I often come across mineral deficiencies when analyzing diets. In some cases the dog shows a problem such as poor skin or coat, some have orthopedic problems but sometimes the dog looks just fine. Many of my clients are surprised that the diet lacks any mineral whatsoever much less something as basic as calcium or phosphorus. They often point me to blood tests results showing normal calcium and phosphorus levels as proof that the diet cannot be unbalanced in the way I claim. However, blood test results rarely point to these deficiencies with much clarity
The body has very tight controls on balances between minerals. Glands and hormones work as regulators. Think of this as a room with set criteria for how many people are allowed in or out. One person leaves and another is allowed inside. There are gatekeepers with strict orders watching the door. The body regulates these coming and goings tightly enough that it can continue to function without affecting blood test results. Further, circulating calcium and phosphorus levels are not necessarily indicative of what that body has stored. The body stores may be poor but circulation values in the blood are usually looking good.
Although diet can affect blood test results showing calcium or phosphorus problems, the issues can be greater. Increased calcium may indicate an excess of vitamin D and can point to cancer. Decreased levels may indicate an under-active parathyroid gland or problem with the pancreas. Increased phosphorus levels may indicate kidney failure or a problem with the parathyroid gland. Decreased levels may be due to malnutrition or malabsorption but can also be indicative of an overactive parathyroid gland.
Blood tests results usually point to metabolic function rather than diet. While food is powerful and can affect body function in a very big way, a blood test result is usually a poor indicator of how good or bad a diet really is. The gatekeepers do a great job of regulating things and it’s not unless the gatekeepers themselves become ill that there’s noticeable havoc in the room.
