NTP Functional Nutrition & Lab Testing Flashcards

Which functional lab finding would prompt an NTP to investigate SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)?

Answer: Positive lactulose breath test

The lactulose breath test detects hydrogen and methane gas produced by bacteria in the small intestine, making it the primary non-invasive test for SIBO.

In a nutrient status assessment, which test most accurately measures long-term vitamin D status?

Answer: 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol)

25-hydroxyvitamin D is the storage form of vitamin D and best reflects dietary intake and sun exposure over recent weeks to months.

An NTP reviewing labs sees low alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Which nutrient deficiency should be investigated first?

Answer: Zinc

Alkaline phosphatase is a zinc-dependent enzyme, and low ALP levels can be an early functional indicator of zinc deficiency.

Which marker on an organic acids test (OAT) suggests dysbiosis or yeast overgrowth in the gut?

Answer: Elevated arabinose

Arabinose is a metabolite produced by Candida species, and elevated urinary arabinose on an OAT is a marker of yeast overgrowth.

A functional lab panel reveals low serum zinc and elevated serum copper. This imbalance is most associated with what condition?

Answer: Estrogen dominance and pyroluria

Elevated copper with low zinc is commonly seen in estrogen dominance and pyroluria (a metabolic condition), as estrogen stimulates ceruloplasmin and copper retention.

In functional nutrition, which approach best distinguishes a nutrient insufficiency from a frank deficiency?

Answer: Using optimal functional reference ranges that reflect health, not just disease absence

Functional reference ranges are narrower than standard pathological ranges, allowing practitioners to identify subclinical insufficiencies before overt deficiency develops.