NTP Functional Nutrition & Lab Testing Flashcards

Which lab marker is commonly used to assess long-term blood sugar regulation over approximately 3 months?

Answer: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Hemoglobin A1c reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months by measuring glycated hemoglobin.

A functional nutrition assessment showing elevated homocysteine levels most directly suggests a deficiency in which nutrients?

Answer: B6, B12, and folate

Homocysteine is metabolized via pathways dependent on B6, B12, and folate, so elevated levels suggest deficiency in these B vitamins.

Which test is most useful for identifying intestinal permeability ('leaky gut') in a functional nutrition context?

Answer: Lactulose/mannitol urine test

The lactulose/mannitol test measures the ratio of large to small molecule absorption through the gut lining to assess intestinal permeability.

In functional lab testing, a low morning cortisol level combined with fatigue and salt cravings most suggests dysfunction of which system?

Answer: HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis

Low cortisol alongside fatigue and salt cravings is consistent with HPA axis dysregulation, sometimes called adrenal fatigue in functional medicine.

Which organic acid marker, detectable in urine, is used in functional nutrition to assess mitochondrial energy production?

Answer: Succinic acid

Elevated succinic acid in urine organic acid testing can indicate impaired mitochondrial function within the citric acid (Krebs) cycle.

A functional stool analysis showing low secretory IgA (sIgA) most likely indicates what?

Answer: Compromised mucosal immune defense

Secretory IgA is the primary antibody protecting mucosal surfaces, and low levels indicate weakened gut immune defense.