Tim Monaco - Bioletics Director of Client Education

At Bioletics, we have numerically assessed the biological status of hundreds of athletes over time, using these results to fine-tune dietary recommendations and supplement programs in an effort to make lasting and positive changes. Sometimes restoring the suboptimal level of a nutrient is a linear process; sometimes it isn't.  Its a process that, in some ways, is more art than science. The fact is that we are all bio-chemically-unique individuals. That means every one of us needs differing amounts of selective nutrients, which makes things not complicated but interesting.

For the past several years, the Bioletics staff have relentlessly used ourselves as “guinea pigs.” Just recently, I decided to re-assess some of my own key, biological factors. The results were, in fact, quite interesting in that they illustrate the importance of patience and persistence when it comes to really getting things right. Clearly, the importance of assessing and continually re-assessing cannot be overemphasized.

What follows below is a list of my personal assessments and my results:

Vitamin D – Optimal Range 60-80

4/5/09 – Level: 9

7/1/09 – Level: 57

10/22/10 – Level: 105

3/15/11 – Level: 42

My first Vitamin D test was one of the lowest we have ever seen! At the time, I wasn't feeling great. But I truly believed I was doing fine. The biggest thing that I can say in hindsight is that I couldn’t seem to keep any momentum with my training; it felt like I was always taking one step forward and two steps back. After 3 months of supplementing with 12,000 iu of our own sublingual spray, I re-assessed my levels and found that I had made some real progress. I was up to 57 and I feeling really GREAT. I continued to use 10,000-12,000 iu for the next 3 months and my levels rose to 105--a bit over the top. I cut back to a rather haphazard 4,000-6,000 iu for the next 5 months and my levels dived to 42 by March. Now I know why I've been sick a few times during the winter and have been struggling to keep my training on track.

The take home point? You really need to keep a consistent and close watch on your vitamin D intake. And you can NEVER make ANY assumptions! I’m now back on 10,000 iu daily and will be retesting again in June. I already feel better after just 3 weeks on a higher dose. 

Essential fatty acids – Optimal Range 8-10%

2/8/10 – 6.1%

10/25/10 – 9.1%

3/14/11 – 9.8%

My Essential fatty acids have been a nice success story and have won me some bragging rights here at Bioletics.  At 6.1%, my first omega 3 assessment in February of 2010 showed some pretty average results and the presence inflammation which can lead to all sorts of health and performance issues. Once I addressed my deficiency, the chronic tendonitis I had suffered in my left wrist for several years COMPLETELY went away. As my results indicate, my omega 3 levels rose to a healthy 9.1% after supplementing 3 times a day with our Pharmax Super EFA/DHA fish oil.  My most recent re-assessment shows that I have reached an omega 3 "sweet spot" with a 9.8% level. This happened after I added a bit of the Udo’s Omega 3-6-9 oil supplement to the Pharmax protocol I have consistently been following. When it comes to my essential fatty acids, I feel like I’ve got it dialed in nicely. Still, I plan to re-assess myself again in another 6 months.

So now you know a little bit more about my inner workings as an individual athlete. And my story serves as a testament to why Bioletics exists! You simply can't guess how much of which nutrients your body needs. Is it a little extra work? Does it take a little extra time? Does it cost a little extra money? The answer to all these questions is "yes." But in the long run you'll end up saving money (you won't be wasting it on random supplements you don't really need) AND getting the results you need and want.

At Bioletics, we have the technology you need to succeed. Don’t be afraid to use it!