Blood test for vegetarians and vegans

Why is a “vegan and vegetarian blood test” important?

Vegans and vegetarians receive a modified composition of nutrients because of their modified diet. In the process, certain nutrients will be present to a greater extent and other nutrients to a lesser extent. Therefore, it may be wise to have some key nutrients checked once in a while to make sure you are not deficient.

What is the Easly blood tests for Vegetarians & Vegans?

The Easly at home blood test for vegans and vegetarians examines blood levels with a simple finger prick. This preventive health test makes it very easy to check at home if you have any vitamin deficiencies or mineral deficiencies. The test measures vitamin B12, vitamin D and iron levels, among others, so you can make lifestyle adjustments or start supplementation if needed.

Common deficiencies in vegans and vegetarians

The following are some of the various biomarkers tested in Easly’s Vegan and Vegetarian health test.

Vitamin B12 vegetarian
Vitamin B12 is important for the production of red blood cells. Humans cannot produce this vitamin themselves; we depend on food (or supplements) for our intake of sufficient vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is mainly present in animal products, such as meat, dairy and eggs. So you can get a B12 deficiency if you don’t consume this for a long time. However, the liver contains a supply of vitamin B12 that is often depleted after many years. To get a clear picture of both the amount of vitamin B12 in the blood and the active amount in the cell, Easly measures a second substance: holotranscobalamin.

Holotranscobalamin
Holotranscobalamin is measured because some people have vitamin B12-related symptoms but still have normal or low-normal vitamin B12 levels. Holotranscobalamin provides relief in such cases and can indicate with more certainty whether there is actually a B12 deficiency that requires supplementation.

Vitamin D vegetarian
In addition, this blood value test tests vitamin D. The main source of vitamin D is sunlight but secondarily food. Animal foods in particular contain vitamin D. Reduced intake of vitamin D from food will almost never be solely responsible for a deficiency, but it can contribute to it.

Iron deficiency vegetarian
Of course, Easly’s Vegan and Vegetarian Blood Test also tests for iron. Iron is present in both animal and plant foods, but iron from animal foods is absorbed into the body better than iron from plant foods. Iron, like vitamin B12, is necessary for the production of red blood cells and specifically for the hemoglobin protein in the red blood cell. This protein transports oxygen through the body and is therefore vital. If you have been following a vegan or vegetarian diet for some time, your iron stores may be too low. To get a good idea of the actual amount of iron, not only the iron is measured. In fact, iron can fluctuate throughout the day and does not always give an accurate indication of actual body supply. For this reason, a complete iron spectrum is measured, including the substances ferritin, transferrin and transferrin saturation.

Hemoglobin
In addition to vitamin B12 and iron, also measured the product of this vitamin as a vegetarian: the hemoglobin value. A deficiency of hemoglobin is called anemia or anemia. So a lack of hemoglobin may be diet-related, but it need not be. There are also other causes of anemia. Consider, for example, heavy menstruation during the fertile phase of women’s lives.

Iodine
Finally, thyroid function is tested in blood tests vegans and vegetarians, as vegans are at greater risk for iodine deficiency. The thyroid gland needs iodine to function properly. Iodine is mainly present in fish, meats, eggs and dairy products. Bread baked with iodine-added salt is also an important source of iodine. Organic bread often contains no iodine. Therefore, it is important for vegans to monitor their iodine intake.

Health benefits of vegetarian blood test
This preventive health test looks for deficiencies in vitamins and other nutrients. Because those vitamins are necessary to stay healthy and fit. Complaints caused by a vegetarian vitamin deficiency can often be resolved by supplementing with the appropriate dietary supplement. Vegetarians and vegans can thus benefit from this vegan diet deficiencies test.