Complete Vitamin Profile – Vitamin Deficiency Blood Test at Home
About the Complete Vitamins Deficiency Test
What is Health and Nutrition -
While nutrition is the intake of foods that are considered vital to healthy functioning, health can be described as overall performance of various systems in the body. Since vitamins play a key role in the body, a deficiency in one or more vitamins can cause long-term issues that would need to be treated.
Poor nutrition can make us deficient in vitamin and mineral compounds, making it even more so important to get a complete vitamin panel test done. Your body needs all 13 vitamins through diet and lifestyle, which is why focusing on healthy habits is the key to improving nutritional balance.
A lack of a good and healthy diet may lead to the following conditions -
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Vitamins Deficiency
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Vitamins are essential nutrients that our body needs to function effectively. They are vital for fighting off disease, and preventing bone deterioration. They are also vital to heart and respiratory functioning, requiring more attention through supplementation.
- The 13 essential vitamins our body needs are vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9) and cobalamin (B12).
- The four fat-soluble vitamins i.e A, D, E, and K are stored in the body’s fatty tissues. The other nine vitamins are water-soluble and therefore must be replenished regularly because they are removed from the body in your urine.
- Vitamin B12 is the only water-soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver.
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The best way to get enough of the 13 essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet from a variety of fruits and vegetables.
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Proteins Deficiency
- Proteins are the building blocks of life, made up of amino acids.
- There are 20 different amino acids, 9 of which are called essential and 11 of which are labeled as non-essential.
- The human body needs all 20 of these amino acids, in varying degrees, to be healthy and fully functional.
- A protein deficiency (hypoproteinemia) means someone is not getting enough protein to meet their body’s needs. We get the protein we need from the food we eat. If our diet doesn’t contain enough protein, we may suffer from protein deficiency.
- The Role of B Vitamins and Minerals in Energy Metabolism specifically assists in amino acid synthesis and glucose, fat, and protein metabolism,
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Lipids Deficiency
- Lipids are fat-like substances that are important parts of the membranes found within and between cells and in the myelin sheath that coats and protects the nerves.
- Lipids include oils, fatty acids, waxes, steroids (such as cholesterol and estrogen), and other related compounds.
- Fats or fatty acids (FA) are important nutrients in our diet providing energy and adding palatability to foods. However, foods with high content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) are known to cause a myriad of health problems. Foods high in unsaturated FAs, especially essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been found to contribute to good health.
- Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are very important nutritional requirements for keeping good health.Their deficiency increases the risk of getting affected by cancer, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, behavioral problems, depression, cognitive decline, and chronic inflammation.
- Moreover, their presence in the diet is essential for the proper absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E and K.
Common Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency
A lack of good nutrition and healthy diets may lead to the following signs and symptoms -
- Dullness, or pale skin, hair loss
- fatigue, weakness, feeling faint or fainting
- trouble breathing
- unusual food cravings
- periods of lightheadedness
- constipation
- sleepiness
- heart palpitations
- depression
- tingling and numbness of the joints
- menstrual issues, such as missed periods or very heavy cycles
- poor concentration
Nutrient Deficiency & Immune Function
A deficiency of nutrients can alter the body’s immune response. Various studies have found that deficiencies in zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E can alter immune responses. These nutrients help the immune system in several ways: working as an antioxidant to protect healthy cells, supporting growth and activity of immune cells, and producing antibodies. Epidemiological studies find that those who are poorly nourished are at greater risk of bacterial, viral, and other infections.
What is vitamin D deficiency?
A Vitamin D deficiency is the tested levels of the vitamin that are lower than normal range. Levels that are lower than 20 and 40 ng/mL may be termed as a deficiency for the vitamin. If you are experiencing symptoms of deficiency then it is best to get tested immediately.
Your body needs enough vitamin D to prevent diseases, improve mood regulation, and strengthen bones long-term. You can get enough Vitamin D through sunlight, foods fortified with vitamin D, dairy, and meat. Supplementation is also a good strategy for those with lower D levels.
In chronic cases, the deficiency of Vitamin D is also associated with rickets, which can weaken bone development for children. Individuals can also get chronic bone pain, weak bones, and bone deformities if they aren't getting enough vitamin D.
What is caused by deficiency of vitamin D?
There are several health problems and chronic issues that can develop as a result of Vitamin D deficiency, such as bone health issues, immunity issues, improper healing, fractures, and osteoporosis. A deficiency for Vitamin D can be treated through the right supplementation and dietary changes.
Is fasting required for a vitamin B12 test?
Yes, fasting for 10-12 hour prior to the Vitamin B12 test is advised for accurate results.
What is a vitamin B12 test?
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin required for brain and nerve functioning, while playing a key role in hair quality and red blood cells development. The vitamin B12 test measures the levels of the vitamin in the body and determines risk of vitamin deficiency.
Since a deficiency can be caused by several factors, it is best to get a complete vitamin profile done to determine causes of vitamin deficiencies. Also since a test of Vitamin A is equally as important as a test for Vitamin B12 or D3, the right approach is to get a complete vitamin profile done.
What is the vitamin D3 test done for?
The Vitamin D3 blood test is done to check for bone disorders. It is also used to monitor asthma, psoriasis and some autoimmune disorders.
What is the difference between vitamin D and D3 test?
There are 2 forms of Vitamin D in our body - Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Both vitamins are collectively referred to as Vitamin D.
How can I improve my vitamin D levels?
Vitamin D levels can be improved with the right diet, supplementation, and lifestyle modifications. Since Vitamin D plays a role in energy, strength, and vitality it is important to get the vitamin from dairy, meat, leafy vegetables, and fortified foods.
Exercising in sunshine will also help improve your vitamin D levels that can enhance your body's ability to absorb calcium effectively. You can also opt for a supplementation plan as prescribed by your doctor depending on the levels of vitamin D in the body.
Why is the vitamin profile test done?
A vitamin profile test is done to monitor the levels of vitamins and minerals along with other nutrients in the blood. This helps in determining deficiencies in the body which may lead to various health disorders. Lab testing is conducted across multiple parameters that are related to vitamin levels, through different tests. The combined report is shared with individuals after testing for deficiencies across vitamins.
What vitamin deficiencies cause tingling in the hands and feet?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is likely to cause tingling in hands and feet.
Can vitamin deficiency cause weight loss?
A specific deficiency of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) can lead to loss of appetite but information on weight loss is not conclusive.Is vitamin deficiency common?
A vitamin deficiency may not be common based on your genetic, ecological, and nutritional background. If you are regularly consuming foods rich in vitamins and are exposed to ample sunlight, then you may not be at a higher risk of deficiencies.
If you have a supplementation protocol as well, to target the most common deficiencies, then you may also not be susceptible to further deficiency. Indian adults can face common deficiencies in Vitamin D, vitamin B12, and Vitamin B9 (folate). Studies suggest that 7 out of every 10 Indians are vitamin deficient.
How to get vitamin deficiency tests?
The best way to get a vitamin deficiency test done is to order a complete vitamin profile kit online. You can order through MyDiagnostics at the discounted price of INR 2600 and get all instructions to collect samples within the kit.
You can also chat with us on WhatsApp to speak to us about any doubts. You will also get results directly via email within 48 hours, with complete analysis and details. The vitamin deficiency test kit is available across the country for individuals of all ages that want to measure their levels.
- A comprehensive vitamin panel is tested to detect a deficiency or overabundance of vitamins required by your body to eliminate health risks, build immunity, and maintain bone health.
- Range of vitamins like (A, B, D, E, and K) all play important nutrients and testing their levels is highly recommended to get rid of symptoms related to deficiencies from everyday life.
- Those experiencing symptoms of vitamin deficiency like hair loss, bleeding gums, brittle hair and nails, red or white bumps on the skin, slow wound healing, irregular heartbeat, poor night vision, and fatigue.
- Maintaining Essential vitamin levels during pregnancy can reduce the risk of birth defects.
- Knowing your numbers can help you manage a deficiency with the help of diet or supplements as recommended by your doctor.
- Fasting before vitamin testing is required.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages before the test.