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Below are our picks for the best vitamin deficiency tests you can order online:
Click a link to jump to that section and read more.
- Best test for multiple B vitamins:Everlywell B Vitamins Test
- Best vitamin B12 test:LetsGetChecked Vitamin B12 Test
- Best for vitamin D:Everlywell Vitamin D and Inflammation Test
- Best iron test:Cerascreen Ferritin Test
- Best test for multiple nutrients:LetsGetChecked Micronutrient Test
如果你担心你没有得到足够的nutrients based on your current diet or possible symptoms of a deficiency you could be experiencing, you may consider a vitamin test you can order online. These don’t require a doctor’s order, but you’ll need to pay for them out of pocket.
Such vitamin deficiency tests are conducted within the comfort of your own home, and then submitted to a lab for processing. You can then share your results with your doctor or nutritionist before making any changes to your current diet or supplement routine.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that
Read more about how online vitamin deficiency tests work, when you should consider buying them, and our specific brand recommendations to help inform your next steps.
When carefully selecting our recommendations, we looked for the following elements:
- tests that measure the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as outlined by the CDC
- reliable testing methods (finger-pricking method versus saliva samples)
- options that allow for testing at home without obtaining a doctor’s order first to help streamline the process before sharing results with a medical professional
- tests processed through accredited labs, such as the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
- the ability to verify credentials of company’s health professionals who review the results
- overall quality for the cost
- how the company shares the results with you
- customer reviews and anecdotal experiences
Best test for multiple B vitamins
Everlywell B Vitamins Test
Price: $89
This test from Everlywell measures three common B vitamin deficiencies: B6, B9 (folic acid/folate), and B12. You may consider this test if you eat mostly a plant-based diet or if you’re experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, and skin health concerns.
The Everlywell B Vitamins Test is blood-based. In your test kit, you will receive a lancet that takes a small amount of blood via your fingertip. You will then place the blood on the test card before sending it back.
Once you order and receive your kit, make sure you register online before sending your sample back. Everlywell uses CLIA-certified labs to process all samples for their home test kits, ensuring accuracy in their results.
After your test is processed, an independent, board certified medical doctor from your state of residence will review your results for quality and accuracy. Your results will then post to your confidential account.
As a bonus, Everlywell also hosts educational webinars related to the tests they offer, where customers may also submit questions.
The B Vitamins Test has mostly 5-star reviews on the company’s website. One downside is the popularity of this test, as it tends to sell out quickly.
Best vitamin B12 test
LetsGetChecked Vitamin B12 Test
Price: $89
For quick, yet accurate vitamin B12 testing, consider this kit from Let’sGetChecked. Like Everlywell’s B Vitamins Test, Let’sGetChecked’s Vitamin B12 Test requires a blood sample via finger-pricking. The company also offers a video to show you how to conduct your test.
This vitamin B12 test may be right for you if you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, and if you’re experiencing symptoms of a possible deficiency such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, and digestive upset.
Before collecting your sample, the company recommends that you’re fasting, and that you complete the test before 10:00 a.m. Once you’ve sent the test back, you can expect your results in 2 to 5 days. These are also reviewed by board certified doctors.
The Let’sGetChecked Vitamin B12 Test has multiple 5-star reviews noting quick and accurate results. They also use CLIA-certified labs.
Perhaps the biggest downside is the higher price for testing a single micronutrient. However, if you have a history of low vitamin B12, you may consider a subscription to test every 3 months, which also includes a 30% discount.
Best vitamin D test
Everlywell Vitamin D and Inflammation Test
Price: $99
While there are other quality at-home vitamin D tests on the market, we like that this version from Everlywell measures both vitamin Dandc-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
Vitamin D deficiencies and high CRP levels can indicate inflammation in the body, which may increase your chance of fatigue, as well as more long-term health concerns such as heart disease.
The Everlywell Vitamin D and Inflammation Test uses a blood sample with a finger-pricking device, all of which is included in the kit. As with the Everlywell B Vitamins Test, this kit is CLIA-certified, as well as independently verified by a doctor in your state.
Depending on your results, you may also decide to attend one of Everlywell’s free live webinars, where you may ask questions about vitamin D and its role in bone health and inflammation.
Overall, this test has mostly positive reviews from customers, noting accuracy and ease of results for the price. A few users have noted slower than expected results.
Best iron test
Cerascreen Ferritin Test
Price: $69
Iron deficiency can result in anemia, increased infections, dry or paler than usual skin, and fatigue. If you’re concerned about these symptoms, you may considering getting a test that checks for ferritin levels in the blood, such as this one from Cerascreen.
When your body absorbs iron, it’s stored in ferritin proteins. Thus, low levels of ferritin can mean your body doesn’t have enough iron to store. This blood test looks for ferritin levels.
请记住,还有其他的和潜在的more accurate ways tocheck for iron deficiency, other than a ferritin test.
The Cerascreen Ferritin Test is both CLIA-certified and FDA-registered. Your results are reviewed by a doctor, and posted on an account you’ll sign up for in advance. Additionally, you may find recommendations based on your results, such as eating more iron-rich foods when applicable.
With all 5-star reviews, users find the Cerascreen test an accurate and convenient way to check their iron levels at home. Some note, however, that this option can become pricey.
Best test for multiple nutrients
LetsGetChecked Micronutrient Test
Price: $199
If you have a larger budget for at-home vitamin testing, you may consider the Let’sGetChecked Micronutrient Test. It’s designed to check for the following micronutrients:
- vitamins B12, D, and E
- magnesium
- zinc
- copper
- selenium
If you have a history of low levels of more than one of these nutrients, then this test may be an appropriate option. This may especially be the case if you also have several unexplained symptoms, such as fatigue, hair loss, and joint pain.
You can expect the same experience and timeline for your results as the traditional vitamin B12 test from Let’sGetChecked. However, it’s important to note that the Micronutrient Test doesn’t check for B12 levels in people under 22 years old.
Let’sGetChecked also can’t currently send their home testing kits to residents of New York, due to current state laws.
What are the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies?
According to the
How do I know if I have a vitamin deficiency?
The only definitive way to determine whether you have a nutritional deficiency is by testing. However, in cases of a significant deficiency, you may notice possible related symptoms, such as fatigue, dizziness, and skin health concerns (i.e., easy bruising, dryness, and brittleness).
What are the consequences of vitamin deficiencies?
While the exact health concerns vary by the type of nutritional deficiency you have, the consequences may go beyond feeling fatigued.
For example, an extremely low intake of iron could lead to anemia, and a long-term vitamin D deficiency could impact your bone health and overall inflammation in the body.
Do I need to take supplements?
It’sbetter to get essential nutrients from foods, but your doctor may recommend supplements if your diet is lacking certain vitamin and minerals. Vitamin B12 for vegetarian or vegan diets is one such example.
However, you shouldn’t start taking any supplements without getting tested and talking with your doctor first. This can prevent the unnecessary use of supplements — and even vitamin or mineral overdoses.
What types of tests check for vitamin deficiencies?
Vitamin deficiencies are traditionally checked through blood tests. While saliva tests are also available,
Does a CBC panel show vitamin deficiency?
While a complete blood count (CBC) 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.
Will the doctor test for vitamin deficiencies at my annual physical?
Nutritional deficiencies aren’t typically checked at annual physicals unless you specifically ask your doctor for these tests.
More commonly, your doctor will order a CBC, cholesterol check, and other preventive blood tests at your physical. If you decide to take an at-home vitamin deficiency test, you also have the option of following up with further testing at your doctor’s office.
A general checkup is always a time to talk with the doctor if you have a history of vitamin deficiencies or if you have certain health conditions that increase your chance for them.
Is it less expensive to test for vitamin deficiencies at home?
当我们评估了我们recomme的负担能力nded at-home vitamin deficiency tests, these aren’t covered by medical insurance. In some cases, you may be able to use your applicable FSA/HSA funds toward your purchases.
You can also talk with your insurance company to see if they cover nutritional deficiency tests performed at your doctor’s office or local lab. Comparing such costs can help you determine which option could be the most affordable.
If your at-home test results reveal a possible vitamin deficiency, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor so you can discuss next steps. They can help you determine the causes of any nutritional deficiencies, such as your diet or any underlying medical conditions.
Your doctor may also refer you to a nutritionist who can help design meal plans to fit your dietary needs. In some cases, you may need specific vitamin or mineral supplements, such as a multivitamin with iron, or vitamins D3, B6, or B12. However, you shouldn’t take supplements without talking with your doctor first.
If you’re searching for home vitamin deficiency tests, you’ll find several options you can order online.
We’ve included five recommendations that address the most common deficiencies identified by the CDC. It’s also important to know that these companies are all CLIA-certified, and your results are reviewed by doctors.
If you do decide to go forward with at-home testing, it’s important to discuss your results with a doctor or nutritionist. They can help you decide whether you need further testing, dietary changes, or supplementation.
