Nutrient Serum Tests Commonly Falsely WNL (Within Normal Limits)

Recent studies, and studies as far back as the 1970s, show that nutrient lab test do not necessarily show high or low results, despite which they are still primary way of testing for nutrients. Why, when, and what can be done about it?

Excesses of iron do not show correctly in most lab tests, as proven in a study in 1978. Nevertheless, serum lab tests are still the standard of care.

Magnesium deficiency can present as symptoms in a variety of specialties, so that doctors are unable to pinpoint the cause except by consulting each other, assuming the patient has discussed the other symptoms with other doctors, or by relying on lab test, which unfortunately do not always tell the truth.