Ulta Lab Tests

Compare - B Vitamins Test (EW)

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Folate Serum, Folic Acid

Folate, Serum

Folate is part of the B complex of vitamins and is measures the levels of folate in the liquid portion of the blood, the serum or plasma, to detect deficiencies. Folate is necessary for normal RBC formation, tissue and cellular repair, and DNA synthesis.. A deficiency inr folate can lead to macrocytic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia, a type of macrocytic anemia, is characterized by the production of fewer but larger RBCs called macrocytes, in addition to some cellular changes in the bone marrow.

Also known as: B12, B12 Vitamin, Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, Vitamin B12 Cobalamin

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is part of the B complex of vitamins and measurea the levels of vitamin B12 in the liquid portion of the blood, the serum or plasma, to detect deficiencies. Cobalamine, or vitamin B12, is found in animal products such as red meat, fish, poultry, milk, yogurt, and eggs and is not produced in the human body. In recent years, fortified cereals, breads, and other grain products have also become important dietary sources of B12. Vitamin B12 is necessary for normal RBC formation, tissue and cellular repair, and DNA synthesis. B12 is important for nerve health. A deficiency in B12 can lead to macrocytic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia, a type of macrocytic anemia, is characterized by the production of fewer but larger RBCs called macrocytes, in addition to some cellular changes in the bone marrow. B12 deficiency can lead to varying degrees of neuropathy, nerve damage that can cause tingling and numbness in the affected person's hands and feet.

Also known as: B6, B6 Vitamin, Pyridoxal, Pyridoxal Phosphate, Pyridoxal Phosphate (PLP), Vitamin B6 Pyridoxal Phosphate

Vitamin B6

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The Compare - B Vitamins Test (EW) panel contains 3 tests with 3 biomarkers .

Compare and Save | B Vitamins Test (EW) | Ulta Lab Tests Why pay $89 for Everlywell's B Vitamins finger prick test kit when you can experience the convenience and affordablity of a B Vitamins lab test with Ulta Lab Tests - compare now and save!

Brief Description: The B Vitamins Lab Test is a diagnostic assessment that measures the levels of specific B vitamins in the bloodstream. It includes the analysis of three essential B vitamins: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal Phosphate), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin). These vitamins play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including metabolism, neurological health, and red blood cell formation.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Plasma and Serum

Test Preparation: Overnight fasting. Patient must be restricted from alcohol and vitamins for at least 24 hours before a sample collection.

When and Why the B Vitamins Lab Test May Be Ordered

Timing of the Test: The B Vitamins Lab Test may be ordered as part of routine health screenings, during the evaluation of specific symptoms, or to monitor individuals with known vitamin deficiencies or conditions that affect B vitamin absorption.

Reasons for Ordering the Test:

  1. Nutritional Assessment: Healthcare providers may order this test to assess a person's B vitamin status, particularly if there is concern about dietary deficiencies.

  2. Symptoms of Deficiency: Individuals experiencing symptoms related to B vitamin deficiencies, such as fatigue, anemia, neurological issues, or cognitive impairments, may undergo this test to identify potential underlying causes.

  3. Chronic Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or pernicious anemia, can interfere with the absorption of B vitamins. Testing can help monitor vitamin levels in individuals with these conditions.

  4. Pregnancy Planning: In women of childbearing age, assessing folate levels is essential, as folate plays a critical role in preventing neural tube defects in developing fetuses. Healthcare providers may order the test for women planning to become pregnant.

  5. Medication Management: Some medications, including certain anticonvulsants or drugs used to treat acid reflux, can interfere with B vitamin absorption. This test helps healthcare providers monitor vitamin levels in individuals taking these medications.

What the B Vitamins Lab Test Checks For

The B Vitamins Lab Test measures the concentrations of three specific B vitamins in the bloodstream:

  1. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal Phosphate): Vitamin B6 is essential for various metabolic processes, including the conversion of food into energy. It also plays a role in neurological health.

  2. Vitamin B9 (Folate): Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and proper fetal development during pregnancy.

  3. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Vitamin B12 is vital for the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of neurological function. It is also involved in DNA synthesis.

How Health Care Providers Use the Results of the B Vitamins Lab Test

Healthcare providers use the results of the B Vitamins Lab Test to:

  1. Identify Deficiencies: Abnormal levels of B vitamins can indicate deficiencies, allowing healthcare providers to diagnose and address the underlying causes.

  2. Determine Treatment: In cases of deficiencies, healthcare providers recommend appropriate treatment strategies, which may include dietary modifications or vitamin supplementation.

  3. Monitor Chronic Conditions: For individuals with chronic conditions that affect B vitamin absorption, regular testing helps healthcare providers assess and manage nutritional status.

  4. Prevent Birth Defects: In pregnant women, monitoring folate levels is essential to prevent neural tube defects in developing fetuses. Healthcare providers can recommend supplementation if necessary.

  5. Adjust Medications: For individuals taking medications that interfere with B vitamin absorption, healthcare providers may modify treatment plans or prescribe vitamin supplements as needed.

In summary, the B Vitamins Lab Test evaluates the levels of specific B vitamins in the blood and is used to identify deficiencies, determine treatment strategies, monitor chronic conditions, prevent birth defects, and adjust medication management. By assessing B vitamin status, healthcare providers can address nutritional deficiencies and optimize the overall health of individuals.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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