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Tips and Picks for Vitamin Deficiency Tests You Can Order Online

Medically reviewed by Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C — By Kristeen Cherney and Rachael Link, MS, RD — Updated on October 5, 2022Share on PinterestWe include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Some reports estimate that around 31% of the United States population is at risk for at least one nutrient deficiency or anemia (1). 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. If you’re concerned that you’re not getting enough nutrients based on your current diet or any symptoms you’re experiencing, you may consider ordering a vitamin deficiency test online. These tests don’t require a doctor’s order, but you’ll need to pay for them out of pocket. Many vitamin deficiency tests are conducted within the comfort of your home and then submitted to a lab for processing, while others require going to a nearby lab so a technician can take your sample. You can then share your results with a doctor or dietitian before making any changes to your current diet or supplement routine. Read on to find out about how online vitamin deficiency tests work, when you should consider buying them, and our specific brand recommendations to help inform your next steps.

A quick look at our picks for at-home tests

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 nutrients: LetsGetChecked Micronutrient TestBest for vitamins B12 and D: Labcorp Vitamin Deficiency TestBest vitamin B12 test: LetsGetChecked Vitamin B12 TestBest for vitamin D: Everlywell Vitamin D and Inflammation TestBest iron test: Labcorp Ferritin Blood Test

How we chose at-home vitamin deficiency tests

When carefully selecting our recommendations, we looked at the following elements:Nutrients measured: We looked for tests that check for common vitamin and mineral deficiencies.Testing methods: The tests below use reliable testing methods (the finger-pricking method instead of saliva samples). Lab and clinician credentials: We looked for tests that use labs that meet the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards and offer you the ability to verify the credentials of the company’s health professionals who review the results.Cost: We considered overall quality for the price. Ease of access: To help you streamline the process, we included options that allow you to test at home without obtaining a doctor’s order. You can then share your results with a medical professional.Reviews: The tests below have mostly positive customer reviews and anecdotal experiences.

Why you should trust us

We vetted the most popular at-home nutrient deficiency tests and updated our list to reflect what we believe to be a better solution set for our audience. The products listed below have all passed our vetting process and been approved by Healthline’s team of medical experts. As part of the vetting process, Healthline’s experts looked at the methodology behind each test, the health claims made by the company, and the company’s business practices and legal standing.

Healthline s picks for at-home vitamin deficiency tests

Best test for multiple nutrients

LetsGetChecked Micronutrient Test

Price: $199Sample type: bloodResult time: 2–5 daysWhile it isn’t cheap, the LetsGetChecked Micronutrient Test is one of the few at-home tests that’s designed to test your levels of multiple nutrients. Plus, the service offers follow-up guidance from a team of nurses to help you determine the appropriate next steps. Specifically, the kit tests your levels of: vitamin B12vitamin Dvitamin Emagnesiumzinccopperselenium 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. However, this test doesn’t check for B12 levels in people under 22 years old. Additionally, because of current state laws, LetsGetChecked cannot send home testing kits to residents of New York.

Pros

tests for multiple vitamins and mineralsprovides fast resultsoffers follow-up guidance from nursing teamuses CLIA-certified labsresults reviewed by board certified doctors

Cons

expensivemay not be suitable for everyone, including those under 22 View on LetsGetChecked

Best for vitamins B12 and D

Labcorp Vitamin Deficiency Test

Price: $159Sample type: bloodResult time: up to 2 weeksThis test from Labcorp measures blood levels of three key vitamins to determine whether you’re meeting your needs:vitamin B12folatevitamin D This test is a good option for those who may be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, including vegans and vegetarians, older adults, and people who have had certain types of gastrointestinal surgeries that affect nutrient absorption (2). It may also be worth considering for people who are concerned about bone health or at risk of vitamin D deficiency (3). For this test, a technician will collect a blood sample at one of Labcorp’s 2,000 locations. Results are typically available within 2 weeks. The company recommends fasting for at least 12 hours and discontinuing the use of any supplements that contain biotin for at least 72 hours prior to testing. Once your test has been processed, you can access your results through your Labcorp OnDemand account. In some cases, a healthcare professional may also follow up via phone or email about your results.

Pros

tests for multiple nutrients, including vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin Dsamples collected by a trained technicianuses CLIA-certified labs

Cons

requires an in-person visit to a LabCorp locationmay take up to 2 weeks to receive resultsexpensive View on Labcorp

Best vitamin B12 test

LetsGetChecked Vitamin B12 Test

Price: $89Sample type: bloodResult time: 2–5 daysFor quick yet accurate vitamin B12 testing, consider this kit from LetsGetChecked. Like other at-home vitamin deficiency tests, the LetsGetChecked Vitamin B12 Test requires a finger-prick blood sample. The company 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 or if you’re experiencing symptoms of a possible deficiency, such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, or digestive upset. The company recommends collecting the sample while you’re fasting, before 10:00 a.m. Once you’ve sent the test back, you can expect your results in 2–5 days. Board certified doctors will also review your results. The LetsGetChecked Vitamin B12 Test has multiple 5-star reviews noting quick and accurate results. The company also uses CLIA-certified labs. Perhaps the biggest downside is the higher price for a single-micronutrient test. However, if you have a history of low vitamin B12, you may consider a subscription to test every 3 months, which includes a 30% discount.

Pros

provides fast resultsoffers follow-up guidance and support from nursing teamuses CLIA-certified labsresults reviewed by board certified doctors

Cons

priceytests only vitamin B12 levelsrequires you to fast before collecting your sample View on LetsGetChecked

Best vitamin D test

Everlywell Vitamin D and Inflammation Test

Price: $99Sample type: bloodResult time: 5–7 daysWhile there are other quality at-home vitamin D tests on the market, we like that this test from Everlywell measures levels of both vitamin D and C-reactive protein (CRP). Vitamin D deficiencies and high CRP levels can indicate inflammation in your body, which may increase your chance of fatigue, as well as long-term health concerns such as heart disease (4, 5, 6). The Everlywell Vitamin D and Inflammation Test uses a blood sample obtained with a finger-pricking device, which is included in the kit. This kit is also CLIA-certified and independently verified by a doctor in your state. Depending on your results, you may choose to attend one of Everlywell’s free live webinars, in which you can ask questions about vitamin D and its role in bone health and inflammation. Overall, this test has mostly positive reviews from customers, who mention its accuracy and ease of results for the price. A few users note that the results were slower than expected.

Pros

tests both vitamin D and CRP levelsincludes access to a live webinar with a healthcare professionaluses CLIA-certified labsresults reviewed by doctors

Cons

doesn’t offer a personal consultation with a medical professionalsome reports of delays in receiving results View on Everlywell

Best iron test

Labcorp Ferritin Blood Test

Price: $49Sample type: bloodResult time: up to 2 weeksIron deficiency can result in anemia, increased infections, skin dryness or unusual paleness, and fatigue (7). If you’re concerned about these symptoms, you may consider getting a test that checks the ferritin levels in your blood, such as this one from Labcorp. Your body stores iron in ferritin proteins. Thus, low levels of ferritin can mean your body doesn’t have enough iron to store, which could indicate a deficiency (8). If you’re concerned about iron deficiency, keep in mind that some other methods of checking your iron levels are potentially more accurate than a ferritin test (9, 10). The Labcorp Ferritin Test is processed in a CLIA-certified lab, and samples must be collected by a trained technician at one of their nearly 2,000 locations. Your results are posted on your Labcorp OnDemand account. If your results require immediate attention, a healthcare professional will contact you by phone or email. Though this test is more affordable than many others, it may not be as convenient as at-home testing kits, and the results can take up to 2 weeks to become available.

Pros

lower cost than other single-nutrient testssamples collected by a trained technician, which some people may preferuses CLIA-certified labs

Cons

results can take up to 2 weekstests for only ferritin levelsrequires a visit to a Labcorp location View on Labcorp

A comparison of the best at-home vitamin deficiency tests

Here’s a quick comparison of our top picks: PriceResult timeNutrients testedSample requires trained technicianLetsGetChecked Micronutrient Test$1992–5 days• vitamin B12
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
• magnesium
• zinc
• copper
• seleniumnoLabcorp Vitamin Deficiency Test$159up to 2 weeks• vitamin B12
• folate
• vitamin DyesLetsGetChecked Vitamin B12 Test$892–5 daysvitamin B12noEverlywell Vitamin D and Inflammation Test$995–7 daysvitamin DnoLabcorp Ferritin Blood Test$49up to 2 weeksferritin (iron)yes

How to choose

Here are a few factors to keep in mind when determining which at-home nutrient deficiency testing kit is right for you:Nutrients: Each kit tests for levels of various vitamins or minerals, so be sure to evaluate which ones are most important based on your needs.Follow-up: Some testing kits include follow-up support and guidance from a medical professional after you receive your results, while others recommend sharing the results with a doctor on your own.Testing method: Be sure to consider which testing method you prefer. Though most tests involve collecting a sample via a finger prick, others may use saliva samples.Accreditation: It’s important to look for companies that send samples to an accredited or CLIA-certified lab, which can help ensure accuracy and quality.Price: Testing kits can vary quite a bit in price, and some may recommend testing multiple times over a longer period to monitor your levels. For this reason, it’s important to keep your budget in mind when shopping.

Which vitamins are worth testing for

According to a review published in Nutrients, many people in the United States are at risk for a deficiency in the following vitamins and minerals (1):vitamin B6ironvitamin B12vitamin Dvitamin C However, it’s not necessary to test for deficiencies in all of these nutrients, especially if you eat a balanced diet and don’t have any underlying health conditions that affect nutrient absorption. It’s important to consider your medical history, diet, and symptoms to determine whether a nutrient deficiency test is right for you. For example, if you have a history of iron deficiency, follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, or are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath, you may want to consider checking your iron levels, either at a doctor’s office or using an at-home test (7). Similarly, if you don’t get regular sun exposure or are at an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, testing your blood levels may be beneficial (11). People who follow restrictive diet patterns or have health conditions associated with an increased risk of deficiencies — such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease — may also need to be mindful of their nutrient levels (12, 13, 14). A doctor or registered dietitian can provide more detailed recommendations on which nutrients you may be lacking and how you can modify your diet to ensure that you’re meeting your needs.

How to use your results

If your at-home test results reveal a possible vitamin deficiency, it’s important to make an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss next steps. They can help you determine the causes of any nutritional deficiencies, such as your diet or any underlying medical conditions. A doctor may also refer you to a registered dietitian 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 vitamin D3, B6, or B12. However, it’s important to check with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Research shows that vitamin B6 is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies, along with iron and vitamins B12, C, and D. Other common vitamin and mineral deficiencies include iodine, vitamin A, folate, and vitamin E (1, 15, 16).

How do I know if I have a vitamin deficiency

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.

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 fatigue. For example, an extremely low intake of iron could lead to anemia, and a long-term vitamin D deficiency could affect your bone health and overall inflammation in your body.

Do I need to take supplements

It’s better to get essential nutrients from foods, but a doctor may recommend supplements if your diet lacks certain vitamin and minerals. Vitamin B12 for vegetarian or vegan diets is one such example (17, 18). However, it’s important to get tested and talk with a doctor before taking any supplements. This can prevent unnecessary supplement use and even vitamin or mineral overdoses.

What types of tests check for vitamin deficiencies

Blood tests are traditionally used to check for vitamin deficiencies. While saliva tests are also available, these may not be as accurate. This is why all our selections rely on blood samples obtained via finger pricking (19).

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 (20).

Will the doctor test for vitamin deficiencies at my annual physical

A doctor will not typically check for nutritional deficiencies at annual physicals unless you specifically ask for these tests. More commonly, your doctor will order a CBC, a cholesterol check, and other preventive blood tests at your physical. If you decide to take an at-home vitamin deficiency test, you have the option of following up with further testing at a doctor’s office. 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.

Is it less expensive to test for vitamin deficiencies at home

While we assessed the affordability of our recommended at-home vitamin deficiency tests, medical insurance does not cover these tests. 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 whether they cover nutritional deficiency tests performed at your doctor’s office or a local lab. Comparing such costs can help you determine which option could be the most affordable.

The bottom line

If you’re searching for at-home vitamin deficiency tests, you’ll find several options you can order online. We’ve included five recommendations that address some of the most common deficiencies. These companies are all CLIA-certified, and healthcare professionals will review your results. If you do decide to go forward with testing, it’s important to discuss your results with a doctor or registered dietitian. They can help you decide whether you need further testing, dietary changes, or supplementation. Last medically reviewed on October 2, 2022

How we vetted this article

HistoryOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Oct 6, 2022 By Kristeen Cherney, PhD, Rachael Link Edited By Kelli McGrane, MS, RD Copy Edited By Jill Campbell Oct 3, 2022 Medically Reviewed By Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C — By Kristeen Cherney and Rachael Link, MS, RD — Updated on October 5, 2022

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