By Test Specimen
Vitamin Tests
Vitamin deficiency Tests
Vitamins are substances that the body requires to function properly and that it cannot normally produce in sufficient quantities. If we take too few vitamins, the body can no longer fulfil certain functions properly. Depending on the vitamin, such vitamin deficiency can cause different health problems. In the western world, deficiencies in vitamin D and vitamin B12 are particularly relevant.
Symptoms of a vitamin deficiency
We acquire most of our vitamins by consuming food. The exception is vitamin D: The sun vitamin can only be produced in our body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Today, however, we spend most of our time indoors, meaning that our skin is only barely exposed to the sun. As a result, more and more people are developing vitamin D deficiency. Typical symptoms of such a deficiency are fatigue, tiredness, headache and muscle weakness. Severe deficiency weakens bone formation and will promote diseases such as osteoporosis.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is also widespread - especially among vegetarians and vegans, since the vitamin occurs almost exclusively in animal foods. Symptoms of this vitamin deficiency include decreased physical performance and concentration. It can also promote depression and, in severe cases, even lead to anaemia and nervous disorders.
Vitamin deficiency tests from cerascreen
Do you belong to the risk groups and suspect a deficiency, or are you simply interested in how well you are supplied with vitamin D or vitamin B12? Using the cerascreen® Vitamin D Test and the cerascreen® Vitamin B12 Test, you can measure these vitamin levels in the comfort of your home. Our self-tests allow you to take a small blood sample and then dispatch it to our specialist laboratory.
You will then receive a results report within a few days, which will inform you of the respective vitamin level and give you tips on how to bring the values back on track during a deficiency.
Vitamin supplements
If you suffer from a vitamin deficiency, vitamin D and vitamin B12 in particular are very difficult to replenish through sunbathing and diet alone. In such cases dietary supplements may be useful.
Vitamin B12, for example, can be taken in the form of tablets, capsules or drops. It is the active forms of vitamin B12, for example methylcobalamin, that are best utilised by the body. You can prevent a deficiency by taking 1,000 micrograms per day (in the form of vitamin B12 here). In case of severe deficiencies, higher dose injections may be taken that will be administered monthly by your doctor.
With vitamin D, a dose of 2,000 International Units (IU) is enough to maintain your level and prevent a deficiency. If you already have a vitamin D deficiency, you can also take a higher dose for a while to replenish your stores. The body can process supplements in which cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), the active form of vitamin D, is dissolved in oil. You can purchase supplements in drop or capsule form.