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Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that support many crucial body functions. At-home tests can check for deficiencies, but a person should not make health decisions based on their results without input from a doctor.
A quick look at 6 of the best at-home vitamin deficiency tests
- Best overall: LetsGetChecked Micronutrient Test
- Best combination vitamin D test: Everlywell Vitamin D and Inflammation Test
- Best for bone health: myLAB Box At-Home Vitamin D Test
- Best for essential vitamins test: LetsGetChecked Essential Vitamin Test
- Best for pregnant people: EmpowerDX Vitamin B12 and Folate Test
- Best lab-visit test: Labcorp Vitamin Deficiency Blood Test
Although the
When a person develops a nutritional deficiency, the body may produce symptoms, some of which can go unnoticed. Though an at-home test should not substitute for a doctor’s or registered dietitian’s advice, it may indicate missing nutrients in a person’s diet.
The
Learn more about vitamins and how they work.
High risk groups
A
- undernourished people
- older adults
- pregnant people
- adolescents
- young children
The researchers write that addressing these deficiencies should include improved, more diverse diets, and supplementation.
Medical News Today’s methodology
MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria when possible:
- Laboratories: When possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in
CLIA-certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations. - Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that are suitable for a wide range of budgets.
- Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
- Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
- Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
Below, we list some of the top vitamin deficiency tests available online.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
A Medical News Today Editor, Lois Zoppi, provided the quotes in this article. They received a free Essential Vitamins test from LetsGetChecked to review.
Best overall: LetsGetChecked Micronutrient Test
- Price: around $179
- Vitamins and minerals tested: 7
- Collection method: finger-prick blood sample
- Turnaround time: 2–5 days
- Who it’s best for: individuals wanting to test for several deficiencies at once
The LetsGetChecked micronutrient test is a finger-prick test that a person can carry out at home.
The test can check for deficiencies in several vitamins and minerals, including:
When a person gets their test kit, they must register it online, follow instructions to collect a sample, and return it for testing.
Once the lab receives the test, LetsGetChecked states a person can expect to receive their results within a few days.
LetsGetChecked states it uses CLIA-certified labs to test samples. The company offers follow-up support if necessary.
LetsGetChecked has a customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Positive reviews mention good customer service, timely delivery, and ease of use. Negative reviews frequently mention difficulty obtaining results and tests being close to expiration dates.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked here.
Use code “MEDICALNEWS30” for 30% off.
Pros
- fast turnaround time
- high customer rating on Trustpilot
- tests for a wide range of vitamins and minerals
- the kits are easy to use
Cons
- some people may not like doing a finger-prick test
- the test is expensive
- some customers report they received kits close to their expiration dates
- others found it hard to get their results
Best combination vitamin D test: Everlywell Vitamin D and Inflammation Test
- Price: around $99
- Vitamins and minerals tested: 1
- Collection method: finger-prick blood sample
- Turnaround time: 5–7 days
- Who it’s best for: individuals who wish to test for vitamin D deficiency
Everlywell offers a test that looks at a person’s vitamin D levels and the measure of c-reactive protein (CRP), called hs-CRP. The liver makes CRP when there is inflammation in the body.
This finger-prick test allows a person to easily collect their sample and send it to a lab for testing. Independent, board certified doctors will review the results and explain them in easy-to-understand terms.
The company then sends the results to a person’s online account, which they access via a secure login.
The test costs around $99, but if a person becomes an Everlywell member, the price lowers to around $25.
The company accepts FSA and HSA payments.
Everlywell states it uses CLIA-certified labs. It offers follow-up advice for some of its tests but not all. Everlywell encourages individuals to discuss their results with a healthcare professional.
Everlywell has a customer rating of 2.0 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Positive reviews mention good products and timely delivery. Negative reviews frequently mention difficulties in obtaining results and doing the test.
Pros
- more affordable than other brands
- the company accepts FSA and HSA payments
- there is a significant discount for Everlywell members
- doctors explain a person’s results
- the test can signal inflammation in the body
Cons
- a longer wait for results than with other companies
- mixed online reviews on Trustpilot
- unsuitable for people testing for multiple deficiencies
- some customers found the kit difficult to use
Best for bone health: myLAB Box At-Home Vitamin D Test
- Price: around $89
- Vitamins and minerals tested: 1
- Collection method: finger-prick blood sample
- Turnaround time: 1–5 days
- Who it’s best for: individuals who wish to test for vitamin D deficiency
This test from myLAB Box solely measures a person’s vitamin D levels. The company recommends it for people wanting to gain insight into their bone health. Vitamin D is
A person does not need to prepare to take this test. It is a finger-prick test that the company states takes 5 minutes to complete.
A person’s results will be available on a secure, online portal within 1–5 days of the lab receiving the sample.
MyLAB Box states it uses CLIA- and CAP-certified labs. It also claims its tests are CDC listed.
A person can pay with FSA or HSA.
MyLAB Box has a customer rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Positive reviews mention that tests arrived quickly and results were prompt and easy to understand. Negative reviews claim shipping took weeks and the company did not return results in the advertised time period.
Pros
- potentially fast results turnaround
- the company accepts FSA and HSA payments
- the company uses CAP- and CLIA-certified labs
- test is CDC listed
Cons
- mixed reviews on Trustpilot
- some customers claim the company does not stick to its advertised turnaround times
Best for essential vitamin tests: LetsGetChecked Essential Vitamin Test
- Price: around $109
- Vitamins and minerals tested: 3
- Collection method: finger-prick blood sample
- Turnaround time: 2–5 days
- Who it’s best for: individuals wanting to test for several deficiencies at once with a quick turnaround time
LetsGetChecked also offers a less extensive test for vitamin deficiencies with its Essential Vitamin Test. The test checks the blood for deficiencies in three vitamins, including:
- vitamin D
- vitamin B12
- vitamin E
Once a person receives the test, they must register it on the LetsGetChecked website and follow the instructions.
The home test involves a finger-prick blood sample collection that an individual will send to a lab the same day.
Once received, the company’s team of doctors will review the test, and the lab will send the results to the person within 2–5 days.
According to the company, it tests samples in a CLIA-certified lab. Its clinical team can also offer follow-up support if needed.
LetsGetChecked has a customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Positive reviews mention good customer service, timely delivery, and ease of use. Negative reviews frequently mention difficulty obtaining results and tests being close to expiration dates.
“I would recommend this product to MNT readers. It’s an easily accessible way to access tests that allow you to gain insight into your health. The ordering and testing process is very easy and relatively pain-free, and results come quickly.” — Lois Zoppi, MNT Editor
Use code “MEDICALNEWS30” for 30% off
Pros
- easy to use
- doctors can return results very fast
- it tests for a range of deficiencies
- there is follow-up support available
- positive reputation on Trustpilot
Cons
- the finger-prick test will not suit everyone
- the test is expensive
- some customers found it difficult to get their results
- the testing range is smaller than other brands
Best for pregnant people: EmpowerDX Vitamin B12 and Folate Test
- Price: around $89
- Vitamins and minerals tested: 2
- Collection method: blood sample
- Turnaround time: 48 hours
- Who it’s best for: pregnant people
This test checks for folate and vitamin B12. Pregnant and breastfeeding people may have a higher risk of folate or B12 deficiency. This is because there is a higher demand for these nutrients to support a developing fetus.
A person must fast for 8 hours and avoid biotin supplements for 3 days before they take the test. They must also place ice packs the company provides in the freezer for 5 hours before they take a sample. These ice packs keep the sample fresh for testing.
The company claims it sends customers’ samples to CLIA-certified labs.
People can get their results back within 48 hours of the lab receiving their samples. EmpowerDX sends a person’s results to a secure, online portal.
Pros
- results turnaround is very fast
- accepts HSA and FSA payments
- it is a more affordable option
- results come with a physician-approved guide
Cons
- a person must fast and avoid biotin supplements before taking the test
- people can only use FedEx to send their samples to the lab
- buyers must freeze ice packs for 5 hours before taking their sample
Best lab-visit test: Labcorp Vitamin Deficiency Blood Test
- Price: around $159
- Vitamins and minerals tested: 3
- Collection method: blood sample
- Turnaround time: up to 2 weeks
- Who it’s best for: individuals who are not in a rush for results
If a person would prefer to have their test in person, they can visit a Labcorp testing center. There, a healthcare professional will collect the required blood sample.
This may be suitable for people who do not want to take a blood sample themselves.
This test checks for three vitamins, including:
- vitamin B12
- folate
- vitamin D
Before this blood test, a person must fast for 12 hours. They can drink water during this time.
Results can take up to 2 weeks to come back. A person can access their results via an online portal. Labcorp will phone or email if results require immediate attention to discuss this with the customer.
Labcorp states that every one of its laboratories has a CLIA certificate.
Positive reviews on Labcorp’s Trustpilot page mention good patient care and efficient service at the testing sites. However, many negative reviews mention problems with customer service.
Pros
- suitable for people who do not want to take a sample themselves
- positive reviews state service is efficient at testing sites
- it checks for three vitamins
- customers report good customer care at testing sites
Cons
- visiting a lab may not be convenient for everyone
- the test is expensive
- the testing range is smaller than other company’s tests
- a person must fast for 12 hours to take this test
The table below compares each of the vitamin deficiency tests in this article for collection method, price, result turnaround time, and more.
| Number of vitamins and minerals | Collection method | Results delivery method | Time to receive results after submission | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LetsGetChecked Micronutrient Test | 7 | finger-prick | online portal | 2–5 days | around $179 |
| Everlywell | 1 | finger-prick | online portal | 2–5 days | around $99 |
| myLAB Box | 1 | finger-prick | online portal | 1–5 days | around $89 |
| LetsGetChecked Essential Vitamin Test | 3 | finger-prick | online portal | 2–5 days | around $110 |
| EmpowerDX | 2 | finger-prick | online portal | 48 hours | around $89 |
| Labcorp | 3 | blood sample | online portal | up to 2 weeks | around $159 |
A person interested in seeing if they may have a vitamin deficiency can purchase a home-testing kit to check for possible deficiencies. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons of these services.
Pros
- The test kits are convenient.
- The results are confidential.
- The test kits are easy to use.
- Tests often come in discrete packaging.
- The tests include complete instructions for providing a sample.
- A person can get their results quickly with certain companies.
Cons
- People may still have to contact a doctor if the results show a deficiency.
- People may have to contact a doctor if they have symptoms but a negative test result.
- At-home tests can be expensive, and it may be more cost-effective to go directly through a lab.
- It can take up to 2 weeks to get results.
People may wish to consider these factors before buying a test online:
- The nutrients tested: Many companies offer comprehensive panels, which test for several vitamins and minerals. However, some tests only check the levels of certain vitamins. A person should pick the test that best suits their needs.
- The collection method: Anyone uncomfortable drawing a finger-prick blood sample may prefer a test that relies on a saliva sample instead. However, many vitamin and mineral tests require a blood test.
- Fasting: Some tests require a person to fast before taking a sample. A person should check the fasting period before taking the test. They may also require people to stop taking certain supplements for a few days before collecting a sample.
- The timing of results: Some tests have shorter turnaround times, but these may be more expensive.
- Price: Different at-home vitamin deficiency tests fit different budgets. Those that test for a wider range of vitamins may cost more.
According to the
Typically, an at-home vitamin test will include instructions on how to take the test, the sample collection kit, and shipping labels and packaging.
A finger-prick blood sample kit will include several lancets, a collection tube, alcohol wipes, bandages, and instructions.
If a test shows that a person has a vitamin deficiency, it is important that they contact a doctor. A person may also wish to inform a doctor if their test does not show a particular deficiency.
If a person receives treatment from a doctor, they may wish to conduct the test again after their treatment ends to see how their vitamin levels change.
It is advisable for a person to avoid making health decisions based on the results of an at-home test without first consulting a doctor.
The FDA states that at-home tests can be an effective way to detect health conditions and monitor existing ones. However, it warns people should not replace doctor’s appointments with at-home tests.
The most reputable companies selling at-home tests send customers’ samples to CLIA-certified labs. These are the labs that hospitals and doctor’s offices use, which may suggest the sample analysis will be as accurate as it is for tests people will get from a doctor.
However, there is a risk of people making mistakes or contaminating their samples when they collect them at home. Those uncomfortable collecting their own sample may wish to visit an in-person testing center.
Regardless of the results of an at-home vitamin deficiency test, a person may want to consider consulting a doctor. If their results are positive for a deficiency, a doctor will likely double-check them, run other appropriate tests when needed, and help diagnose any underlying cause before setting out a treatment plan.
If an individual’s results are negative, but they are still experiencing symptoms of a vitamin or mineral deficiency, a doctor may carry out further tests to diagnose any underlying conditions.
A person should not treat a vitamin or mineral deficiency without discussing it with a doctor.
Below, we answer some of the top frequently asked questions about vitamin deficiency tests.
Are at-home vitamin deficiency tests accurate?
The accuracy of a vitamin deficiency test depends on the company, the sample collection, and various procedures. If the company designs its devices in line with medical guidelines and people take their samples correctly, the test results may be accurate.
The
To help ensure accuracy, carefully follow the instructions about taking, storing, and sending off samples.
Who should use an at-home vitamin deficiency test?
Anyone who thinks they may have an imbalance in vitamin or mineral levels should speak with a healthcare professional.
An at-home vitamin deficiency test is a useful alternative if a person cannot easily access healthcare services due to location, health, or insurance coverage, but they should not replace regular doctor appointments.
What should I do if I have a deficiency or excess of a vitamin or mineral?
A person should speak with a healthcare professional to understand the reason for any vitamin or mineral excess or deficiency before deciding on a treatment.
Genetics, prescription medications, and other factors
Some at-home testing companies provide supplements on a subscription basis to help treat a vitamin deficiency.
What causes a vitamin deficiency?
In most cases, a vitamin deficiency stems from not having enough nutrients in the diet.
People who are
How can I tell if I have a vitamin deficiency?
The specific symptoms of a vitamin deficiency will
For example, a vitamin C deficiency can
A person should speak with a doctor about their symptoms before getting a vitamin deficiency test.
How can I get my vitamin levels checked?
There are two main ways a person can get their vitamin levels checked. A person can contact a doctor, who will order the test and help the person provide a sample. Or, they can order an at-home test and complete the test themselves.
It is important for a person to always discuss their reasons for testing and their test results with a doctor before making any health decisions.
Does CBC test for vitamin deficiencies?
A complete blood count (CBC) test can pick up vitamin deficiencies. A person can get this test from a doctor.
At-home vitamin deficiency tests check levels of vitamins and minerals in a blood or saliva sample. They are generally convenient, but they can be expensive.
Anyone concerned about a deficiency may want to consider consulting a doctor, especially if a test returns a positive result. The doctor can check for any underlying health conditions, perform further tests, and offer treatment if needed.