Milk Allergy Nutrient Deficiency Panel

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.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Also known as: Iron Total

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.

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.

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: 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: 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 Quest Diagnostics. 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 Quest Diagnostics 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 Milk Allergy Nutrient Deficiency Panel panel contains 5 tests with 8 biomarkers.

The Milk Allergy Nutrient Deficiency Panel is a comprehensive diagnostic tool designed to assess the levels of essential nutrients that individuals with milk allergies may lack. Milk allergies can significantly impact dietary intake and nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies in vital vitamins and minerals. This panel evaluates key nutrients that are commonly found in dairy products and are crucial for overall health. By identifying deficiencies, healthcare providers can develop personalized treatment plans to ensure patients meet their nutritional needs despite dietary restrictions.

When and Why the Milk Allergy Nutrient Deficiency Panel May Be Ordered

This panel may be ordered for patients diagnosed with a milk allergy or those exhibiting symptoms suggestive of nutrient deficiencies, such as fatigue, weakened immune function, poor bone health, and developmental delays in children. It is particularly useful for individuals who have recently eliminated dairy from their diet or those who have not adequately replaced dairy with alternative nutrient sources. The panel can also be ordered during routine follow-ups to monitor the nutritional status of patients with long-term milk allergies.

What the Milk Allergy Nutrient Deficiency Panel Checks For

The Milk Allergy Nutrient Deficiency Panel includes several tests to measure levels of essential vitamins and minerals affected by the absence of dairy in the diet:

  • Vitamin A (Retinol): Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health. Deficiency can lead to night blindness and increased susceptibility to infections.
  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Deficiency can result in rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
  • Calcium: Calcium is vital for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Inadequate intake can lead to weakened bones, increased fracture risk, and muscle cramps.
  • Iron: Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Deficiency can lead to iron deficiency anemia, characterized by fatigue and weakness.
  • Zinc: Zinc is important for immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Deficiency can impair immune response and overall health.

How a Healthcare Professional Would Use the Results of the Milk Allergy Nutrient Deficiency Panel

Healthcare professionals use the results of the Milk Allergy Nutrient Deficiency Panel to:

  • Diagnose and Treat Nutrient Deficiencies: Identifying specific nutrient deficiencies allows healthcare providers to recommend targeted supplements and dietary adjustments. For example, if a vitamin D deficiency is detected, the provider may suggest vitamin D supplements and encourage the consumption of fortified foods or safe sun exposure.
  • Develop Personalized Nutrition Plans: Based on the panel results, healthcare providers can create customized nutrition plans that incorporate alternative sources of essential nutrients. This might include plant-based calcium sources like leafy greens and fortified non-dairy milk, iron-rich foods like legumes and lean meats, and zinc-rich foods like nuts and seeds.
  • Monitor Nutritional Status: Regular testing helps ensure that the patient maintains adequate nutrient levels over time, allowing for timely interventions if deficiencies develop. This ongoing monitoring is crucial for managing the long-term health of individuals with milk allergies.
  • Educate Patients and Caregivers: The results can be used to educate patients and their caregivers about the importance of meeting nutritional needs without dairy. This education includes guidance on reading food labels, selecting appropriate supplements, and incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods into the diet.

Conclusion

The Milk Allergy Nutrient Deficiency Panel is an essential tool for managing the nutritional health of individuals with milk allergies. By assessing levels of key vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, and Zinc, this panel helps healthcare providers identify deficiencies and develop effective treatment plans. Ensuring adequate nutrient intake through supplements and dietary modifications is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing the complications associated with nutrient deficiencies. Regular monitoring and personalized nutrition plans based on the panel results support the long-term well-being of patients with milk allergies.

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