Pfeiffer Profile (basic)

Functional biochemical profile | Fasting blood panel | Seven core nutrient and methylation-related markers 

Mood, focus, sleep and general mental wellbeing rest on a quieter foundation than most people realise: the balance of a handful of nutrients and the efficiency of the biochemical pathways they feed. Standard blood work rarely looks at these together, so it is easy to feel persistently below par — flat, foggy, wired, or simply not yourself — while routine results come back "normal."

The Pfeiffer Profile (Basic) takes a more targeted view. It assembles seven markers that sit at the intersection of trace-mineral balance, methylation and nutrient status, giving a structured picture of the biochemistry that underpins nervous-system function and day-to-day resilience. It is the foundational tier of the Pfeiffer approach — a considered starting point for anyone wanting to understand the nutritional terrain beneath how they feel and function.

What this profile measures and why it matters

Plasma Zinc, Serum Copper & the Zinc:Copper ratio Zinc and copper are antagonistic trace minerals — when one rises, the other tends to fall. Their balance, not just their individual levels, influences neurotransmitter activity, immune function, antioxidant defences and tissue repair. The Zn:Cu ratio is often more informative than either figure alone, which is why all three are reported together.

Ceruloplasmin The main copper-carrying protein in the blood. Reading ceruloplasmin alongside serum copper helps distinguish copper that is properly bound and transported from copper that is loosely circulating — a more nuanced view of copper status than a single number provides.

Whole-blood Histamine Within this model, whole-blood histamine is used as a practical marker of methylation balance, a process central to how the body produces and clears neurotransmitters. It offers insight into where someone may sit on the methylation spectrum.

Homocysteine A sensitive marker of methylation efficiency and of B-vitamin status (B12, folate and B6). Reported here as part of the broader picture of how well these interconnected pathways are functioning.

Vitamin D3 Beyond its well-known role in bone and immune health, vitamin D status is closely tied to mood and overall well-being, and is frequently insufficient in our climate and lifestyle.

What Sets This Profile Apart

Most nutrient testing reports single markers in isolation. The value of the Pfeiffer Profile is that it reads these seven markers as a set — interpreting ratios and relationships rather than standalone numbers — which allows it to describe an individual's biochemical "type" rather than just flag a single deficiency. The Basic tier delivers the core of that picture at an accessible entry point, with the option to step up to the Comprehensive profile (which adds SAMe, SAH and the SAMe:SAH ratio) where deeper methylation detail is warranted.

NutriPATH is a long-established integrative pathology provider, and samples are processed through accredited laboratories, so results arrive with detailed reference ranges and interpretive notes ready to be worked through with your practitioner.

Who This Profile May Suit

This profile may be of interest to adults wanting to understand the nutrient and methylation-related factors that influence mood, focus, sleep quality and general mental wellbeing — particularly where routine testing has been unremarkable but symptoms persist. It is also useful as a baseline before beginning a targeted nutritional programme. It is best undertaken with practitioner guidance so results can be interpreted in the context of your wider health picture.

Sample & Collection Requirements

This is a fasting blood profile, not a home self-collection. The sample must be drawn by a phlebotomist at an approved collection centre, requires several specimen tubes, and must be frozen and transported on dry ice. Collections are typically scheduled early in the week to align with laboratory shipping. Full instructions and the request form are provided with your kit, and we will help you arrange a suitable collection appointment.

Functional Medical Tests – Costs, Terms & Timeframes

All functional test kits incur only minimal administrative costs and include a pre-paid courier bag with full instructions for self-collection and submission. Kits are dispatched to one of our New Zealand distributors — FxMed or Nutriscript — who consolidate and forward samples via weekly shipments to accredited laboratories in the United States or Australia.

The standard turnaround time for results is 3–5 weeks from the date of sample submission. If you have not received your results within 5 weeks, please contact us so we can follow up on your behalf.

Please note: Occasional delays may occur due to customs clearance, international courier disruptions, or laboratory backlogs. These are outside our control, but we will assist in tracking and resolving any extended delays.

Once results are available, we receive them directly from the distributor and forward them to you on the same day. Laboratory reports typically include detailed interpretations, reference ranges, and explanatory notes.

We strongly recommend booking a follow-up consultation — either online or in person — to contextualise your results within your broader health strategy. This ensures accurate interpretation and integration into your personalised care plan.

Consultation fees are additional to the cost of the test kit.