What is the purpose of this test?
The LetsGetChecked - Essential Vitamin Blood Spot Test Kit is a valuable tool for individuals who want to monitor their vitamin levels and maintain good health. The kit measures levels of essential vitamins, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin E, in the blood.
Using the LetsGetChecked kit, users can collect a small blood sample from the comfort of their own home using a finger prick method. The sample is then sent to the lab for analysis, and the user will receive their results online within a few days.
The results of the test provide users with valuable insights into their vitamin levels, allowing them to make informed decisions about their health. If the results indicate a deficiency in any essential vitamin, the LetsGetChecked medical team will offer recommendations to help the user improve their vitamin levels and maintain good health. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, regulating insulin levels, and supporting the immune system, while vitamin B12 is necessary for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and neurological function. Folate is required for proper brain function, cell growth, and DNA production.
The LetsGetChecked - Essential Vitamin Blood Spot Test Kit measures the following:
Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is responsible for maintaining a healthy nervous system, producing genetic material, and generating red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body. Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products.
Vitamin D - Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and immune system. Up to 90% of vitamin D is formed from skin exposure to sunlight and the rest comes from diet. Vitamin D can be found in oily fish, eggs, and fortified milk, spreads, and breakfast cereals.
Vitamin E - Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and acts as an antioxidant to help protect cells from damage. It helps with maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and boosting our immune system. Vitamin E is commonly found in cereals, sunflower oil, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, spinach, and broccoli.
Benefits of the LetsGetChecked - Essential Vitamin Blood Spot Test Kit:
- Nutritional Status Assessment: The test can provide information about your nutritional status by measuring levels of essential vitamins in the blood. This information is crucial for understanding whether you are getting an adequate amount of vitamins through your diet.
- Identification of Deficiencies: The test can help identify deficiencies in essential vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and others. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to various health issues, and early detection allows for timely intervention and supplementation.
- Bone Health Monitoring: Vitamin D is essential for bone health as it plays a key role in calcium absorption. Monitoring vitamin D levels can be particularly important for maintaining healthy bones.
- Energy Metabolism: Vitamins such as B vitamins (including B12) are essential for energy metabolism. Assessing these vitamin levels can provide insights into your body's ability to convert food into energy.
- Immune System Function: Certain vitamins, like vitamin C and vitamin D, play a role in supporting immune system function. Testing can help evaluate whether your immune system has adequate support from essential vitamins.
- Skin Health: Vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin E are important for skin health. Monitoring these levels can contribute to a better understanding of your skin's nutritional needs.
- Individualized Nutritional Guidance: Based on the test results, you may receive personalized recommendations for dietary adjustments or supplementation to address any identified deficiencies or imbalances.
- Preventive Health Measures: Identifying and addressing vitamin deficiencies early on can contribute to preventive health measures. Adequate vitamin levels are associated with a reduced risk of various health conditions.
When should I order an Essential Vitamin Blood Spot Test Kit?
Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to an essential vitamin deficiency. Common signs or symptoms of an essential vitamin deficiency include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Pale skin
- Brittle nails and hair
- Dry skin
- Mouth ulcers or cracks at the corners of the mouth
- Poor night vision
- Slow wound healing
- Muscle weakness or muscle wasting
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
