Vegetarian Blood Test

Our vegetarian blood tests are designed to cater to the unique nutritional needs of individuals following a vegetarian lifestyle. We understand the challenges that come with obtaining all necessary vitamins and minerals through a vegetarian diet: our tests have been designed to help you identify any potential deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D.

With our vegetarian blood testing, you can be confident that you’re getting the most comprehensive and accurate information about your nutritional status, enabling you to optimize your health and well-being.A diet solely based on vegetarian food can potentially lead to missing out on important nutrients found in meats and fish:

Food source	You might be missing on…	Which are helpful for…
Meat	Iron Vitamin B12 Bioavailable proteins	Preventing anemia Healthy nails and hair Energy Muscle mass
Fish	Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) – Omega 3 Zinc Bioavailable proteins Vitamin D	Anti-inflammation Heart health Muscle mass Bone health General wellness

Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just starting out, our blood test will help you monitor your health and nutrition. This assessment will allow you to make informed decisions to improve your diet and supplement regime.

Vegetarian Vitamin Deficiency

Results in 5 business days $218.00 Add to Cart

Includes

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

Folate

Vitamin B12

Ferritin, serum

Total Iron, Iron Binding Capacity, % Saturation (calculated)

Lipid Panel: Cholesterol, total; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (calculated); triglycerides; Non-HDL Cholesterol (calculated)

Vitamin D, 25-OH, Total; Vitamin D, 25-OH, D3; Vitamin D, 25-OH, D2

Patient Instructions

You should fast for 12-14 hours before collection of the specimen. Fasting is defined as no consumption of food or beverage other than water for at least 12-14 hours before testing. 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. 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). In patients receiving therapy with high biotin doses (ie, > 5 mg/day), no sample should be taken until at least eight hours after the last biotin administration. Patient should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample.

Estimated turnaround for results is 5 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

What is vegetarian blood testing?

A vegetarian blood test is a set of tests designed to measure nutrient levels in individuals who follow a vegetarian diet. It includes the analysis of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D, which can be more difficult to obtain through a vegetarian diet alone.

What are the benefits of a vegetarian blood test?

There are many benefits of a vegetarian blood test. Some of the benefits include:

Identify the need for supplementation and dietary modifications
Diagnose health problems early
Monitor your health and progress
Make informed decisions about your health

Who should get a vegetarian blood test?

Anyone following a vegetarian diet, particularly those who are new to the lifestyle or those who have been following it for a long time, can benefit from a vegetarian blood test. It can help identify potential deficiencies and allow you to take action to ensure that your body is getting all the necessary nutrients it needs for you to feel energized and healthy.

When should I get a blood test for vegetarians?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of nutritional deficiencies, and you’re following a vegetarian meal plan, it is time to get your blood analyzed. Some common symptoms of nutritional deficiencies include:

Fatigue and weakness
Pale skin, brittle nails, hair loss
Difficulty concentrating and memory loss
Weak bones
Increased infections
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
Cramps
Irregular heartbeat

These symptoms are easily treated with correct supplementation and improvements in your eating patterns. Make sure to speak to your doctor or dietitian for the best advice for your particular case.

How often should I get blood tests for vegetarians?

The testing frequency can depend on individual factors such as age, health status, and diet. Most vegetarians like to have this panel done at least twice a year to monitor nutrient levels and identify any potential deficiencies. Your doctor or coach can suggest a higher testing frequency depending on your individual needs.

What happens if my test results show a deficiency?

If your test results show vegetarian deficiencies, it’s important to discuss the results with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the appropriate treatment plan. This may include changes to your eating patterns, supplements, or other interventions.

How do I prepare for this blood test?

There are generally no special preparations needed for a vegetarian blood test. However, it is recommended to fast for 8-12 hours before the test to ensure accurate results.

How long does it take to get the results of vegetarian blood testing?

You can expect your results to be available within 5 business days after your sample is collected in the lab.

Can non-vegetarians get a vegetarian blood test?

Yes, non-vegetarians can get a vegetarian blood test to check for nutrient deficiencies. While individuals who are not vegetarian are usually expected to have normal values across the board, everyone can get these tests done to maintain optimal health. If you’re not a vegetarian, but feel your eating habits are poor or you suspect you might have nutritional deficiencies, you will also benefit from these tests.

How do I incorporate a vegetarian meal?

To incorporate a vegetarian meal, you can try the following:

Incorporate plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, and seitan into dishes such as chili, stews, pasta, and stir-fries
Make sure that you always combine a legume (beans, lentils, chickpeas) with a cereal (rice, quinoa, bulgur, oats, couscous) so you can get a complete amino acid profile (complete protein)
Experiment with meat alternatives like plant-based meat products, or make your own meatless meatballs or burgers
Use dairy alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk or oat milk in cooking and baking
Experiment with different cuisines like Indian, Ethiopian, and Mexican, which have many delicious and traditional vegetarian dishes
Make sure to balance your meals with a variety of different foods and colors to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need

It’s important to make sure that you are getting enough protein and other essential nutrients on a vegetarian diet by eating a variety of foods and by consulting a dietitian if you have any concerns or feel lost.

Which foods are rich in vitamin B12 and are ideal for vegetarians?

Vitamin B12 is uniquely found in animal products like beef, chicken, fish, and eggs. Vegetarians are less likely than their vegan counterparts to develop a severe deficiency of vitamin B12, as they include foods like eggs and dairy products. Fortified plant-based foods such as breakfast cereals, nutritional yeast, and plant-based meat alternatives are also good sources of this important vitamin.