Buccal cells have a high cytoplasm to nucleus structure facilitating mineral analysis.
Cells contain full metabolic biochemical pathways. Buccal cells offer a rapidly renewing, homogeneous cell population which reflects current total body intracellular mineral status. Buccal cells are safe, easy to obtain and use as a smear on specially prepared slides. Blood and urine levels of minerals and ions DO NOT necessarily reflect what is happening in the working cellular tissues. Low intracellular tissue levels of mineral electrolytes may exist while the serum levels appear normal.