SpectraCell

According to their website, this is what the people who promote SpectraCell say, "Welcome to SpectraCell Laboratories. Our company is the industry's leading provider of Functional Intracellular Analysis, patented tests for assessing the function of specific vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other essential micronutrients within an individual's white blood cells (lymphocytes). Functional Intracellular Analysis is the industry's gold standard for evaluating nutritional status. Unlike traditional serum, hair, and urine tests, it provides a complete picture of an individual's functional intracellular nutritional status. This detailed nutritional information opens a "window on intracellular function" and enables clinicians to develop appropriate interventions for patients who are pursuing lasting health.

Comments: There is no evidence that the analysis of the nutritional content of white blood cells (even if done accurately) is any reflection of the rest of the body. Each tissue in the body has a different biochemical composition within its cells and it is medically naive to think that one can determine the body's nutritional status based on one tissue in the body, in this instance white blood cells, and thus determine what nutritional supplements are needed and in what dosages. The whole thing smells of a big scam.
   Other points to keep in mind. If the same sample is sent to different laboratories, different lab results are likely. Furthermore, the nutrient content and biochemical status of white blood cells could change from day to day depending on diet, sleep patterns, season, and a host of other factors. Therefore a one time analysis means little or nothing.

SpectraCell emails
Q. I recently had a spectracell report completed. The following functional deficiencies were discovered: Asparagine, Carnitine, Magnesium, Coq-10. My concern is the asparagine, is this something that I should replace in my system. What is it? I cannot find any information regarding this amino acid. Do you have any information regarding supplementing with this particular amino acid.
   A. Asparagine is a non essential amino acid. We don't know what benefit can be derived by testing for this amino acid.

supplement