We tested the best vitamin deficiency tests from LetsGetChecked, Everlywell, and LabCorp, and our testers found them easy to use and informative. Learn more about the best vitamin deficiency tests here.
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
The table below compares each test for vitamin deficiency in this article in terms of collection method, price, result turnaround time, and more.
| Service and test | Number of vitamins and minerals | Collection method | Results delivery method | Time to receive results after submission | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGC Micronutrient Test | 7 | finger prick | online portal | 2 to 5 days | $179 |
| LGC Essential Vitamin Test | 3 | finger prick | online portal | 2 to 5 days | $109 |
| Labcorp Vitamin Deficiency Test | 3 | blood sample | online portal | 1 day | $169 |
| Everlywell At-Home Vitamin D Test | 1 | finger prick | online portal | 2 to 5 days | $99 |
We looked at 20 vitamin tests to find the best 4 options
We selected these vitamin deficiency tests based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
Read more about how we vet products and brands.
People may wish to consider these factors before buying a test online:
- The tested nutrients: Many companies offer comprehensive panels testing several vitamins and minerals. However, some tests only check the levels of certain vitamins. A person needs to 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. However, many vitamin and mineral tests require a blood test.
- Fasting: Some tests require a person to fast before taking a sample. Individuals need to check the fasting period before taking the test. These tests may also require people to stop taking certain supplements for a few days before collecting a sample.
- 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. Those that test for a wider range of vitamins may cost more.
The specific vitamin deficiency symptoms a person experiences will depend on which vitamin deficiency a person has.
For example, a vitamin C deficiency may
An iron deficiency can
- muscle twitches
- fatigue
- osteoporosis
Vitamin tests screen the levels of vitamins and nutrients in the blood. In-person tests will likely require a healthcare professional to draw the blood using a needle. In contrast, at-home tests will provide a lancet for people to collect their own samples.
A person can speak with a doctor about their symptoms before getting a vitamin deficiency test.
The
The most reputable companies selling at-home tests send customers’ samples to CLIA certified labs. These are the labs that hospitals and doctor’s offices use, which may suggest the sample analysis will be as accurate as it is for tests that doctors administer.
However, people risk making mistakes or contaminating their samples when they collect them at home. Those uncomfortable collecting their sample may wish to visit an in-person testing center.
When a person develops a nutritional deficiency, the body may produce symptoms, some of which can be unnoticeable. Though an at-home test should not substitute for a doctor’s or registered dietitian’s advice, it may indicate missing nutrients in a person’s diet.
Although the
The
- vitamin B6
- iron
- vitamin D
- vitamin B12
- vitamin E
- folate
- vitamin A
- vitamin C
Learn more about vitamins and how they work.
A
- undernourished people
- older adults
- pregnant people
- adolescents
- young children
The researchers write that addressing these deficiencies should include improved, more diverse diets and supplementation.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of a vitamin deficiency needs to consult a doctor about getting tested and discuss their results with them if they go ahead with a test.
For any further questions, all reputable at-home tests will have instructions and a customer care line.
Most vitamin deficiency tests require a blood sample. The company should send all necessary equipment, including a lancet, in the original package.
People will likely need to complete a form detailing personal information. Then, they can use the lancet to collect a sample of blood.
The company should provide a return envelope with pre-paid shipping. After a person takes their sample, they can send the envelope off.
People will receive their results soon after, typically within 1 week of the lab receiving the samples. Depending on the company a person uses, they may need to log in or use an app to view their results.
Some companies may offer follow-up advice. Others may suggest contacting a healthcare professional for help interpreting the results.
If a test shows that a person has a vitamin deficiency, they must contact a doctor. Individuals may also wish to inform a doctor if their test does not show a particular deficiency.
If a person receives treatment from a doctor, they may wish to conduct the test again after their treatment ends to see how their vitamin levels change.
A person needs to consult a doctor before making health decisions from the results of an at-home test.
People can test for vitamin deficiencies with blood tests. These tests may involve a lab technician taking blood from a vein in the arm or people taking finger-prick tests at home. Medical laboratory scientists will analyze a person’s blood sample and measure the levels of vitamins and minerals in the sample.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for health, and people typically get the vitamins they need through their diet. The 13 essential vitamins are vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, plus thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12, and folate.
Vitamin deficiencies can cause a range of different symptoms, and the symptoms will depend on the vitamin a person is deficient in.
A full vitamin panel is called a comprehensive vitamin and nutrition deficiency panel.
Yes, people can get vitamin deficiency tests from a doctor or from an at-home testing company such as LetsGetChecked or Everlywell.
A doctor or healthcare professional will analyze test results to diagnose a vitamin or mineral deficiency.
They will then be able to advise whether or not a person should change or supplement their diet with the required vitamins.
At-home vitamin deficiency tests check levels of vitamins and minerals in a blood sample. They are generally convenient but can be expensive.
Anyone with concerns about a deficiency can consider consulting a doctor, especially if a test returns a positive result. The doctor can check for underlying health conditions, perform further tests, and offer any necessary treatment.
