Micronutrient Testing

Micronutrient testing evaluates essential vitamins and minerals that power energy, immunity, brain function, bone strength, and healthy blood. Gaps can be silent at first, then show up as fatigue, hair/skin changes, muscle cramps, neuropathy, anemia, or bone pain. Testing gives you an objective baseline, helps pinpoint likely causes, and lets you track progress after diet or clinical changes.

A proactive plan typically starts with B12 with methylmalonic acid (MMA)folate25-OH vitamin D, and an iron panel with ferritin—plus CBC/CMP to provide context. Add zincmagnesium (± RBC magnesium), copper with ceruloplasminselenium, and iodine (usually urine) based on symptoms and history (vegan diets, bariatric/GI surgery, celiac/IBD, heavy menstrual loss, pregnancy planning, aging, alcohol use, or medications like metformin and acid-reducers). Labs support screeningdiagnostic work-up, and monitoring, but they do not replace a clinician’s evaluation or individualized nutrition advice.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Energy & brain: fatigue, brain fog, headaches, low mood, restless legs, numbness/tingling (B12, iron, B1/B6)

  • Hair/skin/nails: hair thinning, brittle nails, dry skin, mouth sores or cracks (iron, zinc, biotin, B-vitamins)

  • Muscle & bone: cramps, weakness, bone pain or fractures (vitamin D, calcium, magnesium)

  • Blood & oxygen: pallor, shortness of breath with exertion, fast heartbeat (iron- or B12/folate-related anemia)

  • Immune & thyroid: frequent infections (zinc), goiter or thyroid symptoms (iodine, selenium)

  • Higher-risk contexts: vegan/vegetarian diets, bariatric or GI surgery, celiac or IBD, heavy menstrual loss, pregnancy planning, older adults, alcohol use disorder, long-term metformin or acid-suppression therapy

  • Seek urgent care now: chest pain, severe shortness of breath, black or bloody stools, high fever, confusion, or rapidly worsening neurologic symptoms

All symptoms and risks should be reviewed by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Detect deficiencies early before complications (neuropathy, anemia, bone loss)

  • Differentiate causes of similar symptoms (iron vs. B12/folate anemia; magnesium vs. calcium issues)

  • Monitor trends after diet changes, supplementation prescribed by your clinician, or recovery from illness/surgery

What testing cannot do

  • Replace a full medical/nutrition assessment or provide dosing instructions

  • Diagnose every cause of symptoms—some cases need stool studies, breath tests, imaging, or specialist evaluation

  • Guarantee energy or performance gains without attention to lifestyle and clinical follow-up

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • Vitamin B12 with MMA ± Homocysteine: confirms functional B12 status even when serum B12 looks “normal.” Caveat: MMA can rise with kidney disease.

  • Folate (serum ± RBC folate): DNA synthesis and red-cell production. Caveat: alcohol and some medicines affect levels.

  • Iron Panel with Ferritin (Iron, TIBC, Transferrin Saturation): screens iron deficiency and iron distribution. Caveat: ferritin rises with inflammation—pair with history/CRP.

  • 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D: best screen for vitamin D status; supports bone and muscle health. Caveat: 1,25-OH2 D is not a deficiency screen.

  • Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium (± RBC Mg): mineral balance and nerve/muscle function. Caveat: serum magnesium may not reflect tissue stores.

  • Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): integrates the calcium–vitamin D–bone axis; can rise in vitamin D deficiency or low calcium intake.

  • Zinc (plasma/serum): immune function, taste/smell, skin healing. Caveat: low albumin/inflammation can lower measured zinc.

  • Copper & Ceruloplasmin: neurologic and hematologic health; keeps balance with zinc. Caveat: excess zinc can depress copper.

  • Selenium: antioxidant and thyroid enzyme support.

  • Iodine (usually urine): reflects recent intake; useful when thyroid symptoms and low iodine intake coexist.

  • B-vitamins (selected): B1 (thiamine)B6 (pyridoxine/PLP)B2 (riboflavin)vitamin C—ordered when history suggests deficiency or excess (high B6 can cause neuropathy).

  • Fat-soluble vitamins A & E (select cases): vision, immunity, and antioxidant status.

Quick Build Guide

Goal / Scenario Start with Add if needed
Wellness baseline CBC • CMP • 25-OH Vitamin D • B12 MMA • Iron panel Ferritin Zinc • Magnesium • Folate
Fatigue/brain fog CBC • B12 MMA • Ferritin/Iron • TSH Vitamin D • Folate • B1 • B6
Hair loss/skin/nails Ferritin/Iron • Zinc Vitamin D • B12 • Copper
Bone or muscle pain/cramps 25-OH Vitamin D • Calcium • Magnesium • Phosphorus PTH • CK
Neuropathy/tingling B12 MMA • B1 • B6 • A1c Copper • Vitamin D • Folate
Vegetarian/vegan B12 MMA • Ferritin/Iron • 25-OH Vitamin D Zinc • Selenium • Iodine (urine)
Post-bariatric or GI surgery B12 MMA • Ferritin/Iron • Folate • 25-OH Vitamin D • Calcium • PTH Zinc • Copper • Thiamine • Selenium • Magnesium
Thyroid/goiter context TSH • 25-OH Vitamin D • Selenium Iodine (urine) • Zinc

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Select your starting set: use the Quick Build Guide to match tests to your goals and history.

  2. Prepare for accuracy: fasting is rarely required unless your order includes fasting lipids/glucose. Avoid high-dose biotin for 24–48 hours if your report instructions advise, as it can interfere with certain assays.

  3. Provide samples: standard blood draw; urine iodine may be a spot urine.

  4. Get secure results: most values post within a few days.

  5. Review & plan: discuss results with your clinician or dietitian; repeat to confirm corrections and track trends.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • Low ferritin with low transferrin saturation → typical iron deficiency; evaluate intake and blood loss with your clinician.

  • Normal B12 but high MMA → functional B12 deficiency; correlate with neurologic symptoms.

  • Low vitamin D with high/upper-normal PTH → supports vitamin D insufficiency affecting bone/mineral balance.

  • Low zinc with low albumin → may reflect poor intake/absorption or inflammation.

  • High B6 level → can contribute to sensory neuropathy—review supplement doses.

  • Copper–zinc imbalance → excess of one may suppress the other; interpret together.
    Reference ranges vary by lab; patterns and trends matter more than a single value. Always review results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Foundational micronutrient panel: CBC • CMP • B12 MMA • Folate • 25-OH Vitamin D • Iron panel Ferritin

  • Mineral-focused add-ons: Zinc • Magnesium (± RBC) • Copper Ceruloplasmin • Selenium • Iodine (urine)

  • Bone/thyroid axis: Calcium • Phosphorus • PTH • TSH

  • Neuropathy-focused: B12 MMA • B1 • B6 • Copper • A1c
    Choose bundled panels for efficient screening, then add individual markers to answer specific questions or monitor therapy.

FAQs

Do I need to fast for micronutrient tests?
Usually no. Fast only if your order includes fasting lipids or glucose.

Should I stop supplements before testing?
Ask your clinician. List all supplements on your order. Some tests may be drawn after a washout period; others are used to monitor supplementation.

Why test B12 with MMA?
MMA rises when tissues are short on B12—even if serum B12 looks normal—helpful for early detection.

Is ferritin enough to check iron?
Ferritin is key, but pairing it with iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation improves accuracy, especially with inflammation.

Are RBC magnesium tests better than serum magnesium?
Both are used. Serum may miss marginal deficits; RBC magnesium provides additional context, but interpretation should consider symptoms and other labs.

How often should I re-test after changes?
Commonly 8–12 weeks for vitamins/minerals, then every 3–6 months if you are correcting a deficiency—follow your clinician’s plan.

Is urine iodine reliable?
It reflects recent intake and is most useful when paired with history and thyroid labs (TSH ± free T4).

Related Categories & Key Tests

  • Nutrition & Wellness Tests Hub

  • All Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency Tests • Diet Tests • Malabsorption Tests • Dietary Fatty Acids Tests • Bone & Joint (Osteoporosis) • Thyroid Tests • Anemia & Blood Count

  • Key Tests: Vitamin B12 • MMA • Homocysteine • Folate (± RBC) • 25-OH Vitamin D • Iron • TIBC • Transferrin Saturation • Ferritin • Calcium • Phosphorus • Magnesium (± RBC) • PTH • Zinc • Copper • Ceruloplasmin • Selenium • Iodine (urine) • Vitamin A (Retinol) • Vitamin E (α-Tocopherol) • B1 (Thiamine) • B6 (Pyridoxine/PLP) • Vitamin C • CBC • CMP • CRP (context)

References 

  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Vitamin and mineral fact sheets.
  • Endocrine Society — Clinical practice guideline on vitamin D evaluation.
  • American Society of Hematology — Iron deficiency evaluation in adults.
  • American Thyroid Association — Iodine and thyroid health resources.
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics — Micronutrient assessment and medical nutrition therapy.
  • American Gastroenterological Association — Post-bariatric and malabsorption nutrition guidance.
  • ESPEN/ASPEN — Micronutrient monitoring recommendations in clinical nutrition.
  • Clinical reviews on B12 deficiency (MMA/homocysteine), zinc–copper balance, and magnesium assessment.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Micronutrient Testing menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with a foundational panel (B12 MMA, folate, 25-OH vitamin D, iron panel with ferritin, CBC/CMP). Use filters to add zincmagnesium (± RBC), copper/ceruloplasminseleniumiodinePTH, and targeted B-vitamins. Follow any prep instructions and review results with your clinician or dietitian to confirm findings and set a monitoring plan.

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Name Matches

The B Vitamins Micronutrients Test Panel measures levels of Folate, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12 to evaluate nutritional status and detect deficiencies. B vitamins are essential for energy production, metabolism, red blood cell formation, nervous system health, and DNA synthesis. This panel helps identify imbalances from poor diet, malabsorption, or increased nutrient needs, supporting overall health management.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.

The Antioxidants Micronutrients Panel measures key antioxidants; Alpha Tocopherol, Beta Gamma Tocopherol, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C to evaluate the body’s defense against oxidative stress. These nutrients support immune health, cellular protection, energy production, and overall wellness. The test helps detect deficiencies or imbalances that may affect long-term health and disease prevention.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Also Known As: Antioxidants Test

The Mineral Micronutrients Test Panel measures minerals: Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium RBC, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, and Zinc to assess nutritional balance and overall health. These minerals are essential for bone strength, metabolism, energy production, antioxidant defense, and immune function. The panel helps detect deficiencies, excesses, or absorption issues, guiding health management.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.

The Calcium Micronutrient Test measures calcium levels in the blood to assess nutritional status and detect imbalances. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and heart function. This test helps identify deficiencies, excess, or issues with absorption and metabolism, supporting diagnosis and management of bone health, hormonal balance, and overall wellness.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Ca Test, Serum Calcium Test, Calcium Blood Test

The CoQ10 Micronutrient Test measures blood levels of coenzyme Q10, a vital antioxidant involved in energy production within cells. CoQ10 supports heart health, muscle function, and protection against oxidative stress. This test helps detect deficiencies due to aging, poor diet, or certain medications, guiding supplementation and management of cardiovascular, metabolic, and overall health.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw

The Copper Micronutrient Plasma Test measures copper levels in the blood to evaluate nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excess. Copper is essential for red blood cell formation, connective tissue health, energy production, and nervous and immune system function. This test helps identify imbalances from poor diet, malabsorption, or toxicity, supporting diagnosis and management of overall health.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw

The Folate Micronutrient Test measures blood folate levels to assess nutritional status and detect deficiencies. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and proper fetal development. This test helps identify dietary insufficiency, malabsorption issues, or increased nutrient needs, supporting the diagnosis and management of anemia, pregnancy health, and overall wellness.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Serum Folic Acid Test, Vitamin B9 Test

The Iron Micronutrient Test measures blood iron levels to evaluate nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excess. Iron is essential for hemoglobin production, oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and immune function. This test helps identify anemia, iron overload, absorption issues, or dietary imbalances, supporting diagnosis and management of overall health and vital body functions.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Serum Iron Test, Serum Fe Test

The Magnesium Micronutrient RBC Test measures magnesium levels within red blood cells, providing a more accurate assessment of long-term magnesium status than serum tests. Magnesium is vital for muscle and nerve function, energy production, bone strength, and heart health. This test helps detect deficiencies or imbalances from poor diet, absorption issues, or medical conditions, supporting overall wellness.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Other
Phlebotomist
Also Known As:

Magnesium Red Bood Cell Test, Mg Test, Mag Test


The Manganese Micronutrient Blood Test measures manganese levels in the blood to evaluate nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excess. Manganese is essential for bone formation, metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins, and antioxidant defense. This test helps identify imbalances from poor diet, malabsorption, or overexposure, supporting diagnosis and management of metabolic and overall health.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw

The Molybdenum Micronutrient Blood Test measures molybdenum levels in the blood to evaluate nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excess. Molybdenum is essential for enzyme function involved in detoxification, metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids, and overall cellular health. This test helps identify dietary imbalances, absorption issues, or overexposure, supporting metabolic and overall wellness.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw

The Selenium Micronutrient Blood Test measures selenium levels in the blood to assess nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excess. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that supports thyroid function, immune defense, and protection against oxidative stress. This test helps identify dietary insufficiency, malabsorption, or toxicity, supporting diagnosis and management of overall health and wellness.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw

The Vitamin A Micronutrient Test measures blood levels of vitamin A (retinol) to assess nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excesses. Adequate vitamin A is essential for vision, immune defense, reproduction, and cellular health. This test helps evaluate malnutrition, absorption issues, or toxicity from supplements, supporting diagnosis and monitoring of overall health.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Retinol Test

The Vitamin B1 Blood Micronutrient Test measures thiamine levels in the blood to assess nutritional status and detect deficiencies. Thiamine is essential for energy production, nerve function, and carbohydrate metabolism. This test helps identify malnutrition, absorption disorders, or risk from poor diet or alcohol use, supporting diagnosis and management of overall health.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Thiamine Blood Test

The Vitamin B12 Micronutrient Test measures blood levels of vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell production, nerve health, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, neurological issues, and cognitive changes. This test helps identify dietary deficiencies, absorption problems, or related health conditions, supporting diagnosis and ongoing management of overall wellness.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: B12 Test, Cobalamin Test

The Vitamin B2 Micronutrient Test measures riboflavin levels in the blood to evaluate nutritional status and detect deficiencies. Riboflavin is vital for energy production, red blood cell function, and the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. This test helps identify dietary insufficiency, malabsorption issues, or increased nutrient needs, supporting overall health assessment and management.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Riboflavin Test

The Vitamin B3 Micronutrient Test measures niacin levels in the blood to assess nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excess. Niacin is essential for energy production, nervous system function, and healthy skin and digestion. This test helps identify malnutrition, absorption problems, or toxicity from supplements, supporting diagnosis and monitoring of overall health and metabolic balance.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Nicotinic Acid Test

The Vitamin B5 Micronutrient Test measures pantothenic acid levels in the blood to evaluate nutritional status. Vitamin B5 is essential for energy metabolism, hormone production, and synthesis of fats, proteins, and neurotransmitters. This test helps detect deficiencies or imbalances caused by poor diet, malabsorption, or increased nutrient needs, supporting overall health and metabolic function.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Pantothenic Acid Test

The Vitamin B6 Micronutrient Test measures pyridoxine levels in the blood to assess nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excess. Vitamin B6 is essential for protein metabolism, neurotransmitter production, hemoglobin synthesis, and immune function. This test helps identify dietary insufficiency, absorption issues, or toxicity, supporting diagnosis and management of overall health and metabolic balance.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Pyridoxal Phosphate Test

The Vitamin C Micronutrient Test measures blood levels of ascorbic acid to assess nutritional status and detect deficiencies. Vitamin C is vital for immune defense, collagen formation, wound healing, and antioxidant protection. This test helps identify poor dietary intake, absorption issues, or increased needs due to illness or stress, supporting diagnosis and management of overall health.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Ascorbic Acid Test

The Vitamin E Micronutrient Test measures blood levels of vitamin E to assess antioxidant status and detect deficiencies or excess. Vitamin E protects cells from oxidative damage, supports immune function, and promotes cardiovascular and neurological health. This test helps identify poor dietary intake, absorption issues, or toxicity from supplements, aiding in diagnosis and management of overall wellness.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Tocopherol Test

The Zinc Micronutrient Test measures blood zinc levels to evaluate nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excess. Zinc is vital for immune function, wound healing, growth, reproduction, and enzyme activity. This test helps identify poor intake, malabsorption, or excessive supplementation, supporting diagnosis and management of overall health, immune balance, and metabolic function.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Zinc Plasma Test

The Heavy Metals Micronutrients Blood Test Panel measures levels of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, lead, and mercury to assess exposure and potential toxicity. These metals, found in the environment, food, or workplaces, can affect the nervous system, kidneys, bones, and overall health. This panel helps detect harmful accumulation, guide treatment, and monitor risks from environmental or occupational exposure.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.

The Arsenic Micronutrient Blood Test measures arsenic levels in the blood to assess exposure and potential toxicity. Arsenic, a naturally occurring element, can enter the body through contaminated water, food, or occupational sources. Elevated levels may affect the skin, nervous system, and organs. This test helps identify harmful exposure, guide treatment, and support monitoring of overall health and safety.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Arsenic Test

The Cadmium Micronutrient Blood Test measures cadmium levels in the blood to assess exposure and potential toxicity. Cadmium, a heavy metal found in industrial environments, tobacco smoke, and contaminated food or water, can harm the kidneys, lungs, and bones. This test helps detect harmful exposure, guide treatment, and monitor health risks associated with cadmium accumulation.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Cadmium Test