Test procedure to determine vitamin deficiency | Vitamin deficiency

Test procedure to determine vitamin deficiency

There are various test procedures to detect a vitamin deficiency. However, the diagnostic tools are often controversial and inaccurate. The best result is obtained by the targeted determination of specific laboratory parameters in the blood.

If there is a medical indication for the test, the health insurance company will cover the costs. Otherwise, these costs must be borne by the patient. The costs, for example of the vitamin D value, amount to about 30 euros.

An indirect marker for vitamin B12 deficiency is the homocysteine level in the blood. The amount of the vitamin can also be measured directly in the blood plasma. A possible folic acid deficiency is determined by the folic acid contained in the red blood cells. Vitamin C and D as well as vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopherol can also be measured in the blood plasma.