Table of Content
In addition, a low vitamin D level may also be linked to serious health conditions like heart disease and bone weakness . This test checks your active B12 levels as this is considered the more accurate way to measure your body’s access to available vitamin B12 and the best early indicator of a deficiency. If you’re feeling tired, low on energy or your memory is not as sharp as it used to be, you may need to check your vitamin B12 levels. Vital for the production of red blood cells, B12 supports the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and normal psychological function.
In some cases, a healthcare professional may also follow up via phone or email about your results. It may also be worth considering for people who are concerned about bone health or at risk of vitamin D deficiency . Not getting enough of certain key vitamins and minerals — such as iron and vitamins B6, B12, and D — could affect your overall health and well-being. By your Agreement and clicking on Continue, you acknowledge you are leaving DoctorsHomes.com and going to a telemedicine website to potentially have an online visit with a doctor. You understand that consent is not a condition of service or purchase, and that you may revoke this consent at any time by using the opt-out link at the bottom of every email. Message and data rates may apply, and you confirm and certify that you are at least 18 years of age.
What should I do if I have a deficiency or excess of a vitamin or mineral?
If any of these chemical levels are not correct in your blood, you need to see a doctor immediately. The EverlyWell Vitamin D Test measures your blood levels of vitamin D and has excellent reviews. EverlyWell is a widely known home health testing company that offers clear instructions for its simple sample collection process. LetsGetChecked is a well-known and reputable home testing service offering a range of home health tests—from hormone and nutrition tests to STI screens. Their Mineral Test measures your magnesium, copper, selenium, and zinc levels.
Haley has a professional and educational background reviewing, transcribing, and curating technical content. Her extensive background in research and analytics contribute to her adept editorial profession. She is currently finishing her Batchelor's of Science through Harvard University Extension with a background in social, environmental, and health studies. Public health aspects in the prevention and control of vitamin deficiencies. A vitamin E deficiency may cause dry skin, and a vitamin B3 deficiency can cause diarrhea and photosensitive dermatitis, a skin reaction to different types of light. A person should not make health decisions based on the results of an at-home test without first consulting a doctor.
Best test for multiple nutrients
People can receive vitamin D from sun exposure, supplements, and some types of food. A general checkup is always a good time to talk with a doctor if you have a history of vitamin deficiencies or have certain health conditions that increase your chances of deficiencies. While a complete blood count won’t reveal specific nutritional deficiencies, some of the results from this type of test could prompt your doctor to order further testing. For example, a low hemoglobin count could possibly indicate iron deficiency anemia . Testing is the only definitive way to determine whether you have a nutrient deficiency. However, in cases of a significant deficiency, you may notice possible related symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, easy bruising, skin dryness, and brittle nails.
Finally, the company provides individualized vitamin supplements to help address any gaps uncovered during your blood test. Only a handful of companies offer home nutrient deficiency tests. Some, like Rootine, pair their testing with customized supplements. EverlyWell and LetsGetChecked are well known in the home health testing space and each has a few home mineral deficiency testing options. Overall, though, Rootine offers the best home vitamin deficiency test. Genetics, prescription medications, and other factors can affect levels of vitamins and minerals in the body, and a healthcare professional will consider these.
How we chose these at-home vitamin D tests
Globally, it is estimated about 50% of people have insufficient levels of vitamin D. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Above all, not having the right amount of vitamins in your bloodstream can cause many serious diseases. But, our body is not informed automatically when we lack the vitamins in our bloodstream. Scientists and doctors have both collaborated and worked day and night. Finally, they have developed various home test kits that can detect if the right amount of vitamins are present in your body or not. Suppose the proper amount of vitamins are not present in your system.
HIGHER VITAMIN D LEVELS HAVE BEEN LINKED TO IMPROVED:
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At home, a person needs to use the finger prick they receive to collect a small blood sample from their finger and send it to the lab. A person can check their vitamin D levels themselves with an at-home vitamin D test, and many of these tests are of the same quality as those that medical professionals use. DoctorsHome provides links to laboratory testing for wellness monitoring, informational and educational use.
On the other end of the range, a vitamin D level above 100 ng/mL is often viewed as too high. Too much vitamin D supplementation can result in vitamin D toxicity—meaning your body doesn’t have optimal vitamin D levels because it’s actually getting too much vitamin D. Toxicity is the opposite of a vitamin D deficiency, and is linked with excess calcium absorption . Our active vitamin B12 test enables you to quickly identify the current B12 levels available for your body to use rather than your total B12 levels. It will give you a clear insight into any risk of B12 deficiency.
The test costs around $99, but if a person becomes an Everlywell member, the price lowers to around $25. The company then sends the results to a person’s online account, which they access via a secure login. After taking the test, you’ll have access to a team of nurses 24/7. A nurse will also call you to help you understand your results. A vitamin D test tells you how much vitamin D is in your bloodstream. This is a little more complicated than you might think, as vitamin D undergoes several changes before it can be used in your body.
Negative reviews frequently mention difficulty obtaining results and tests being close to expiration dates. Once the lab receives the test, LetsGetChecked states a person can expect to receive their results within a few days. This is a detailed article about vitamin D and its health effects. Vitamin D actually functions as a hormone, and deficiency is incredibly common. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.
It costs roughly $149 with free shipping, and can be purchased in any state except for New York. This test won our as best overall because of its value—offering 4 biomarkers for only $99—and the quality of its labs. Reviewers love the customized vitamins despite their expense and feel that the blood test added to the usefulness and effectiveness of their vitamins. Vitamin B complex supplements may help to prevent vitamin B deficiency. To help ensure accuracy, carefully follow the instructions about taking, storing, and sending off samples. At-home tests can be expensive, and it may be more cost-effective to go directly through a lab.
Comparing At-Home Vitamin Deficiency Tests
Some people may be at a higher risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency. Although the article states that most people with a vitamin D deficiency will not experience symptoms, some people do. The company offers a subscription service for $80.10 for those who wish to take the test every six months. Everlywell also allows buyers to pay through their FSA and HSA.
A person needs to create an Everlywell account to register their test kits and check their results. This process generates the inactive form of vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D). The liver and kidneys then convert it into its active form, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. They can help you determine the causes of any nutritional deficiencies, such as your diet or any underlying medical conditions. Perhaps the biggest downside is the higher price for a single-micronutrient test.
