If you're curious about the vitamin levels in your body, you may consider taking an at-home vitamin deficiency test. Many people take these tests when they suspect they aren't getting enough nutrients from their food.
You may be experiencing symptoms that suggest you are vitamin deficient such as fatigue, losing hair, or having nails that easily break. In that case, you may benefit from taking an at-home vitamin deficiency test to determine whether you need to supplement your body with the nutrition it needs.
When Should I Take a Vitamin Deficiency Test?
You should take a vitamin deficiency test if you're worried you aren't getting enough nutrients, suspect that you have a deficiency, or are experiencing symptoms associated with a vitamin deficiency.
Some signs of vitamin deficiency, according to the World Health Organization, include:
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
How Do I Interpret the Results?
Interpreting the results of an at-home test can be either guided by the company you bought the test from on an online portal or app, or you can reach out to your healthcare provider so they can help you review available options.
Here's a look at the 7 best at-home vitamin deficiency tests. All these require a finger-prick blood sample to send back to the lab, except for the 5strands test, which requires 10-15 pieces of hair to be sent to the lab.
1. Rootine Vitamin Test
Rootine offers a thorough blood vitamin test that helps you measure different levels of vitamins in your blood.
**What does it measure? **
It measures your blood serum levels of the following vitamins:
- Vitamin B9 (F0late)
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B-12
- hs-CRP
- Homocysteine
Cost:
\$125
**How long does it take to get results? **
3 days
Pros:
- Tests for many vitamin deficiencies
- Fast results
Cons:
- More expensive than other tests
2. LetsGetChecked Essential Vitamins Test
LetsGetChecked helps you identify any deficiencies of essential vitamins necessary for your overall health.
What does it measure?
The LetsGetChecked test measures:
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
Cost:
\$109
How long does it take to get results?
You will receive results within 2-5 days.
Pros:
- Fast results
- Measures multiple vitamins in your blood
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not available in New York State
3. Everlywell B Vitamins Test
The Everlywell B vitamins test measures three levels of different B vitamins in your body for any deficiencies.
What does it measure?
The Everlywell B vitamins test measures:
- Vitamin B6 levels
- Vitamin B9 levels
- Vitamin B12 levels
Cost:
\$89
How long does it take to get results?
Generally, you will receive your results within 5 business days.
Pros:
- High-rated by its users
- Done in a CLIA-certified lab
- Tests are reviewed by a board-certified Physician in your state
Cons:
- Only measures for B vitamin deficiencies
4. Everlywell Vitamin D Test
The Everlywell Vitamin D Test measures your Vitamin D levels.
What does it measure?
It measures your 25-OH D level.
Cost:
\$49
How long does it take to get results?
Generally, you will receive your results within 5 business days.
Pros:
- High-rated by its users
- Done in a CLIA-certified lab
- Tests are reviewed by a board-certified Physician in your state
Cons:
- Only measures Vitamin D levels
5. myLAB Box Vitamin D test
The myLAB Box Vitamin D test measures Vitamin D levels in your blood.
What does it measure?
It measures your 25-OH D level.
Cost:
\$89
How long does it take to get results?
You will receive your results in 2-5 days.
Pros:
- Fast results
- Done in CAP and CLIA-certified labs
- Pay with HSA/FSA cards
Cons:
- Only measures Vitamin D levels
- Not available in New York State
- Expensive
6. LetsGetChecked Micronutrient Test
The micronutrient tests help identify if your body lacks key vitamins and minerals.
What does it measure?
The LetsGetChecked micronutrient test measures:
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Copper
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Magnesium
Cost:
\$179
How long does it take to get results?
You will receive results within 2-5 days.
Pros:
- Fast results
- Measures multiple vitamins and minerals in your blood
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not available in New York State
7. 5Strands Vitamins and Minerals Test
5Strands offers a comprehensive vitamins and minerals test that helps you measure the levels of vitamins and minerals in your body before they manifest as physical issues.
What does it measure?
The health assessment measures:
- 83 vitamins
- Minerals
- Amino acids
- Omegas
Cost:
\$66
How long does it take to get results?
You will receive results within 7 days.
Pros:
- Doesn't require a finger-prick
- Affordable
- Comprehensive
Cons:
- Doesn't measure the levels of vitamins and minerals in your blood
- Only provides results for vitamins and minerals that are above the lab threshold
Overview and Additional Resources
Finding the right at-home vitamin deficiency test depends on your budget, health, and the test you'd like to take. If you would like to know more about vitamin deficiency tests and the impact of vitamins on your health, you can visit:
- https://ada.com/micronutrients/vitamin-deficiency-test/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/the-truth-about-nutrient-deficiencies
Resource Links
- "Vitamin Test" via Rootine
- "Vitamins and Minerals Test" via 5Strands
- "Essential Vitamin Test" via LetsGetChecked
- "B Vitamins Test" via Everlywell
- "Vitamin D Test" via Everlywell
- "At Home Vitamin D test" via myLAB Box
- "Micronutrient Test" via LetsGetChecked
- "Micronutrients" via World Health Organization
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