There are a number of nutrient deficiencies associated with Celiac and other autoimmune disorders. These occur not only BEFORE diagnosis, due to flattened villi and malabsorption, but AFTER diagnosis as well. It’s up to us to choose healthy, naturally gluten-free foods (like fruits, veggies, lean protein and brown rice) in order to feel the best we can. Even then, we may still have deficiencies.
I was diagnosed about 5 years ago. Although I have experienced dramatic improvements in my health, sleep quality, and energy level, I have still been dealing with some “weird” symptoms that I wasn’t sure were going to go away. These include eye floaters (which I’ve noticed for about 2 years now), shakiness and rapid pulse especially during the first half of the day, and carbohydrate intolerance. (Eating high carb meals have been giving me headaches). So…. I was VERY excited when I heard that Gluten Free Works was going to be offering . I couldn’t wait to try it out.
When I got my results back, I was AMAZED at how many nutrient deficiencies I still had after being Gluten-Free for this many years. I came up deficient in:
VITAMIN A (this explained the eye floaters)
CHROMIUM (I had never heard of chromium before now, but this explained my problem with carbs. I have since read that a deficiency in Chromium leads to DIABETES… so I’m glad I figured this out now, rather than later ;)
SELENIUM (had never heard of that one either)
LIPOIC ACID (explained a lot of my nerve problems)
B6 and B2 (B Vitamin deficiencies are some of the most common in Celiac, so I wasn’t too surprised by this one)
N-ACETYL CYSTEINE (an amino acid)
SPECTROX (This is the total antioxidant function test that assesses the ability of cells to resist damage caused by free radicals and other forms of oxidative stress. SPECTROX is the most accurate and clinically useful way to assess total antioxidant function)
I immediately went to go see my friends at VITAMIN WORLD and they helped me find the supplements I needed. I have been taking the recommended dosages of *each of these supplements for over a week now, and am already feeling a HUGE difference. No joke! Thank goodness I finally know what my exact needs are, and I can get on the path to complete health now :)
(**The only supplement I’m NOT taking is the Selenium. I’ve read that you can get your daily needs for this nutrient with just 2 Brazil Nuts every day… they are quite delicious!)
If you are still dealing with troubling symptoms, I would HIGHLY recommend looking into this test. It is done by the PhD’s at SpectraCell Laboratories. They have been around since 1993, and use the most advanced technology in nutrient testing. This particular test tests your WHITE blood cells. Most tests you get from your regular doctor test your red blood cells. The white blood cell tests give you a much more accurate view of your long term nutrient status. You can have vitamins “floating around” in your red blood cells but you will still be deficient, and for this reason, your regular doctor may miss diagnosing you with a key vitamin deficiency. I am still amazed that my GI doctor never mentioned anything about this when I was first diagnosed. More doctors need to be aware that this kind of testing is out there!

Here’s . It’s pretty simple. You get a packet in the mail, take it to a draw site, and then drop off your blood samples to a FedEx. You should have your results within 2-3 weeks!
Your results will look something like this:

You will be able to see just how deficient (or not deficient) you are in 32 key nutrients. You will also get a page giving you detailed instructions on how much of what supplements to take for how long in order to correct any deficiencies. Even though I eat a lot of carrots, my Vitamin A level was so low, I’m on 5,000 IU Vitamin A and 25,000 IU Beta Carotene for 6 months to correct that deficiency. And go figure–Vitamin A is one of the most malabsorbed vitamins in Celiac. I’m SO thankful for Gluten Free Works and Spectra Cell Laboratories!! =)
I will keep you posted on my progress. I plan to re-test in about 6 months to make sure my deficiencies have been corrected. Please let me know if you have any questions about this test, and how it works for you. I promise you that it will change your life for the better! :) Don’t put off feeling great for another day….go get tested!
Have a happy and healthy week :)
♥ Christie
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Author Information: Christie Bessinger, Fresno, CA
Publisher, Celiac Scoop Blog
You can reach Christie via Email
How much does it cost? Insurance cover any of it?
Are you now floater-free?