ABSTRACT
Nutrition is the single most important component of preventive health care for diet has been associated with hypertension and stroke, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, artheriosclerosis, and cirrhosis of the liver. Nutritional status is reflected in a variety of metabolic processes, which provide a basis for laboratory tests. These tests can provide specific nutrition information as well as identify borderline nutritional conditions prior to the appearance of perceptible symptoms. Biochemical assessment measurements can be of considerable value in the identification of nutritional problems in population groups and in the evaluation of the effectiveness of nutritional intervention programs, and provide surveillance and monitoring. Urinary concentrations of thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6 have been used to assess the nutritional adequacy of these nutrients. Barring improper sample collection and handling or contamination, trace element analyses are capable of providing accurate results that are in agreement between laboratories.
