What are vitamins, and how do they affect the body?
Vitamins are organic compounds your body needs to grow and function properly but, sometimes, can't produce on its own. They are found in different food groups in varying amounts. When you ingest them, vitamins regulate chemical processes throughout your body, enabling it to perform essential functions. A deficiency in any vitamin, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems like:
Blindness
Anemia
Skin diseases
Cardiovascular disease
Therefore, testing for vitamin deficiencies is important to recognize the need for a specific treatment and improvement in your diet to ensure good health.
How to test for vitamin levels and deficiencies?
Laboratory tests determine the vitamin levels and deficiencies in your body from a standard blood sample.
Who should get their vitamins tested?
People who should test their vitamins include:
Vegetarian or vegan people
Athletes
Children and adolescents
People with heightened vitamin requirements due to a clinical condition
Also, testing vitamin levels can benefit anyone displaying vitamin deficiency symptoms (read below for common symptoms).
What are some symptoms of vitamin deficiencies?
Symptoms that arise from low levels of vitamins in the body can differ depending on the specific vitamin that is deficient. However, the following are the most common symptoms of vitamin deficiencies:
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Pale or yellowish skin
Irregular heartbeats
Weight loss
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
Mouth ulcers
Hair loss and brittle nails
Poor night vision
Depression and mood swings
Do I need to visit a doctor?
No doctor visit needed.
How do I get my results?
You get your results via email as soon as they are available.
Does my lab prescription expire?
Your lab prescription never expires.*
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Vitamins deficiency testing is essential for healthy living.
If you experience:
Brain fog (B Group Vitamins)
Tiredness (B Group Vitamins)
White nail spots (B12)
Thin or thinning hair (B7)
Bleeding gums (Vitamin C)
Poor night vision (Vitamin A)
Dandruff or scaly skin (Vitamins B2, B3 & B6)
Depression and general sadness (Vitamin D)
then a blood test for vitamin deficiency is the first step to address them.
Vitamins are tiny but essential molecules.
Your body uses them to heal wounds, strengthen bones, convert food into energy, and even repair your DNA.
Vitamin deficiency does not let your body function.
Most vitamins need to come from food because your body either doesn't produce them (or produces very little).
Vitamin deficiency test comes in two types:
Fat-soluble - Vitamins A, D, E and K
Water-soluble - B Group Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12) and Vitamin C
The main difference is that you can store fat-soluble vitamins. Sometimes to a toxic level. But you can't store water soluble vitamins (with the exception of Vitamin B12).
Either way your body is always using them up to maintain your health. So you have to constantly replenish them or you will run out.
You could have low levels for a variety of reasons.
It could be because of your diet.
Many Vegans and some vegetarians will find it difficult to get enough B Complex vitamins. Especially vitamin B12 as plants do not produce it.
But it could also be a digestive issue, like a lack of key enzymes to extract the vitamins from the foods you do eat.
That's why periodic vitamin deficiency testing should be a part of any self care protocol.
And while you're looking at a vitamin test, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your minerals and micronutrients too for a complete nutrition deficiency test.
Iron
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Zinc
Chloride
Calcium
Potassium
Sodium
That's why we include them in our nutrition blood tests below. Take a look and pick the one that suits you.
A vitamin test is used to identify vitamin and nutrient deficiencies in a patient, which could be causing or contributing to chronic health issues or conditions. Nutritional imbalances can lead to conditions such as hair loss, fragile nails, white nail spots, insomnia, rashes, feeling unwell and other health problems. Vitamin deficiencies can also lead to more serious health conditions. These can have a drastic effect on your physical and mental well-being. That’s why taking a vitamin test regularly, either as part of a yearly checkup, or for particular symptoms is so important.
Who may need a vitamin test?
Your physician or nutritionist may order a vitamin test as part of your yearly checkup. Or you could do it yourself. If you feel any of the symptoms, like hair loss, fragile nails, white nail spots, insomnia, rashes, feeling unwell, depression or bleeding gums, then a vitamin test is often the first step to pinpointing the cause. A vitamin test is also an essential tool for anyone undergoing a big change affecting your digestion. For example surgeries on the stomach or digestive system, like gastric bypass. Or dietary changes can all affect your vitamin levels and should be monitored.
What should I expect from my vitamin test?
A vitamin test is a simple procedure. A small sample of your blood will be drawn and sent to a lab for testing. Then in a few days you will receive your results. One thing to note: our labs will include a reference range for each vitamin. Meaning a value for high and low level so that you can easily read your test results on your own. However your doctor or nutritionist might have another range that they use for their patients. Either is fine, but if you’re following a specific treatment plan then use the range provided in that plan.
How to test for vitamin deficiency?
To test for vitamin deficiency all you need to do is select a vitamin deficiency test from Private MD Labs and book your appointment. Then select a lab from over 4000 lab locations. Go there and take the test. Then in just a few days your results will be confidentially delivered to your email. Each test entry (each vitamin & mineral) will have a reference range next to it, meaning you will be able to see if you have a deficiency or not.
How to test vitamin levels?
To test vitamin levels all you need to do is select a vitamin test from Private MD Labs and book your appointment. Then select a lab from over 4000 lab locations. Go there and take the test. Then in just a few days your results will be confidentially delivered to your email. Each test entry (each vitamin & mineral) will have a reference range next to it, meaning you will be able to see what your vitamin levels are.
The Serum Magnesium test measures the amount of magnesium in your blood. Magnesium is needed for your nervous, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems to work normally. Your body gets magnesium from certain foods. Magnesium measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of hypomagnesemia (abnormally low plasma levels of magnesium) and hypermagnesemia (abnormally high plasma levels of magnesium). Magnesium is decreased in chronic nephritis, acute pancreatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. It is increased in acute or chronic renal failure and Addison's Disease.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Alternative Names(s): MAG
Magnesium, serum
No fasting required.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
The Vitamin B12 test is used to aid in the diagnosis of anemia and to determine overall nutritional health. Vitamin B12 is decreased in pernicious anemia, total or partial gastrectomy, malabsorption and certain congenital and biochemical disorders.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Alternative Names(s): Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, B12
Vitamin B12
No fasting required.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Zinc is an essential element involved in a myriad of enzyme systems including wound healing, immune function, and fetal development. Zinc measurements are used to detect and monitor industrial, dietary, and accidental exposure to zinc. Also, zinc measurements may be used to evaluate health and monitor response to treatment.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Alternative Name(s): ZN, Plasma
Zinc
No fasting required.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Vitamin A is critical for vision, growth, and many cell functions. High concentrations of Vitamin A are seen with renal failure, but this is not associated with toxicity and excessive ingestion. High concentrations are associated with bone fractures. Low concentrations of Vitamin A are consistent with fat malabsorption and are rarely due to inadequate diet.
Vitamin A is needed for growth and for strong bones and teeth. As you grow older, it helps keep your skin and eyes healthy. Vitamin A is present in liver, fish liver oils, dairy products, dark green and yellow-orange vegetables, and in fruits. Too much vitamin A may cause symptoms that include headache, itchy skin, and hair loss.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Vitamin A
Overnight fasting is required. Fasting is defined as no consumption of food or beverage other than water for at least 8 hours before testing.
Estimated turnaround for results is 5 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Magnesium is an essential trace element. Deficiency leads to irritability, neuromuscular abnormalities, cardiac and renal damage. Its salts are used as antacids and cathartics. Excessive amount may cause CNS depression, loss of muscle tone, respiratory and cardiac arrest.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Magnesium, RBC
Patient should refrain from taking vitamins, or mineral herbal supplements for at least one week before sample collection. You should always consult the physician prescribing your medication before you stop taking the medication for any reason, including taking lab tests.
Estimated turnaround for results is 4 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
The Vitamin B12 test is used to aid in the diagnosis of anemia, determine overall nutritional health and screen for folate deficiency.
Folic acid deficiency is common in pregnant women, alcoholics, patients with diets that do not include raw fruits and vegetables, and people with structural damage to the small intestine. The most reliable and direct method of diagnosing folate deficiency is the determination of folate levels in both erythrocytes and serum. Low folic acid levels, however, can also be the result of a primary Vitamin B12 deficiency that decreases the ability of cells to take up folic acid. Vitamin B12 is decreased in pernicious anemia, total or partial gastrectomy, malabsorption and certain congenital biochemical disorders.
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Alternative Name(s): Cobalamin, Vitamin B12/Folic Acid
Folate; Vitamin B12.
Some tests in this panel may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R). Patient should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
The Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy test is primarily ordered to measure the amount of 25-hydroxy vitamin in the bloodstream to rule out Vitamin D deficiency.
Measurement of serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations provide a good index of circulating vitamin D activity in patients not suffering from renal disease. Lower than normal 25-OH vitamin D levels can result from a dietary deficiency, poor absorption of the vitamin or impaired metabolism of the sterol in the liver. A 25-OH vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone diseases such as rickets and osteomalacia. Above normal levels can lead hypercalcemia. This assay employs liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to independently measure and report the two common forms of 25-hydroxy vitamin D: 25OH D3 - the endogenous form of the vitamin and 25OH D2 - the analog form used to treat 25OH Vitamin D3 deficiency.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
This test is used to measure the bio-active form of Vitamin D. This test is also used in the differential diagnosis of hypocalcemia and to monitor patients with renal osteodystrophy or chronic renal failure.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
The Vitamin/Nutrient Panel is used to check the levels of the vitamins and minerals listed below. In addition to the listed vitamins and minerals, a Complete Blood Count and Comprehensive Metabolic Profile are included in the panel.
Complete Blood Count / CBC (includes Differential and Platelets): WBC, RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Platelet Count, MPV and Differential (Absolute and Percent - Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils)
Comprehensive Metabolic Profile ( includes eGFR ): Albumin, Albumin/Globulin Ratio (calculated), Alkaline Phosphatase, ALT, AST, BUN/Creatinine Ratio (calculated), Calcium, Carbon Dioxide, Chloride, Creatinine with GFR Estimated, Globulin (calculated), Glucose, Potassium, Sodium, Total Bilirubin, Total Protein, Urea Nitrogen
Ferritin, Serum
Folate, RBC
Homocysteine, Cardiovascular
Iron, Serum
Magnesium, Serum
Methylmalonic Acid, (MMA) GC/MS/MS
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy LC/MS/MS: Vitamin D, 25-OH, Total; Vitamin D, 25-OH, D3; Vitamin D, 25-OH, D2
Zinc
Patient should fast for 12-14 hours before collection of the specimen. Specimens should be collected in the morning since iron values decrease by 30% during the course of the day and there can be significant interference from lipemia. Fasting is defined as no consumption of food or beverage other than water for at least 12 hours before testing. Some tests in this panel may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R). Patient should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample; must draw before Schilling test, transfusions or B12 therapy is started. Patient should not have vitamins containing folic acid during the previous three to five days; if so, consult physician before discontinuing.
Estimated turnaround for results is 78 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
The Serum Magnesium test measures the amount of magnesium in your blood. Magnesium is needed for your nervous, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems to work normally. Your body gets magnesium from certain foods. A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Magnesium, serum.
No fasting required.
Estimated turnaround for results is 1 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Vitamin A is needed for growth and for strong bones and teeth. As you grow older, it helps keep your skin and eyes healthy. Vitamin A is present in liver, fish liver oils, dairy products, dark green and yellow-orange vegetables, and in fruits. Too much vitamin A may cause symptoms that include headache, itchy skin, and hair loss.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Vitamin A, serum.
Patient should fast for 12 hours and abstain from alcohol for 24 hours prior to collection. Blood should be collected before breakfast in the morning and prior to any medication.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
This test is used to monitor exposure to zinc; evaluate suspected nutritional inadequacy, especially in enteral or parental nutrition, critically ill or burn patients; cases of diabetes or delayed wound healing; growth retardation; follow therapy, for example when higher intravenous zinc doses are used to balance excessive ongoing GI losses in long-term total parenteral nutrition; follow oral zinc therapy in Wilson disease; confirm acrodermatitis enteropathica and follow therapy.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Zinc, Plasma or Serum
No fasting required.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Evaluate magnesium deficiency. A Magnesium RBC test can provide an earlier detection of Magnesium deficiency than a standard Magnesium, Serum test. When Magnesium levels are low, the body pulls Magnesium from the cells in order to keep blood levels normal. In this case, a Magnesium, Serum test may show normal levels while a Magnesium RBC test will give a more accurate result. This test is usually ordered if someone is experiencing symptoms associated with Magnesium deficiency such as weakness or cramping in the muscles, confusion, cardiac arrhythmias or seizures. Magnesium levels are usually checked if someone has a disorder which affects the kidneys. It it also ordered to monitor people who are taking Magnesium supplements.
Magnesium, RBC
No fasting required.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
The Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy test is primarily ordered to measure the amount of 25-hydroxy vitamin in the bloodstream to rule out Vitamin D deficiency.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy This test is also known by the following: 25-Hydroxycalciferol 25-OH-D Cholecalciferol Metabolite Vitamin D Vitamin D3 Metabolite
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy is not the same as calcitriol or 1,25 dihydroxy. Calcitriol/Vitamin D, 1,25 Dihydroxy must be ordered separately.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
The Vitamin B12 test is used to aid in the diagnosis of anemia, determine overall nutritional health and screen for folate deficiency.
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Folate; vitamin B12.
This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R). It is recommended to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of specimen.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
This test is not the same as vitamin D3 (25-hydroxy vitamin D3). Vitamin D3 must be ordered separately. Aid in the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism, renal osteodystrophy, vitamin D resistant rickets
Vitamin D, 1,25 Dihydroxy This test is also known by the following 1,25(OH) Vitamin D 1,25-Dihydroxy Vitamin D 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol Calcitriol (1,25 di-OH Vitamin D)
No isotopes administered 24 hours prior to venipuncture. Vitamin D, 1,25 Dihydroxy is not the same as vitamin D3 (25-hydroxy vitamin D3). Vitamin D3 25-hydroxy must be ordered separately.
Estimated turnaround for results is 5 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
The Vitamin/Nutrient Panel is used to check the levels of the vitamins and minerals listed below. In addition to the listed vitamins and minerals, a Complete Blood Count and Comprehensive Metabolic Profile are included in the panel for a basic assessment of general wellness.
Ferritin, Serum
Homocyst(e)ine, Plasma
Iron, Serum w/TIBC: Percent of saturation; serum iron; total iron binding capacity; unsaturated iron binding capacity
Magnesium RBC
Methylmalonic Acid, Serum
Vitamin B12 and Folates
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy
Zinc, Plasma or Serum
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential: (Hematocrit; hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume (MCV); mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC); red cell distribution width (RDW); percentage and absolute differential counts; platelet count; red cell count; white blood cell count; immature granulocytes)
Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (CMP) (includes eGFR): (A:G ratio; albumin, serum; alkaline phosphatase, serum; ALT (SGPT); AST (SGOT); bilirubin, total; BUN; BUN:creatinine ratio; calcium, serum; carbon dioxide, total; chloride, serum; creatinine, serum; globulin, total; glucose, serum; potassium, serum; protein, total, serum; sodium, serum.)
Patient should fast for 12-14 hours before collection of the specimen. Must draw before Schilling test, transfusions or B12 therapy is started. This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R). It is recommended to ask all patients who may be indicated for this test about biotin supplementation. Patients should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample. Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy is not the same as calcitriol or 1,25 dihydroxy. Calcitriol/Vitamin D, 1,25 Dihydroxy must be ordered separately.
Estimated turnaround for results is 78 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
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