Ulta Lab Tests

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), folate, 25-OH vitamin D, and an iron panel with ferritin—plus CBC/CMP to provide context. Add zinc, magnesium (± RBC magnesium), copper with ceruloplasmin, selenium, 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 screening, diagnostic 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 zinc, magnesium (± RBC), copper/ceruloplasmin, selenium, iodine, PTH, 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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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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The Chromium Micronutrient Blood Test measures chromium levels in the blood to evaluate nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excess. Chromium is important for glucose metabolism, insulin function, and energy production. This test helps identify imbalances due to poor diet, supplementation, or environmental exposure, supporting diagnosis and management of metabolic health and overall wellness.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
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The Cobalt Micronutrient Blood Test measures cobalt levels in the blood to assess nutritional status and exposure. Cobalt is a key component of vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell production and nervous system health. This test helps detect deficiencies, excess from environmental or occupational exposure, or imbalances affecting metabolism, supporting diagnosis and management of overall health.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Miconutrient Co Blood Test
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Blood
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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The Lead Micronutrient Blood Test measures lead levels in the blood to assess exposure and potential toxicity. Lead, often found in contaminated water, soil, paint, or industrial settings, can harm the brain, nervous system, kidneys, and red blood cell production. This test helps detect harmful exposure, guide treatment, and monitor health risks related to lead accumulation.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Also Known As: Blood Lead Level Test, BLL Test
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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

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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
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The Mercury Micronutrient Blood Test measures mercury levels in the blood to assess exposure and potential toxicity. Mercury, found in contaminated seafood, dental materials, or industrial sources, can harm the nervous system, kidneys, and immune health. This test helps detect harmful accumulation, guide treatment, and monitor health risks related to mercury exposure.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Hg Test, Hg Blood Test, Mercury Blood Test
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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.
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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
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The Nutrient Absorption & Deficiency Panel — Comprehensive evaluates how effectively nutrients are absorbed and utilized by combining digestive, metabolic, and nutritional biomarkers. Measuring pancreatic elastase-1, iron status, vitamins A, B12, D, E, folate, trace minerals, homocysteine, PTH, CBC, and a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, this test provides an in-depth view of nutrient absorption, deficiency patterns, and metabolic context.

Blood, Serum, Plasma-Unspecified Vial Pour, Other, Stool/Feces
Phlebotomist
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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
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The UltaNutrient™ Advanced Mineral Balance Panel delivers an in-depth evaluation of essential minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes that influence iron balance, cellular energy, nerve signaling, and metabolic stability. By measuring iron markers, magnesium (serum and RBC), zinc, copper, vitamin D, B12, folate, and electrolytes, this panel offers a comprehensive view of mineral balance and nutritional foundations.

Plasma-Unspecified Vial Pour, Serum, Other, Blood
Phlebotomist
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The UltaNutrient™ Complete Micronutrient Panel delivers a comprehensive evaluation of essential vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes that support metabolic function, immune balance, and cellular health. Measuring iron status, magnesium (serum and RBC), zinc, copper, selenium, vitamins A, B6, B12, D, E, folate, and key electrolytes, this panel provides an in-depth view of micronutrient balance.

Plasma-Unspecified Vial Pour, Serum, Other, Blood
Phlebotomist
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The UltaNutrient™ Comprehensive Nutrient & Metabolic Panel combines extensive vitamin and mineral testing with a full Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and functional biomarkers. Measuring iron metabolism, magnesium (serum and RBC), trace minerals, vitamins A, B6, B12, D, E, folate (serum and RBC), homocysteine, MMA, hs-CRP, and electrolytes, this panel delivers an integrated view of nutrient utilization and metabolic health.

Serum, Plasma-Unspecified Vial Pour, Blood, Other
Phlebotomist
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The UltaNutrient™ Core Nutrient Screening Panel evaluates essential vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes that support metabolic balance, hydration, nerve signaling, and overall wellness. By measuring vitamin D, B12, folate, magnesium, and key electrolytes, this panel provides a clear snapshot of foundational nutritional status and internal balance to support informed health discussions.

Serum, Blood
Phlebotomist
Add to