We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you
buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
A vitamin deficiency test can give you important information about your nutritional health. Find out why Healthline dietitians recommend Labcorp, Everlywell, and LetsGetChecked.
If you eat a balanced diet and don’t have an underlying health condition that affects nutrient absorption, you likely don’t have a nutritional deficiency. But if you’re concerned about not getting enough nutrients, you may consider taking a vitamin deficiency test. The best vitamin deficiency tests typically require a small blood sample, come with mail-back packaging, and yield results within a week.
Read on to learn how vitamin deficiency tests work and tests we recommend to help inform your next steps.
Nutrients measured: We looked for tests that check for common vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Testing methods: The tests we chose use a reliable testing method (the finger-pricking method instead of saliva samples).
Lab and clinician credentials: We selected vitamin deficiency tests that use labs that meet the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards and offer you the ability to verify the credentials of the company’s health professionals who review the results.
Cost: We considered overall quality for the price. Most vitamin deficiency tests aren’t covered by insurance, but many accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards.
Ease of access: To help you streamline the process, we included options that allow you to test at home without obtaining a doctor’s order for a full blood test for vitamins and minerals deficiencies. You can then share your results with a medical professional.
Reviews: The tests on our list have mostly positive customer reviews and anecdotal experiences.
If you eat a balanced diet and don’t have an underlying health condition that affects nutrient absorption, you likely don’t have a vitamin deficiency.
However, as much as one-third of the U.S. population may have a higher risk of at least one nutrient deficiency or anemia. Vitamin B6 is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies. Meanwhile an estimated 20% of U.S. adults ages 60 and older have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
In the United States, deficiencies are more common in the following nutrients:
iron
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin A
vitamin E
folate
iodine
If you’re concerned about not getting enough nutrients, or if you’ve experienced vitamin deficiency symptoms, a good first step is to talk with a medical professional. They will want to explore what could be going on, including prescribing blood work to test your nutrient levels among other measurements.
Some at-home tests for vitamin deficiencies may be more reliable than others. For instance, blood samples may be more accurate than saliva samples at detecting certain nutrient deficiencies.
Much like blood tests ordered at a doctor’s office or hospital, most at-home nutrient deficiency tests are processed in labs certified by CLIA. It’s wise to double-check for this before purchasing an at-home test.
Still, several factors can affect the accuracy of at-home tests, such as:
errors with sample collection or contamination
certain supplements — such as biotin — can falsely elevate levels of specific nutrients
using lotions or sunscreens that contain zinc
Nutrients: Each kit tests for levels of various nutrients, so evaluate which ones are most important based on your needs.
Follow-up: Some testing kits include follow-up support and guidance from a medical professional after you receive your results, while others recommend sharing the results with a doctor.
Testing method: Be sure to consider which testing method you prefer. Though most tests involve collecting a sample via a finger prick, others may use saliva samples. And some still require a lab visit.
Accreditation: It’s important to look for companies that send samples to an accredited lab, which can help ensure accuracy and quality.
Price: Testing kits can vary quite a bit in price, and some may recommend testing multiple times over a longer period to monitor your levels. For this reason, it’s important to keep your budget in mind when shopping.
Vitamin deficiencies are often measured through a blood test, which is then analyzed by a lab. In some cases, a hair or saliva sample may be collected and analyzed instead.
Most at-home vitamin deficiency tests typically involve:
cleaning the finger where you’ll draw from
placing it against a firm surface and using a small lancet to draw blood
adding a drop of blood as directed to the collection card provided with your testing kit
letting the collection card dry completely
filling out any required information on the card
mailing your sample back to the lab using the provided shipping label
Be sure to check the instructions included in your testing kit, as the collection procedure may vary for different products.
While there are some signs and symptoms that may raise suspicion, the only way to confirm a deficiency is to test for it, typically through blood work.
A full vitamin panel is often called a comprehensive nutrient panel or micronutrient test panel, and assesses the levels of various vitamins and minerals in your body and can help identify potential deficiencies or excesses of these nutrients.
If you’re searching for at-home vitamin deficiency tests, you’ll find several options. We’ve included five recommendations that address some of the most common deficiencies. These companies are all CLIA certified, and healthcare professionals will review your results.
If you decide to move forward with testing, discuss your results with a doctor or registered dietitian. They can help you decide whether you need further testing, dietary changes, or supplementation.
