Vitamin Deficiency Tests
A varied and balanced diet usually provides you with enough vitamins and minerals for optimal health. But deficiencies can happen for a number of reasons. Some common causes include:
- poor absorption of nutrients — for example, if you have coeliac or Crohn’s disease
- a diet lacking in fruit or vegetables
- a poorly planned vegan or vegetarian diet
- drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
- medications — like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- pregnancy — as your body has additional nutritional demands
So, it’s a good idea to check your vitamin and mineral levels, especially if you’re more at risk of a deficiency or have any symptoms. Feeling tired for no reason, having low energy, looking pale and always getting sick can all be signs of certain nutrient deficiencies. Not getting enough vitamins and minerals can have long-term impacts on our health.
Some examples of deficiencies:
Iron deficiency
Iron is a mineral that your body needs to make red blood cells — these carry oxygen around your body. If you don’t get enough iron you might:
- feel weak
- feel tired
- feel dizzy
- feel short of breath
- get heart palpitations
- get headaches
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D is used by every cell in your body and is essential for your bone and muscle health, as well as supporting your immune system. If you don’t get enough vitamin D you might:
- feel tired
- get sick often
- have weak bones — putting you at risk of osteoporosis long-term
- have muscle pain
- feel anxious or depressed
Folate (vitamin B9) deficiency
Folate is a B vitamin that’s required to make red blood cells and to make and repair your DNA. It’s sometimes called folic acid — the synthetic (man-made) version of this vitamin. If you don’t get enough folate you might:
- feel tired
- feel weak
- feel short of breath
- get heart palpitations
- get headaches
- feel irritability
- have difficulty concentrating
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) plays a really important role in red blood cell production and helps your nervous system to function properly. If you don’t get enough vitamin B12 you might:
- feel extremely tired
- feel weak
- get pins and needles
- get mouth ulcers
- have a swollen and sore tongue (glossitis)
- have blurry vision
- have difficulty remembering things
- feel depressed
Vitamin Deficiency Tests Available
| Name | Code | Results | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Folate (Vitamin B9) | FOL | 1-2 Days | £28.00 | An alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test measures the level of ALT in your blood. ALT is an enzyme made by cells in your liver, this test checks for liver damage. |
| Vitamin A | VITA | 7 Days | £72.00 | This test checks the levels of Vitamin A. If you suffer from dry eyes / dry skin / infertility / throat or chest infections this test is for you. |
| Vitamin B Profile | VBP | 1 Week | £330.00 | An aldosterone (ALD) test measures the amount of ALD in your blood. It's also called a serum aldosterone test. ALD is a hormone made by the adrenal glands. |
| Vitamin B1 (Thaimine) | B1 | 7 Days | £75.00 | If you are feeling out of sorts and you have symptoms such as tiredness, loss of appetite and muscle weakness then this test is for you to test your levels of B1. |
| Vitamin B12 | B12 | 1-2 Days | £29.00 | Vitamin B12 is important for normal blood, cells, and nerves. |
| Vitamin B2 | B2 | 7 Days | £62.00 | A test of blood serum to detect a specific enzyme produced by several tissues, particularly the prostate. |
| Vitamin B3 | B3 | 6 Days | £71.00 | An active B12 test measures the amount of B12 that is available for your body to use. Vitamin B12 is important for red blood cell formation and a healthy nervous system. |
| Vitamin B6 | B6 | 1 Week | £82.00 | It is used to diagnose metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes. |
| Vitamin C | VITC | 5 Days | £75.00 | This test checks levels of Vitamin C. Signs of low Vitamin C within are fatigue, inflammation of the gums, small red or purple spots on the skin, joint pain, poor wound healing |
| Vitamin D 25 (OH) | VITD | 1-2 Days | £58.00 | This is the most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body is the 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test |
| Vitamin D3 | VID3 | 3 Days | £76.00 | Abnormal levels of ALP in your blood most often indicate a problem with your liver, gallbladder, or bones. |
| Vitamin E | VITE | 1 Week | £75.00 | A vitamin E test measures the amount of vitamin E in your blood. Vitamin E (also known as tocopherol or alpha-tocopherol) is a nutrient that is important for many body processes. It helps your nerves and muscles work well, prevents blood clots, and boosts the immune system. |
| Vitamin K (Vitaminsal) | VITK | 1 Week | £85.00 | This blood test measures the levels of vitamin K, which is important in blood clotting as well as regulating blood calcium levels and bone metabolism. |
| Vitamin K (with PIVKA II) | PIVK | 2 Weeks | £253.00 | PIVKA-II testing identifies an undercarboxylated prothrombin protein present in the serum of children who are vitamin K deficient. |
Pay or enquire about a Blood Test
Please contact the Richmond Serology Clinic to book an appointment on 01554 788772