5 Best At-Home Nutrient and Vitamin Deficiency Tests in 2023

• Best overall: LetsGetChecked Micronutrient Test | Skip to review
• Best for essential vitamins test: LetsGetChecked Essential Vitamin Test | Skip to review
• Best combination vitamin D test: Everlywell Vitamin D and Inflammation Test | Skip to review
• Best for bone health: myLAB Box At-Home Vitamin D Test | Skip to review
• Best lab-visit test: Labcorp Vitamin Deficiency Blood Test | Skip to review

The specific symptoms of a vitamin deficiency will depend on which vitamin deficiency a person has.

For example, a vitamin C deficiency can cause:

• dental problems
• bone fractures
• dry eyes
• hair loss

An iron deficiency can cause fatigue, while a lack of vitamin D can be responsible for:

• muscle twitches
• fatigue
• osteoporosis

A person should speak with a doctor about their symptoms before getting a vitamin deficiency test.

All reputable at-home tests will have instructions and a customer care line for any further questions.

Most vitamin deficiency tests require a blood sample. The company should send all necessary equipment, including a lancet, in the original package.

People will likely need to fill in a form detailing personal information. Then, they should use the lancet to collect a sample of blood.

The company should provide a return envelope with pre-paid shipping. When a person takes their sample, they should send the envelope off.

People will receive their results soon after, typically within one week of the lab receiving the samples. Depending on the company a person uses, they may need to log in or use an app to view their results.

Some companies may offer follow-up advice. Others may suggest contacting a healthcare professional for help interpreting the results.

A Medical News Today Editor, Lois Zoppi, provided the quotes in this article. They received a free Essential Vitamins test from LetsGetChecked to review.

The table below compares each vitamin deficiency test in this article for collection method, price, result turnaround time, and more.

People may wish to consider these factors before buying a test online:

• The nutrients tested: Many companies offer comprehensive panels testing several vitamins and minerals. However, some tests only check the levels of certain vitamins. A person should pick the test that best suits their needs.
• The collection method: Anyone uncomfortable drawing a finger-prick blood sample may prefer a test that relies on a saliva sample instead. However, many vitamin and mineral tests require a blood test.
• Fasting: Some tests require a person to fast before taking a sample. A person should check the fasting period before taking the test. They may also require people to stop taking certain supplements for a few days before collecting a sample.
• The timing of results: Some tests have shorter turnaround times, but these may be more expensive.
• Price: Different at-home vitamin deficiency tests fit different budgets. Those that test for a wider range of vitamins may cost more.

The FDA states that at-home tests can effectively detect health conditions and monitor existing ones. However, it warns people should not replace doctor’s appointments with at-home tests.

The most reputable companies selling at-home tests send customers’ samples to CLIA-certified labs. These are the labs that hospitals and doctor’s offices use, which may suggest the sample analysis will be as accurate as it is for tests people will get from a doctor.

However, people risk making mistakes or contaminating their samples when they collect them at home. Those uncomfortable collecting their sample may wish to visit an in-person testing center.

When a person develops a nutritional deficiency, the body may produce symptoms, some of which can go unnoticed. Though an at-home test should not substitute for a doctor’s or registered dietitian’s advice, it may indicate missing nutrients in a person’s diet.

Although the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 indicate that a person must aim to meet their vitamin and mineral needs through their diet, sometimes they may need a multivitamin to supplement their intake.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists several of the most common deficiencies in the United States. These include:

• vitamin B6
• iron
• vitamin D
• vitamin B12
• vitamin E
• folate
• vitamin A
• vitamin C

Learn more about vitamins and how they work.

High-risk groups

A 2019 research review showed specific groups of people with a higher risk of developing vitamin or mineral deficiencies. The groups included:

• undernourished people
• older adults
• pregnant people
• adolescents
• young children

The researchers write that addressing these deficiencies should include improved, more diverse diets, and supplementation.

If a test shows that a person has a vitamin deficiency, they must contact a doctor. A person may also wish to inform a doctor if their test does not show a particular deficiency.

If a person receives treatment from a doctor, they may wish to conduct the test again after their treatment ends to see how their vitamin levels change.

A person should consult a doctor before making health decisions based on the results of an at-home test.

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked vitamin deficiency test questions.

How do you test for vitamin deficiencies?

People can test for vitamin deficiencies with at-home tests like those from Everlywell and LetsGetChecked. People can also get a vitamin deficiency test from a doctor. The tests will usually involve taking a blood sample.

How can I get my vitamin levels checked?

A person can speak to a doctor or order an at-home vitamin deficiency test from companies such as LetsGetChecked, Everlywell, or MyLabBox to get their vitamin levels checked.

What are the first signs of vitamin deficiency?

The first signs of vitamin deficiency are likely to differ depending on which vitamin a person is deficient in.

However, some common signs include fatigue, dry skin and hair, and muscle cramps.

If someone believes they have a deficiency, they should contact a healthcare professional to discuss testing.

Should I get tested for vitamin deficiencies?

If a person shows any signs of a vitamin deficiency, such as fatigue, depression, or dry, brittle hair, they may wish to undergo testing.

At-home testing may be more convenient and less expensive than visiting a clinic.

At-home vitamin deficiency tests check levels of vitamins and minerals in a blood or saliva sample. They are generally convenient, but they can be expensive.

Anyone concerned about a deficiency should consider consulting a doctor, especially if a test returns a positive result. The doctor can check for underlying health conditions, perform further tests, and offer treatment if needed.