Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a comprehensive range of nutritional testing options tailored to different health interests and concerns. These include micronutrient panel testing (assessing levels of vitamins and minerals like B12, iron, vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc), macronutrient assessment (evaluating protein, carbohydrate, and fat intake patterns), fatty acid profiles (analyzing omega-3 and omega-6 balance), amino acid analysis, and functional nutrient testing. We also provide food sensitivity screening, digestive enzyme assessments, and metabolic rate evaluations. Each test measures specific markers that indicate your nutritional status, absorption capacity, and metabolic function. During your online consultation, our team reviews which tests are most relevant based on your symptoms, dietary patterns, activity level, and health goals to create a targeted testing plan.

Preparation for nutritional testing depends on the specific tests you're receiving. For most micronutrient assessments, we recommend fasting for 8-12 hours before blood collection (water is permitted). Keep a food and symptom diary for 3-5 days prior to testing to provide context for your results. Avoid unusual dietary patterns the week before testing, as we want to capture your typical nutritional intake. For collection, we use a simple finger-prick blood test kit that you can perform at home or at a local collection center in Greece. We provide detailed instructions with your test kit, and the process takes just minutes. Other tests like hair analysis or stool sampling use non-invasive collection methods that are performed at home and mailed to our laboratory. Complete step-by-step guides are included with every test kit, and our team is available via email if you have questions during the collection process.

Our online consultations are interactive video sessions designed to review your test results, discuss your dietary patterns, and create a personalized nutrition plan. During your first consultation, your nutrition professional will conduct a detailed assessment including your medical history, current symptoms, energy levels, digestive function, exercise habits, and specific health goals. We review your test results in depth, explaining what the numbers mean and how they relate to your overall health. We identify nutritional gaps, food choices that may not be serving you well, and areas where simple changes could have significant impact. Together, we develop a practical, food-focused plan with specific recommendations for meals, snacks, and supplements if needed. Follow-up consultations allow us to monitor your progress, adjust recommendations, and address any challenges you're experiencing. All consultations are conducted via video link at a time convenient for you, and session notes are provided for your reference.

Processing times vary depending on the type of test and the laboratory. Most micronutrient blood tests are processed within 5-7 business days from the time your sample reaches the laboratory. Specialized testing such as amino acid panels, comprehensive fatty acid analysis, or functional assessments may require 10-14 business days. Once results are ready, we provide you with a detailed report that includes your test values, reference ranges, and initial observations. You'll then schedule your consultation appointment to review the results in detail and discuss what they mean for your nutrition plan. We always aim to schedule your follow-up consultation within 2-3 weeks of sample collection. During this time, you can begin preparing by tracking your current food intake and noting any energy levels, digestion patterns, or other observations relevant to your health. If you need results urgently for any reason, contact our team to discuss expedited processing options.

Absolutely. Nutritional testing is particularly valuable when you follow any specialized eating approach, as different dietary patterns present different nutritional considerations. If you eat a plant-based diet, testing helps identify whether you're meeting your needs for protein, iron, vitamin B12, calcium, and omega-3 fats. For ketogenic approaches, we assess your mineral balance, fiber intake, and ensure adequate micronutrient density. Mediterranean diet followers often benefit from understanding their antioxidant intake and whether specific nutrients need attention. Our professionals have experience with all major dietary patterns and can interpret your results within the context of your chosen approach. Rather than pushing you toward a different way of eating, we help you optimize the diet you've chosen by identifying which foods within your framework serve you best. We also provide practical solutions if your current approach isn't meeting certain nutritional needs, allowing you to make informed adjustments while staying true to your values and preferences.

We take confidentiality and data security extremely seriously. All personal health information and test results are stored in encrypted, password-protected systems that comply with international data protection standards. Your information is never shared with third parties without your explicit written consent. Test samples are identified by unique codes rather than your name during laboratory processing to maintain anonymity. Our online consultation platform uses secure, encrypted video connections similar to medical telehealth systems. Any documents, notes, or reports you receive are sent through secure channels and can only be accessed by you and authorized members of our team. Our facilities follow strict security protocols, including limited staff access to records and regular security audits. You maintain the right to access your own data, request corrections, or request deletion at any time. For complete details about our data practices, please review our privacy policy on our website.

The timeline and nature of changes vary significantly based on your starting point, how consistently you implement recommendations, and your individual physiology. Many people notice improvements in energy levels within 2-3 weeks of adjusting their nutrition. Changes in digestion, sleep quality, and mental clarity often follow within 4-6 weeks. More substantial changes in body composition, performance metrics, or recovery from physical activity typically become apparent over 8-12 weeks. Some changes are more subtle—improvements in skin condition, mood stability, or concentration may develop gradually and become obvious only when you reflect on how you felt before. It's important to understand that nutritional support is a process, not a quick fix. We recommend implementing recommendations gradually rather than making drastic changes overnight, which helps your body adapt and makes it easier to maintain new habits long-term. Many clients benefit from follow-up consultations at 4 weeks and 12 weeks to assess progress, troubleshoot any challenges, and make adjustments as needed. Keep notes on how you feel—energy, digestion, mood, sleep—to track your own experience beyond just numerical test changes.

Nutritional testing is generally safe and appropriate for most people. However, there are certain situations where we recommend a different approach or require additional precautions. If you're taking specific prescription medications, we may need to review drug-nutrient interactions before testing—this is discussed during your initial consultation. Certain medical conditions may require modified testing protocols or should involve coordination with your healthcare provider. If you're currently dealing with acute health concerns, we recommend addressing those first before beginning comprehensive nutritional analysis. Pregnant or nursing individuals should discuss timing and test selection with us beforehand, as nutritional needs change significantly during these periods. If you have a history of disordered eating patterns, we take extra care in how we frame and discuss recommendations to ensure our guidance supports your wellbeing. The good news is that in most cases where there are considerations, we can still provide valuable testing and guidance—we simply adjust our approach. During your initial consultation, we'll discuss your full health picture and let you know if there are any specific precautions or timing recommendations for your situation.

Yes, we serve clients throughout Greece and can arrange testing through local collection partners in your area. However, our consultation services are currently optimized for the Greek market and Greek-speaking clients. If you live in Greece but in a region without a nearby collection center, we can arrange home sample collection or direct you to a local facility. Our online consultations are conducted primarily in Greek, though we may be able to arrange consultations in English depending on availability—please contact our team to discuss your specific situation. The advantage of our Greece-focused approach is that our recommendations account for local food availability, seasonal produce, and the Mediterranean dietary context that's relevant to your region. If you have questions about whether our services are available in your specific location, contact us via email at [email protected] with your location details.

Tests conducted through healthcare providers typically focus on identifying acute problems or specific concerns related to your presenting health issue. They're designed to be comprehensive for those specific questions but may not look at the full nutritional landscape. Our nutritional assessment takes a different approach—we're specifically looking at micronutrient status, nutrient absorption, dietary pattern analysis, and how your current eating supports your specific goals. We test for a broader range of micronutrients and use reference ranges optimized for nutritional status rather than just disease absence. Our analysis includes your food intake diary, lifestyle factors, and goals to create a complete picture. The results are interpreted specifically through a nutrition lens, with recommendations focused on food-based solutions. Ideally, nutritional testing complements any testing your healthcare provider does—they serve different purposes. If you've already had recent blood work, you can often share those results with us, and we'll incorporate that information into our analysis while identifying additional nutritional markers worth exploring.

Retesting frequency depends on your individual situation, goals, and what your initial results showed. If you had significant deficiencies in your first testing, we typically recommend retesting after 3-4 months of implementing recommendations to assess whether dietary changes and any supplementation have improved your status. For clients without notable deficiencies but interested in optimization, annual testing is reasonable to track changes over time and adjust recommendations seasonally. Some clients choose to test twice yearly—once in spring and once in fall—to account for seasonal dietary variations and adjust recommendations accordingly. Athletes or individuals with high performance demands may benefit from testing every 6 months. If you experience a significant change in your health, diet, activity level, or life circumstances, testing can be valuable to reassess your needs. Rather than fixed schedules, think of retesting as a tool to measure progress and inform adjustments. During your consultations, we'll discuss a testing timeline that makes sense for your situation. Many clients find that after they've implemented recommendations for a while, they feel significantly better and don't need frequent retesting—they've found what works and simply maintain it.