At home vitamin deficiency test

What Vitamins Do I Need?

To maintain optimal body function, essential vitamins such as vitamin B12, folate (B11), and vitamin D are crucial. If you suspect a deficiency in any of these vitamins, take the vitamin deficiency test now and gain valuable insights into your nutritional status.

Causes and Symptoms of Vitamin Deficiency

When your body lacks essential vitamins, certain processes may not function properly. Therefore, it is important to perform a vitamin deficiency test promptly to address any deficiencies and prevent severe symptoms.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency:

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a wide range of symptoms due to its involvement in numerous processes. The symptoms may include:

• Tingling in the hands or feet
• Numbness
• Concentration problems
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath during exertion
• Dizziness
• Hair loss
• Digestive issues

The causes of vitamin B12 deficiency can vary, and they include:

• Inadequate consumption of foods containing vitamin B12
• Inflammation of the gastric mucosa
• Certain medication use
• Alcohol consumption
• Impaired absorption of B12 due to gastric or intestinal issues
• Use of nitrous oxide
• Vitamin B11 (Folic Acid) Deficiency

Vitamin B11 Deficiency

Vitamin B11 is an essential nutrient in the body, and its deficiency can cause various symptoms that include:

• Fatigue
• Digestive disorders
• Anemia
• Decreased appetite
• Sudden weight loss
• Increased susceptibility to infections

The causes of folate deficiency can vary, and they include:

• Inadequate consumption of foods containing vitamin B11
• Intestinal or liver disease
• Certain medication use
• Alcohol consumption
• Pregnancy

Vitamin D Deficiency:

A vitamin D deficiency can lead to various symptoms and should be treated promptly. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Fragile bones
• Bleeding gums
• Muscle pain or cramps
• Panic attacks

The causes of vitamin D deficiency may be attributed to two factors:

• Inadequate sunlight exposure
• Insufficient consumption of a varied diet

What You Need to Know about Vitamins and Our At Home Vitamin Test

Vitamins are essential for maintaining a healthy body and play a crucial role in numerous processes. They contribute to the formation and preservation of healthy bones (vitamin D), the production of red blood cells (vitamin B12), the development of nerve tissue (vitamin B11), blood clotting (vitamin K), and the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and brain (vitamin B1). Therefore, it is vital not to ignore any potential vitamin deficiencies and to take a vitamin at-home test as soon as you suspect any imbalances.

While many vitamins are obtained through food and are not naturally produced by the body (with a few exceptions), maintaining a varied diet rich in essential vitamins is crucial. Below, we provide more information about key vitamins.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is involved not only in the production of substances in the nervous system but also in the formation of red blood cells and DNA. It plays an essential role in maintaining a low risk of cardiovascular diseases and is indispensable for a healthy immune system. Testing for vitamin B12 deficiency is therefore highly recommended, as deficiencies can contribute to various symptoms. In fact, prolonged unexplained symptoms may ultimately be attributed to a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Since the body cannot produce vitamin B12 on its own, it must be obtained through dietary sources such as dairy, meat, fish, and eggs. Vegetarians and vegans are at a higher risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency due to dietary restrictions. However, the body does store a natural reserve of vitamin B12 in the liver, which can sustain most individuals for several years before depletion. Individuals who have undergone gastric or intestinal surgery have a higher likelihood of developing a deficiency and should regularly check their vitamin levels.

Vitamin B11 (Folic Acid)

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B11, is mainly found in vegetables and whole grains. It plays a significant role in the body, including the production of red blood cells and nerve function. It is particularly crucial for the development of the unborn baby’s nervous system, making it essential for pregnant women to ensure adequate levels of folic acid. Taking a vitamin home test as a preventive measure is highly recommended. The Vitamin B11 test will soon be available through Easly!

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the body, particularly in promoting strong and healthy bones by aiding the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food. Sufficient vitamin D is essential to prevent bone loss and fractures as we age. Additionally, vitamin D is necessary for proper kidney and parathyroid gland function, a healthy immune system, and muscle function. It is indeed a vital vitamin! However, an estimated 60% of the Dutch population has a vitamin D deficiency. That’s why Easly offers various vitamin tests, including a vitamin D at-home test.

The primary source of vitamin D is sunlight. When the skin is exposed to UVB light, it can convert cholesterol into vitamin D. However, this form of vitamin D is inactive and needs to be processed by the liver and kidneys to become the active form available for the body. Therefore, it is crucial to know in a timely manner if you have a vitamin deficiency. Test it now with our vitamin test!

Fair skin synthesizes vitamin D more easily than dark skin, and vitamin D production through the skin decreases with age. The main reason for the widespread vitamin D deficiency in the Netherlands is insufficient sunlight exposure, particularly during the winter months.

The second source of vitamin D is food. Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish, cheese, eggs, and meat.

When is the Best Time to Take Blood Test for Vitamin Deficiency, and Why?

It is advisable to take a vitamin test when you develop symptoms that could be associated with a vitamin deficiency. It is also recommended to test your vitamin levels in a timely manner if you have anemia or if you are pregnant.

Vitamin B11 is particularly important for pregnant women.

The following groups of people are at higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Vegetarians
• Vegans
• Individuals with an inadequate intake of varied food

The following groups of people are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency:

• Older adults
• Postmenopausal women
• People with dark skin
• People who have limited sun exposure
• People with liver or kidney problems
• People taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids and bisphosphonates

How Does the At-Home Test for Vitamin Deficiency Work?

With Easly’s vitamin test for self testing, you can easily assess your vitamin levels in the comfort of your own home. Using a simple finger-prick method, you collect a small blood sample. Return the test to us, and our skilled laboratory technicians will analyze your sample for the selected vitamins. Please remember not to apply excessive pressure while pricking your finger, as it may distort the cell integrity and affect the accuracy of the results.