, not just whether they are present in the bloodstream. Functional markers such as homocysteine and methylmalonic acid can reveal early metabolic stress or subclinical insufficiency even when serum vitamin levels appear within expected ranges.

Complex or Persistent Health Patterns

Individuals undergoing evaluation for unexplained fatigue, neurological symptoms, metabolic imbalance, or inflammatory trends may benefit from a panel that integrates nutrient status with functional indicators. The inclusion of hs-CRP adds important context by identifying low-grade systemic inflammation, which can increase micronutrient demand and alter utilization.

Dietary Patterns and Absorption Concerns

Plant-based diets, restrictive eating patterns, malabsorption concerns, and long-term supplementation strategies may influence nutrient bioavailability. Measuring both serum and RBC markers—such as folate and magnesium—provides a clearer picture of tissue-level sufficiency.

Monitoring Cardiometabolic and Methylation Pathways

Homocysteine is commonly evaluated in the context of cardiovascular and methylation-related pathways and is influenced by vitamins B12, B6, and folate. This panel allows providers to interpret these markers together, rather than in isolation.

Preventive and Integrative Health Applications

In preventive and integrative care settings, the UltaNutrient™ Functional Nutrient Status Panel supports proactive monitoring of nutritional resilience, metabolic efficiency, and inflammatory burden, helping guide informed follow-up and long-term care strategies.

What Does the Panel Measure

Functional and Metabolic Biomarkers

Homocysteine reflects methylation efficiency and B-vitamin–dependent metabolic pathways. Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a sensitive functional marker of vitamin B12 utilization at the cellular level. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) provides insight into low-grade systemic inflammation that may influence nutrient demand and metabolic stress.

Iron and Trace Minerals

The panel includes iron, ferritin, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) to assess iron availability, storage, and transport. Copper, zinc, and selenium (serum) are essential trace minerals involved in immune regulation, antioxidant defense, enzymatic reactions, and connective tissue integrity.

Vitamin Status

This panel evaluates QuestAssureD® Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Total with D2 and D3, vitamins A and E, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, serum folate, and RBC folate. Together, these markers reflect antioxidant capacity, neurological support, red blood cell formation, methylation activity, and cellular repair processes.

Magnesium and Electrolytes

Serum magnesium and RBC magnesium provide complementary insight into circulating versus intracellular magnesium status. Sodium, potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide (CO2) assess electrolyte balance and metabolic acid–base regulation.

How Patients and Healthcare Providers Use the Results

Identifying Functional Nutrient Patterns

Results from this panel may reveal functional nutrient insufficiency, altered methylation activity, intracellular mineral imbalance, or inflammation-associated nutrient demand. Providers interpret these patterns collectively to understand physiological efficiency rather than relying on single-marker conclusions.

Supporting Evaluation of Related Conditions

Healthcare providers may reference this panel when evaluating laboratory trends associated with anemia patterns, cardiovascular risk factors, neurological or cognitive concerns, metabolic stress, inflammatory states, or micronutrient-related fatigue patterns.

Guiding Monitoring and Follow-Up

This panel is particularly valuable for longitudinal tracking. Repeat testing allows providers to observe how functional markers and nutrient levels change over time in response to dietary changes, supplementation, or broader care plans.

Facilitating Informed Clinical Discussions

Rather than serving as a diagnostic endpoint, the UltaNutrient™ Functional Nutrient Status Panel provides a structured framework for evidence-based conversations between patients and healthcare providers, supporting individualized interpretation and next-step planning.

The UltaNutrient™ Functional Nutrient Status Panel offers a comprehensive and functionally oriented assessment of micronutrient health, integrating nutrient concentrations with biomarkers that reflect real-world metabolic activity. By combining vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, iron studies, inflammatory markers, and functional intermediates, this panel emphasizes context, utilization, and physiological balance.

Its strength lies in revealing patterns—how nutrients interact, how inflammation may alter demand, and how intracellular status compares with circulating values. Whether used for preventive screening, advanced nutritional evaluation, or ongoing monitoring, this panel provides meaningful laboratory insight that supports thoughtful interpretation, continuity of care, and informed health decision-making.

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