Lesson aim
In this podcast, you will learn about how to correctly assess for metal toxicity with David Quig PhD, VP of Scientific Support for Doctor's Data.
Learning objectives
- The advanced testing options available for assessing metal toxicity
- When to use different testing methods when assessing for metal toxicity
- What you need to be aware of before conducting and reviewing an advanced metals toxicity test
About the speaker: David Quig PhD, VP Scientific Support, Doctor's Data
David received his BS and MS in Human Nutrition from Virginia Tech and a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry from the University of Illinois. After a five-year stint as a Research Associate studying lipid biochemistry and cardiovascular disease at Cornell University, he was a Senior Cardiovascular Pharmacologist for seven years.
For the past 23 years, David has been the Vice President of Scientific Support for Doctor’s Data. He has focused on toxic elements, methylation and amino acid metabolism, the applied biochemistry of endogenous detoxification, and the influence of the gastrointestinal metabolome on overall health.
Listen to the podcast
Explore Doctor's Data's range of metal toxicity advanced tests
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Red Blood Cell Elements: this test assesses the status of essential elements with important intracellular functions, such as magnesium, copper and zinc. Deficiencies or excesses of these essential elements affect numerous metabolic processes. A key feature of this test is that the red blood cells are not washed, as this would result in partial loss of some elements that bind to the plasma membrane, such as calcium. Comp Blood Elements (Whole Blood and Serum Elements): this profile uses blood and serum analysis. Whole blood is often used to diagnose lead, mercury or other metal toxicity. It can also assess recent or ongoing exposure to potentially toxic elements. Serum is used to assess the status of key elements and electrolytes that have essential functions in the extracellular fluid compartment of blood.
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Urine Toxic and Essential Elements: evaluates the status of potentially toxic elements and wasting of nutrient elements.
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Urine Toxic Metals: evaluates exposure to 10 potentially toxic metals.
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Urine Mercury: evaluates exposure to mercury, a potentially toxic element.
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Urine Porphyrins: measures porphyrins in urine. Abnormal levels of urinary porphyrins) oxidised metabolites of haem biosynthesis) are associated with genetic disorders, metabolic disturbances and diseases, anaemias, oxidative stress, and high-level exposure to toxic chemicals or metals.
- Hair Toxic & Essential Elements: evaluates exposure to 10 potentially toxic metals via a hair sample.
Other available metal toxicity advanced tests
You may also be interested to learn about Quicksilver Scientific’s Mercury Tri Test. This test utilised blood, hair and urine to comprehensively assess mercury burden, source of mercury exposure and the body’s excretion capacity.
