The Detoxifcation Profile from Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory assesses the body’s capacity to carry out detoxification through functional challenges -caffeine, acetaminophen, and salicylate- which evaluate specific aspects of the detoxification process and free radical damage. These functional assessments provide a comprehensive profile of the body’s detoxification capacity and potential susceptibility to oxidative damage.
In the Detoxification Profile, one caffeine caplet (200mg) is taken in the morning and its clearance is assessed from 2 salivary specimens collected 2 and 8 hours after ingestion.
Aspirin and acetaminophen are ingested in the evening and the products of detoxifying reactions are assessed in a 10-hour overnight urine specimen. The challenge dose consists of 2 capsules of aspirin (650mg total) and 2 capsules of acetaminophen (650mg total). The only side effect is potential drowsiness.
In the Comprehensive version of this profile, the urine specimen is analyzed for levels of lipid peroxides. In addition, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, plasma cysteine, and plasma sulfate are assessed from fasting blood specimens.
Test Liver Detoxification Profile can help with the following
Altered Liver Detoxification
Determining which liver detoxification pathways are weak or overactive may require testing. A Detoxification Profile analyzes saliva and blood after challenge doses of caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen, in order to assess the Phase I and Phase II functional capacity of the liver to convert and clear toxic substances from the body. A comprehensive profile may include markers for oxidative stress and the need for important antioxidants.
Key
| Likely to help |
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
Free Radical
A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron. Because another element can easily pick up this free electron and cause a chemical reaction, these free radicals can effect dramatic and destructive changes in the body. Free radicals are activated in heated and rancid oils and by radiation in the atmosphere, among other things.
Milligram
(mg): 1/1,000 of a gram by weight.
Lipid
Fat-soluble substances derived from animal or vegetable cells by nonpolar solvents (e.g. ether); the term can include the following types of materials: fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, alcohols and waxes.
Peroxides
Free radicals that are by-products formed in our bodies when molecules of fat react with oxygen.
Glutathione
A natural sulfur-bearing peptide formed from the linking of three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. Glutathione acts as an antioxidant and detoxicant and is involved with the selenium-containing enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione is also involved in amino acid transport across cell membranes.
Glutathione Peroxidase
A family of antioxidant enzymes containing selenium which are important in the reduction of different hydroperoxides, including hydrogen peroxide which is involved in the irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and increase in perspiration.
Cysteine
A nonessential amino acid but may be essential for individuals with certain diseases or nutritional concerns. Cysteine is a sulfur-bearing amino acid with antioxidant properties. It is important for keratin synthesis, a protein found in skin, hair and nails and is a component of coenzyme A and glutathione.