4 of the best at-home vitamin deficiency tests of 2022 Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe 4 of the best at-home vitamin deficiency testsMedically reviewed by Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C — By Jenna Fletcher — Updated on July 12, 2022We 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. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that provide support for many crucial functions throughout the body. If a person has concerns over their vitamin and mineral levels, they can use an at-home test to check for deficiencies. Share on Pinterest A quick look at 4 of the best at-home vitamin deficiency testsBest overall LetsGetChecked Micronutrient TestBest for vitamin D deficiency Everlywell Vitamin D and Inflammation TestBest for essential vitamins test: LetsGetChecked Essential Vitamin TestBest for rapid results Rootine Blood Vitamin Test Vitamin deficienciesAlthough the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 indicate that a person should aim to meet their vitamin and mineral needs through their diet, sometimes they may need a multivitamin to supplement their intake. When a person develops a nutritional deficiency, the body may produce signs and symptoms, some of which can go unnoticed. Though an at-home test should not act as a substitute for a doctor or nutritionist’s advice, it may indicate missing nutrients in a person’s diet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists several of the most common deficiencies in the United States. These include:vitamin B6ironvitamin Dvitamin B12vitamin Efolatevitamin Avitamin C Learn more about vitamins and how they work here. High risk groups In a 2019 study, researchers identified specific groups of people as having a higher risk of developing vitamin or mineral deficiencies. The groups included:undernourished peopleolder adultspeople who are pregnantadolescentsyoung children How we chose MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria where possible: Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in CLIA-certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations.Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that are suitable for a wide range of budgets. Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results. Top at-home vitamin deficiency tests Below find some vitamin deficiency tests available to purchase online. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best overall LetsGetChecked Micronutrient TestPricearound $200Vitamins and minerals tested7Collection methodfinger-prick blood sampleTurnaround timewithin a few days The LetsGetChecked micronutrient test is a finger prick test that a person can carry out at home. The test can check for deficiencies in several vitamins and minerals, including:coppervitamin Dmagnesiumvitamin B12seleniumzincvitamin E When a person gets their test kit, they should register it online and then follow instructions to collect a sample and return it for testing. Once the lab receives the test, LetsGetChecked states a person can expect to receive their results within a few days. Learn more about LetsGetChecked here. Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% offLEARN MORE Best for vitamin D deficiency Everlywell Vitamin D and Inflammation TestPricearound $99Vitamins and minerals tested1Collection methodfinger-prick blood sampleTurnaround timewithin days Everlywell offers a test that looks at a person’s vitamin D levels and the measure of c-reactive protein (CRP), called hs-CRP. The liver makes CRP when there is inflammation in the body. This finger prick test allows a person to easily collect their sample and send it off to a lab for testing. Independent, board-certified doctors will review the results and explain them in easy-to-understand terms. The company then sends the results to a person’s online account, which they access via a secure login. The test costs around $99, but if a person becomes an Everlywell member, the price lowers to around $25. Learn more about Everlywell here.LEARN MORE Best for essential vitamin tests LetsGetChecked Essential Vitamin TestPricearound $110Vitamins and minerals tested3Collection methodfinger-prick blood sampleTurnaround timewithin days LetsGetChecked also offers a less extensive test for vitamin deficiencies with their Essential Vitamin Test. The test checks the blood for deficiencies in three vitamins, including:vitamin Dvitamin B12vitamin E Once a person receives the test, they should register it on the LetsGetChecked website and follow the instructions. The home test involves a finger-prick blood sample collection that an individual will send to a lab the same day. Once received, the company’s team of doctors will review the test, and the lab will send results to the person within a few days. Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% offLEARN MORE Best for rapid results Rootine Blood Vitamin TestPricearound $99Vitamins and minerals tested6Collection methodfinger-prick blood sampleTurnaround timewithin 3 days This test checks for deficiencies of six vitamins, including:vitamins B2, B6, B9, and B12vitamin Cvitamin D It also checks levels of omega-3s and alpha-lipoic acid. A person takes a finger-prick blood sample and sends it to a lab for analysis. Once the lab receives the kit, the person can expect their results in 3 days. The company says that health data is protected, secure, and never shared, sold, or used without authorization. A person can also request to have their data deleted immediately after the company shares the test results.LEARN MORE Comparing vitamin deficiency tests Here is how the products above compare.LetsGetChecked Micronutrient TestEverlywell Vitamin D and Inflammation TestLetsGetChecked Essential Vitamin TestRootine Blood Vitamin TestNumber of vitamins and minerals7238Collection methodfinger-prickfinger-prickfinger-prick finger-prickDelivery methodonline portalonline portalonline portalonline portalTime to receive results after submission5 daysdays to weeks5 days3 daysPrice$200$99, or $25 for Everlywell members$110$99 Pros and cons of at-home vitamins deficiency tests A person interested in seeing if they may have a vitamin deficiency can purchase a home-testing kit to check for possible deficiencies. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons of these services. ProsThe test kits are convenient.The results are confidential.The test kits are easy to use. ConsPeople may still have to visit a doctor if the results show a deficiency.People may have to contact a doctor if they have symptoms but a negative test result.At-home tests can be expensive, and it may be more cost-effective to go directly through a lab. How to choose an at-home vitamin deficiency test People may wish to consider these factors before buying a test online:The nutrients tested: Many companies offer comprehensive panels, which test for several vitamins and minerals. However, some tests only check levels of certain vitamins. A person should pick the test that best suits their needs.The collection method: Anyone uncomfortable drawing a finger-prick blood sample may prefer a test that relies on a saliva sample instead, for example.The timing of results: Some tests have shorter turnaround times, but these may be more expensive.Price: Different at-home vitamin deficiency tests fit different budgets. When to see a doctor Regardless of the results of an at-home vitamin deficiency test, a person should consider consulting a doctor. If their results are positive, a doctor will likely double-check the results, run other appropriate tests when needed, and help diagnose any underlying cause of the deficiency before setting out a treatment plan. If an individual’s results are negative, but they are still experiencing symptoms of a vitamin or mineral deficiency, a doctor may carry out further tests to diagnose any underlying conditions. A person should not attempt to treat a vitamin or mineral deficiency without first discussing it with a doctor. Frequently asked questions Here are some of the most common questions about these tests. Are at-home vitamin deficiency tests accurate The accuracy depends on the company, the sample collection, and various procedures. If the company has designed its devices in line with medical guidelines and people take their samples correctly, the test results may be accurate. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a list of approved at-home tests, and anyone concerned about accuracy may prefer to use one of these. To help ensure accuracy, carefully follow the instructions about taking, storing, and sending off samples. Who should use an at-home vitamin deficiency test Anyone who thinks that they may have an imbalance in vitamin or mineral levels should consider speaking with a healthcare professional. If a person does not have access to healthcare or cannot leave the house, for example, an at-home vitamin deficiency test is a useful alternative. What should I do if I have a deficiency or excess of a vitamin or mineral Some at-home testing companies provide supplements on a subscription basis. However, due to a company’s interest in making profits, there are concerns about bias. A person should consult a healthcare professional to understand the reason for any vitamin or mineral excess or deficiency before deciding on a treatment. Genetics, prescription medications, and other factors can affect levels of vitamins and minerals in the body, and a healthcare professional will take these into account. What causes a vitamin deficiency In most cases, a vitamin deficiency stems from not having enough nutrients in the diet. People who are most at risk of developing a vitamin deficiency are people with malnourishment, older adults, pregnant people, teenagers, and young children. How can I tell if I have a vitamin deficiency The specific symptoms depend on which vitamin deficiency a person has. For example, a lack of vitamin D may contribute to hair loss. 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. Summary At-home vitamin deficiency tests check levels of vitamins and minerals in a blood or saliva sample. They are generally convenient, but they can be expensive. Anyone concerned about a deficiency should consult a doctor, especially if a test returns a positive result. The doctor can check for any underlying health issues, carry out further tests, and offer treatment, if needed. Last medically reviewed on May 18, 2022Uncategorized 11 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. 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.Bahrami, A., et al. (2018). Genetic and epigenetic factors influencing vitamin D status [Abstract]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29030989/CDC's second nutrition report: A comprehensive biochemical assessment of the nutrition status of the U.S. population. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/nutritionreport/pdf/4page_%202nd%20nutrition%20report_508_032912.pdfDarnton-Hill, I. (2019). Public health aspects in the prevention and control of vitamin deficiencies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6775441/Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020–2025. (2020). https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdfFind all FDA-approved home and lab tests. (2017). https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/tests-used-clinical-care/find-all-fda-approved-home-and-lab-testsGuo, E. L., et al. (2017). Diet and hair loss: Effects of nutritional deficiency and supplement use.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/Iron-deficiency anemia. (2019). https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/iron-deficiency-anemiaMaxfield, L., et al. (2020). Vitamin C deficiency. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493187/Olson, J. M., et al. (2019). Vitamin A toxicity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532916/Vitamin C: Fact sheet for health professionals. (n.d.). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/Yuen, H.-W., et al. (2020). Iron toxicity.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459224/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C — By Jenna Fletcher — Updated on July 12, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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