Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency Tests

Vitamin and mineral deficiency testing helps explain symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, muscle cramps, brittle nails, mood changes, and brain fog. Micronutrients power energy production, red-blood-cell formation, bones and muscles, nerves, immunity, and thyroid function. Because the same symptoms can come from many causes, a stepwise, lab-first plan clarifies what’s truly off, rules out look-alikes, and provides a baseline for monitoring.

Most people start with iron studies (with ferritin), vitamin B12 (with MMA when indicated), folate, and vitamin D, plus calcium and magnesium. Based on your history, add zinc, copper (± ceruloplasmin), selenium, and urine iodine. Your results support screeningdiagnostic triage, and monitoring, but they do not replace a clinician’s exam, imaging, ECG, or emergency care.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Energy & blood health: fatigue, exertional shortness of breath, dizziness, pale skin, brittle nails (iron/B12/folate)

  • Neurologic & cognition: tingling/numbness, balance changes, memory issues, low mood (B12, copper)

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

  • Skin, hair, and taste: hair shedding, poor wound healing, dry/itchy skin, reduced taste/smell (zinc, vitamin A context)

  • Thyroid & metabolism: goiter or temperature intolerance (iodine, selenium context)

  • Higher-risk settings: heavy menstrual bleeding; pregnancy/lactation; vegan/vegetarian diet; celiac/IBD; bariatric surgery; chronic diarrhea; alcohol use disorder; endurance training; chronic kidney disease

  • Medication flags: proton-pump inhibitors (B12/magnesium), diuretics (magnesium/potassium), metformin (B12), high-zinc supplements (can lower copper), chelators

  • Seek urgent care now: chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, seizures, black/bloody stools, or sudden neurologic deficits

Symptoms are nonspecific and should be reviewed by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Detect deficiencies or excesses early—even before symptoms are obvious

  • Differentiate look-alikes (e.g., iron deficiency vs. anemia of inflammation; B12 vs. folate vs. copper issues)

  • Guide monitoring after diet changes, supplementation, medication adjustments, or procedures that affect absorption

What testing cannot do

  • Diagnose the cause by itself (diet, absorption, blood loss, renal loss, and drugs all matter)

  • Replace imaging/procedures when structural causes are suspected

  • Provide dosing instructions—review results with your clinician

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • Iron status & anemia:

    • Ferritin (iron stores; rises with inflammation), Serum IronTIBCTransferrin SaturationCBC/indices(MCV)

  • B-vitamins:

    • Vitamin B12 with MMA (functional deficiency), Folate (± RBC folate)

  • Bone-mineral axis:

    • 25-Hydroxy Vitamin DCalcium (total ± ionized), PhosphorusPTH (when calcium/Vit D are abnormal)

  • Magnesium:

    • Serum Mg (circulating), RBC Mg (cell-associated, medium-term), 24-hr urine Mg (renal loss vs. intake)

  • Trace elements:

    • Zinc (skin/immune/taste), Copper ± Ceruloplasmin (hematologic/neurologic; balance with zinc), Selenium(antioxidant/thyroid)

  • Iodine:

    • Urine iodine (recent intake; selected use in pregnancy planning or extreme diets)

  • Context markers:

    • CRP/ESR (inflammation can mask iron deficiency), CMP (liver/kidney, electrolytes)

Preparation notes: Fasting is usually not required. Avoid high-dose supplements—especially biotinzinc, and iodine—for 24 hours if advised. Prevent hemolysis (can alter potassium/magnesium). Follow any kit-specific instructions.

Quick Build Guide

Goal / Scenario Start with Add if needed
Wellness baseline Ferritin • Iron/TIBC • Transferrin Saturation • CBC • Vitamin B12 ± MMA • Folate • 25-OH Vitamin D • Calcium • Serum Mg RBC Mg • Zinc • Copper ± Ceruloplasmin • Selenium
Fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails Ferritin • Iron/TIBC • Transferrin Saturation • CBC Vitamin B12 ± MMA • Thyroid panel • Zinc
Neuropathy/brain fog Vitamin B12 ± MMA • Folate Copper ± Ceruloplasmin • TSH
Cramps, palpitations, migraines Serum Mg • RBC Mg • Calcium • CMP 24-hr Urine Mg • Potassium • Phosphorus
Bone pain or fractures 25-OH Vitamin D • Calcium • Phosphorus PTH (clinician-directed)
GI malabsorption/bariatric/IBD Ferritin/Iron/TIBC • CBC • Vitamin B12 ± MMA • Folate • 25-OH Vitamin D • Serum Mg RBC Mg • Zinc • Copper • Selenium • CRP
Pregnancy/preconception CBC • Ferritin • Vitamin B12 • Folate • 25-OH Vitamin D Urine Iodine (selected)
Vegan/vegetarian diets Vitamin B12 ± MMA • Iron Panel • Ferritin • 25-OH Vitamin D Zinc • Selenium

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Choose your starting bundle: use the Quick Build Guide to match your goals and history.

  2. Prepare for accuracy: pause high-dose supplements if advised (biotin, zinc, iodine); list all medicines that can affect absorption or losses.

  3. Provide samples: standard blood drawurine for iodine or 24-hour magnesium when ordered.

  4. Access secure results: most panels post within a few days.

  5. Plan next steps: review results with your clinician to confirm causes (diet, absorption, renal loss) and set a monitoring schedule.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • Low ferritin + low transferrin saturation → iron deficiency; investigate sources of blood loss or malabsorption.

  • Normal/high ferritin with elevated CRP/ESR → inflammation may hide iron deficiency; rely on transferrin saturation and context.

  • Low B12 or high MMA → functional B12 deficiency; correlate with diet, medicines (metformin, PPIs), and symptoms.

  • Low 25-OH vitamin D → interpret alongside calcium, phosphorus, and PTH if abnormal.

  • Low serum and/or RBC magnesium → compatible with deficiency; 24-hr urine helps distinguish renal loss from low intake.

  • Low zinc or copper → check intake and supplement balance (excess zinc can lower copper).
    Trends over time matter more than a single value; interpret with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Core deficiency screen: Ferritin • Iron/TIBC • Transferrin Saturation • CBC • Vitamin B12 ± MMA • Folate • 25-OH Vitamin D • Calcium • Serum Mg

  • Trace element depth: RBC Mg • Zinc • Copper ± Ceruloplasmin • Selenium • Urine Iodine

  • Bone-mineral axis: Phosphorus • PTH (when calcium/Vit D are abnormal)

  • Malabsorption depth: CRP/ESR • CMP; add targeted nutrients based on history
    Use a bundled panel for efficiency; add targeted markers to answer specific questions and monitor change.

FAQs

Do I need to fast for vitamin and mineral testing?
Usually no. A few trace-element tests prefer a morning draw without same-day supplements.

Should I stop my multivitamin before testing?
If advised, avoid high-dose supplements (biotin, zinc, iodine) for 24 hours to prevent transient spikes or assay interference.

Can inflammation hide iron deficiency?
Yes. Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant. Pair it with transferrin saturation and consider CRP/ESR.

Is RBC magnesium better than serum magnesium?
They answer different questions. Serum shows circulating level; RBC reflects medium-term, cell-associated status. Many clinicians use both.

Can hair mineral tests replace blood tests?
No. Hair testing is not a diagnostic standard. Blood/urine tests are preferred for decisions.

How often should I re-test?
Commonly 8–12 weeks after diet or supplement changes, then per your clinician’s plan.

Do vegans or pregnant people need different tests?
Often yes—focus on iron/ferritinvitamin B12 ± MMAvitamin D, and (selectively) urine iodine.

Related Test Categories & Key Tests

  • All Vitamin & Mineral Tests

  • Mineral Deficiency Tests • Micronutrient Testing • Fatty Acids & Omega Tests • Metabolism Tests • Thyroid Health Tests • Anemia & Blood Count

  • Key Tests: Ferritin • Iron • TIBC • Transferrin Saturation • CBC • Vitamin B12 • Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) • Folate • 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D • Calcium • Magnesium (Serum) • Magnesium (RBC) • Magnesium (24-hr Urine) • Phosphorus • Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) • Zinc • Copper • Ceruloplasmin • Selenium • Urine Iodine • CRP • ESR • CMP

References

  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Folate, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium, Copper, Selenium, Iodine fact sheets.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Iron deficiency and anemia resources.
  • American Society of Hematology — Evaluation of anemia guidelines.
  • Endocrine Society — Vitamin D testing and interpretation guidance.
  • American College of Gastroenterology — Guidelines on celiac disease, bariatric surgery, and malabsorption.
  • AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry) — Best practices for nutrient and trace-element testing; biotin interference advisories.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with a core deficiency screen, then use filters to add trace elements or bone-mineral markers based on your goals and medical history. Follow any preparation guidance, and review results with your clinician to confirm causes and set a monitoring plan.

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Blood
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

 The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic panel is a fundamental health assessment tool designed to provide a snapshot of an individual's nutritional status and potential deficiencies. This panel includes a suite of tests that measure the levels of essential nutrients and minerals in the body, which are critical for various bodily functions and overall well-being. The tests included in this panel are Ferritin, Folate Serum, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), and Magnesium Serum. Each of these tests plays a significant role in evaluating different aspects of health, from anemia and iron metabolism to nerve function and energy production.
Blood
Blood Draw

 The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Plus panel is an enhanced health assessment tool that goes beyond the foundational nutritional screening provided by the basic panel. This expanded panel includes a wider range of tests to assess an individual's nutritional status, helping to identify specific deficiencies and imbalances that could impact health. The tests included in this panel are Ferritin, Folate Serum, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Magnesium Serum, Prealbumin, QuestAssureD 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Total with D2 and D3, Transferrin, and Vitamin B12.
Blood
Blood Draw

 The Vitamins & Minerals - Advanced panel is a detailed health assessment tool that offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's nutritional status, encompassing a wide array of essential nutrients and minerals crucial for overall health. This panel includes tests for Ferritin, Folate Serum, Homocysteine, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Magnesium Serum, Magnesium RBC, Prealbumin, QuestAssureD 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Total with D2 and D3, Transferrin, Vitamin B12, and Zinc.
Blood, Other
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

 The Vitamins & Minerals - Comprehensive panel is the pinnacle of nutritional diagnostics, offering a broad-spectrum analysis of essential nutrients critical for maintaining optimal health. This extensive panel encompasses a wide array of tests designed to evaluate the levels of vital vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in the body. By assessing these key nutritional components, the panel provides invaluable insights into an individual's overall nutritional status, uncovering potential deficiencies or excesses that could impact health and well-being.
Blood, Other
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

 The Vitamins & Minerals + (Omegas, CMP & CBC) - Basic Panel is a foundational health assessment tool that integrates essential vitamin and mineral evaluations with omega fatty acid profiling, comprehensive metabolic analysis, and a complete blood count. This panel is meticulously designed to provide a holistic view of an individual's nutritional status, metabolic functioning, and overall hematological health, making it an invaluable resource for preventive health strategies and the management of various health conditions.
Blood
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

 The Vitamins & Minerals + (Omegas, CMP & CBC) - Basic Plus panel is a thorough health assessment tool that combines critical evaluations of vitamins and minerals, omega fatty acid levels, comprehensive metabolic function, and a complete blood profile. This panel is designed to provide a holistic view of an individual's health, identifying potential nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders, and hematological conditions. It's an essential panel for those seeking a detailed understanding of their overall health status and nutritional needs.
Blood
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

 The Vitamins & Minerals + (Omegas, CMP & CBC) - Advanced Panel is a comprehensive diagnostic tool designed to assess a broad spectrum of health indicators, including vital nutrients, metabolic health markers, omega fatty acid levels, and a detailed blood profile. This panel is meticulously curated to provide an in-depth understanding of various health aspects, from nutritional status and metabolic health to immune function and cardiovascular risk. It serves as a crucial resource for identifying potential health issues, guiding dietary and lifestyle modifications, and tailoring individualized treatment plans.
Blood, Other
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

 The Vitamins & Minerals + (Omegas, CMP & CBC) - Comprehensive panel is an extensive diagnostic tool designed to provide an all-encompassing view of an individual's health. This panel evaluates a wide array of nutritional markers, metabolic functions, essential fatty acids, and blood health indicators. It's tailored to offer deep insights into the body's current nutritional status, identify potential deficiencies or excesses, and understand the overall metabolic and hematological health, making it an invaluable asset for comprehensive health assessments and personalized healthcare strategies.
Blood, Other
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

Blood
Blood Draw

Blood
Blood Draw

Blood, Other
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

Blood
Blood Draw

The Aluminum Test measures aluminum levels in the blood to evaluate potential toxicity and exposure. Elevated levels may occur from environmental sources, contaminated water, or medical treatments such as dialysis. Abnormal results can affect the nervous system, bone health, and overall metabolic function. This test is often used to monitor chronic exposure or assess unexplained symptoms related to metal accumulation.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Aluminum Serum Test. Al Test

Most Popular

The Vitamin B7 Test measures biotin levels in the blood to assess nutritional status and detect deficiency. Biotin is essential for energy metabolism, enzyme activity, and maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. Low levels may result from poor diet, genetic conditions, alcoholism, or long-term antibiotic use, leading to fatigue, hair loss, or skin rashes. Doctors use this test to diagnose deficiency, monitor supplementation, and support overall metabolic health.

Also Known As: Biotin Test

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

Most Popular

The Calcium Test measures calcium levels in blood to assess bone health, parathyroid function, and metabolic balance. Abnormal levels may indicate bone disease, parathyroid disorders, kidney disease, or certain cancers. Both low and high calcium can cause muscle spasms, weakness, or irregular heartbeat. Doctors order this test to monitor osteoporosis, kidney stones, or endocrine disorders. Results provide essential insight into bone, nerve, and overall metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Ca Test, Serum Calcium Test, Calcium Blood 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 Carbon Dioxide Test measures CO2 levels in the blood to help assess acid-base balance and metabolic function. Abnormal results may reflect respiratory issues, kidney disorders, or metabolic imbalances such as acidosis or alkalosis. This test is often included in electrolyte panels to provide insights into overall health, fluid balance, and how the body maintains proper pH regulation through the respiratory and renal systems.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CO2 Test

The Cardio IQ Vitamin D test, also known as a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test, measures the levels of total vitamin D in the blood, including both vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). It provides information about an individual's overall vitamin D status.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Ergocalciferol Test, Vitamin D2 Test, Cholecalciferol Test, Vitamin D3 Test, Calcidiol Test, 25-hydroxyvitamin D Test, Calcifidiol Test, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D Test

The Carotene Test measures blood carotene levels to evaluate vitamin A status, dietary intake, and fat absorption. Carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. Abnormal levels may indicate malnutrition, fat malabsorption, or liver disease. Physicians use this test to assess nutritional health, monitor absorption disorders, and support diagnosis of conditions affecting metabolism and overall wellness.

Blood
Blood Draw

The Ceruloplasmin Test measures levels of ceruloplasmin, a copper-carrying protein made in the liver, to evaluate copper metabolism and related disorders. Low levels may indicate Wilson’s disease, Menkes disease, or severe liver disease, while high levels may suggest inflammation or pregnancy. Doctors order this test for patients with liver problems, neurological symptoms, or abnormal copper levels. Results help diagnose metabolic disorders and guide treatment.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Copper Oxide Test, Wilson’s Disease Test

The Chloride Test measures chloride, an essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, acid-base status, and nerve and muscle function. Abnormal chloride levels may indicate dehydration, kidney disease, metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, or adrenal disorders. By assessing electrolyte balance, this test provides insight into hydration, metabolic function, and overall health of the renal and endocrine systems.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Chloride Serum Test

The Chromium Blood Test measures chromium levels to evaluate exposure, nutritional status, and potential toxicity. Chromium is an essential trace element that supports glucose metabolism and lipid balance but can be harmful at elevated concentrations. Physicians order this test to detect deficiency, monitor supplementation, or assess overexposure from environmental, dietary, or occupational sources, helping guide long-term metabolic and overall health management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Cr Test

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

“Take your vitamins” may seem like advice for growing kids, but it’s important for adult health management too. Here are some findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey’s latest data:

  • Over 30 million (10%) of Americans have a vitamin deficiency
  • 32% of adults are vitamin B6 deficient
  • 95% are vitamin D deficient
  • 61% have a magnesium deficiency

A vitamin and mineral test is essential to maintaining your total body health.

You don’t need a prescription and a costly doctor’s visit. Our services are fast, easy, and secure and will get you the results you need.

A vitamin test is simple, but it can be challenging to know which test you should choose and why. Read on for our vitamin test guide so you can make informed choices on the right test for you.

What Are Vitamin & Mineral Tests?

A balanced intake of vitamins and minerals generally comes from a healthy diet or supplements if there are dietary restrictions. These vitamins and minerals include the following:

  • Vitamins: A, C, D, E, and K
  • B vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12
  • Minerals: calcium, magnesium, iron, folate, and zinc

Vitamin and mineral tests use a sample of your blood to test for the levels of vitamins and minerals circulating in your body. A phlebotomist at an authorized patient service center will draw your blood and forward the specimen to a national laboratory for testing.

Once the specimen arrives at the lab, testing will begin, and results will post to your online patient portal within a couple of days as the lab completes testing.

Benefits of Vitamin & Mineral Lab Testing

Vitamins and minerals play a role in our bodies' functions, from bone density to brain functions. They’re also related to chronic diseases and health conditions, such as:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Heart disease
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Anemia
  • Depression
  • Bone loss

Most people don’t actively monitor their vitamin and mineral intake. A vitamin and mineral test determines if you have a deficiency or are at risk for developing one.

A vitamin deficiency can be an early warning sign you’re developing serious health issues. If caught early, many conditions like diabetes and anemia can be avoided. A fast response is always the best response.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. and the world. A healthy intake of essential vitamins and minerals can mitigate risk factors for heart disease.

Vitamin & Mineral Tests for Your Health

At Ulta Lab Tests, we offer four main vitamin and minerals blood tests:

The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic panel includes 4 tests and 6 biomarkers. This test looks for anemia. The serum folate markers ensure your recent diet is providing accurate results.

The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Plus panel has 8 tests and 13 biomarkers. Along with anemia, it has a vitamin D test that can help determine if health issues like depression are related to a vitamin deficiency.

The Vitamins & Minerals - Advanced panel has 22 tests with 115 biomarkers. It tests for multiple deficiencies along with a urinalysis test for the levels of your white and red blood counts.

The Vitamins & Minerals - Comprehensive panel has 24 tests and 34 biomarkers. It offers a full range of testing for over twenty essential vitamins and minerals.

Depending on your symptoms, you may need only a basic panel or a urinalysis with a vitamin blood test. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Vitamin Tests

Getting a vitamin and mineral test is easy to do and comes with many benefits. You take active control of your health and ensure you get the necessary nutritional intake needed to prevent certain health issues from developing.

But you may still be unsure why a vitamin test is necessary if you eat plenty of food and don’t have dietary restrictions. Or you may not know what to do if it reveals a deficiency.

How Will a Vitamin Test Help You?

American diets are notoriously high in fat, sugar, and salt and low in nutritional value.

In our fast-paced workaholic culture, processed food and fast food is the norm. Millions of Americans even live in food deserts where healthy food is not accessible.

You may have mental and physical health symptoms without connecting them to a deficiency. Your symptoms can also mimic health issues you already know about.

FOR EXAMPLE, Vitamin D deficiency correlates with depression, and many of their symptoms (fatigue, body aches) are the same. Only a vitamin D blood test can reveal the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Other symptoms of vitamin deficiencies include:

  • Mood shifts
  • Personality changes
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle weakness or cramps
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea and upset digestion

Even if you have access to plenty of food, it may not be the best quality for vitamin intake. It’s easy to develop a vitamin deficiency even in countries that have low rates of food insecurity.

Vitamin D deficiencies are especially prevalent. Almost every adult would benefit from a vitamin D test alone.

What Should You Do if Your Test Reveals a Deficiency?

Fortunately, low vitamin and mineral levels are usually easy to correct.

You might need to make minor adjustments to your diet or take vitamin and mineral supplements in most cases. Some doctors may even prescribe your supplements. You can get tested again a few months later to make sure the adjustments are working.

If your deficiency is a sign of serious health issues, a vitamin and mineral test will show what further specific tests are needed. A lack of vitamin absorption, even if you have a healthy intake, indicates a potential problem.

Both Chron's and celiac disease, for example, interfere with the absorption of B12. It’s important to understand your test results and what they could mean to your health.

Benefits of Vitamin and Mineral Testing with Ulta Lab Tests

Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests so that you can make informed decisions about your health. There are many great things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:

  • Secure and confidential results
  • No health insurance required
  • No physician's referral required
  • Affordable pricing
  • Your 100% satisfaction guaranteed

Order your vitamin and mineral test today. Your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests and 5-7 business days for complex lab tests.

Take control with Ulta Lab Tests today!