VITAMIN CHECKUP Lab Tests

🌞 Vitamin D Test (25-Hydroxyvitamin D) The Vitamin D Test measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in the blood, which is the best indicator of your body’s vitamin D status. This vitamin is crucial for bone health, immune function, and calcium/phosphorus regulation. ✅ Why Is the Test Done? To evaluate: Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency Bone health issues (e.g., rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis) Causes of fatigue, muscle weakness, or bone pain Absorption issues (e.g., celiac, IBD) Response to vitamin D therapy 🧪 What It Measures 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) — the main circulating form of vitamin D, which reflects total vitamin D from sun exposure, food, and supplements. 📊 Reference Ranges Level (ng/mL) Interpretation < 12 Severe deficiency – risk of bone softening (rickets/osteomalacia) 12–20 Deficient – increased risk of bone and immune issues 20–30 Insufficient – may not meet body’s needs 30–100 Sufficient/Normal > 100 Possible toxicity – risk of hypercalcemia ⚠️ Toxicity usually occurs due to excess supplementation, not sun or diet. 🌤️ Sources of Vitamin D Sunlight (UVB rays convert skin cholesterol to vitamin D) Diet: Fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk/cereal Supplements: D2 (ergocalciferol), D3 (cholecalciferol) 🧪 Test Details Aspect Info Sample Type Blood (serum) Fasting ❌ Not required (but often done with other fasting panels) Preferred Form Measured 25(OH)D (not 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) Method Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), LC-MS/MS, or ELISA 📌 Summary Table Marker Normal Range Use 25(OH)D 30–100 ng/mL Reflects vitamin D status from all sources

💊 Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal Phosphate) Test The Vitamin B6 test measures the level of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP), the active form of Vitamin B6, in the blood. This vitamin is essential for protein metabolism, nervous system function, and the production of neurotransmitters. 🧬 Why Is This Test Done? Use Case Purpose Neurological symptoms To investigate unexplained neuropathy, seizures Malnutrition or malabsorption Check deficiency due to GI disorders Alcoholism or liver disease Monitor levels, as B6 is often depleted Certain medications Some drugs (e.g., isoniazid, hydralazine) can reduce B6 Suspected excess intake Rule out toxicity from supplements 📊 Normal Reference Range Level (Plasma Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate) Interpretation < 5.0 µg/L Deficient 5.0 – 30.0 µg/L Normal range > 100 µg/L Potential toxicity Values can vary slightly depending on the lab. Always interpret with clinical context. 🩺 Symptoms of B6 Deficiency Irritability, depression, or confusion Peripheral neuropathy (numbness/tingling in hands/feet) Glossitis (inflamed tongue) Fatigue or weakness Seizures (in severe cases) Weakened immune function 💊 Symptoms of B6 Toxicity (Excess) Sensory neuropathy (tingling, pain, difficulty walking) Photosensitivity Nausea Toxicity typically occurs with supplement doses > 100 mg/day over time. 🧾 Sample Report Example Test Result Reference Range Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal Phosphate) 8.5 µg/L 5.0 – 30.0 µg/L (Normal) 🧠 Conditions That May Affect B6 Levels Low B6 Levels May Be Due To: High B6 Levels May Be Due To: Alcoholism Supplement overuse Chronic kidney disease Liver dysfunction Malabsorption (celiac, Crohn’s) Megavitamin therapy Certain medications (INH, penicillamine) 🧪 Test Details Parameter Detail Sample Blood (plasma or serum) Fasting? Yes (usually recommended) Time to Result 2–5 days in most labs ✅ Summary Feature Details Test Name Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate) Purpose Assess deficiency or toxicity Normal Range 5.0 – 30.0 µg/L Low Level Symptoms Neuropathy, irritability, seizures High Level Symptoms Sensory nerve damage

🌞 Vitamin D Gold Test (Vitamin D2, D3 & Total Vitamin D) The Vitamin D Gold Test measures: Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) – from plant sources/supplements Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) – from sunlight exposure & animal sources Total Vitamin D – sum of D2 and D3, reported as 25(OH)D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) This test gives a comprehensive view of your Vitamin D status, which is essential for bone health, immunity, and hormone regulation. 🧪 Why Is This Test Done? Reason Description 🦴 Bone problems Rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis 🩺 Fatigue, muscle pain, weakness Common signs of deficiency 🌧️ Lack of sun exposure Limited synthesis of D3 🍽️ Malabsorption Celiac, Crohn’s, bariatric surgery 🧬 Monitoring therapy Patients on Vitamin D supplements 🧠 Autoimmune/thyroid disorders Vitamin D plays a role in immune modulation 📊 Reference Ranges (Total 25(OH)D) Level (ng/mL) Interpretation < 10 Severe deficiency 10–20 Deficiency 20–30 Insufficient 30–100 Optimal >100 Possible toxicity (needs review) ✅ Most labs consider 30–100 ng/mL as the normal range. 📋 Example Test Report Parameter Result (ng/mL) Normal Range Vitamin D2 3.2 0 – 10 ng/mL (varies) Vitamin D3 28.5 20 – 70 ng/mL Vitamin D Total 31.7 30 – 100 ng/mL 🟢 Interpretation: Normal total Vitamin D; D3 is the dominant form, as expected. 🧠 Symptoms of Deficiency Fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain Frequent infections or slow wound healing Mood changes (e.g., depression) Osteomalacia or rickets in severe cases 🍽️ Sources of Vitamin D Source Type Sunlight (UVB exposure) Vitamin D3 Fatty fish (salmon, tuna) D3 Egg yolks, liver D3 Fortified dairy, cereals D2/D3 Supplements D2 or D3 💊 D3 supplements are generally more effective at raising blood levels. ⚠️ Vitamin D Toxicity (Usually from Supplements) Symptoms When Levels > 100–150 ng/mL Nausea, vomiting ✅ Kidney stones or failure ✅ High calcium (hypercalcemia) ✅ Confusion or arrhythmia ✅ ✅ Summary Feature Details Test Name Vitamin D Gold (D2, D3, Total 25(OH)D) Purpose Assess vitamin D status Ideal Range 30–100 ng/mL (Total) Deficiency < 20 ng/mL Main Source D3 from sunlight and animal foods Toxicity Risk Usually from excess supplement use

🧪 Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Test Vitamin B7, also known as Biotin, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin essential for metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Though true biotin deficiency is rare, testing may be done if a deficiency is suspected, especially in certain metabolic disorders or prolonged supplementation concerns. 🧬 What Is Biotin? Acts as a coenzyme in metabolic reactions. Important for: Hair, skin, and nail health Glucose metabolism Nervous system function 📊 Normal Reference Range Test Normal Range (serum/plasma) Biotin (Vitamin B7) 200–1200 ng/L (or 0.2–1.2 µg/L) ⚠️ Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. 🧾 Example Lab Report Test Result Reference Range Vitamin B7 (Biotin) 95 ng/L 200–1200 ng/L ✅ Interpretation: Deficient — may suggest biotin deficiency, especially if symptoms are present. 🔍 Symptoms of Biotin Deficiency Though uncommon, deficiency may cause: Hair thinning or hair loss Scaly rash, especially around the eyes, nose, and mouth Brittle nails Fatigue Depression or irritability Numbness or tingling Seizures (in severe cases, especially in infants) ⚠️ Who’s at Risk of Biotin Deficiency? Pregnant women People on long-term antibiotics People on anti-seizure medications Individuals with biotinidase deficiency (a rare genetic disorder) Chronic alcohol use Raw egg white consumption (avidin in raw eggs binds biotin) 💊 Biotin Supplementation RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance): Adults: 30 mcg/day Pregnant women: 30–35 mcg/day Supplements often range from 1000–10,000 mcg, but high doses are rarely needed unless prescribed. ⚠️ Important Testing Note High biotin levels from supplements can interfere with lab tests, especially: Thyroid function tests (T3, T4, TSH) Troponin (heart attack marker) Hormone assays (e.g., estrogen, testosterone) 👉 If you're taking biotin supplements, stop 48–72 hours before testing, unless directed otherwise. ✅ Summary Feature Details Vitamin Biotin (Vitamin B7) Normal Range 200–1200 ng/L Deficiency symptoms Hair loss, rash, fatigue, neuro signs Testing interference Biotin can falsely alter lab results Deficiency Causes Antibiotics, anticonvulsants, malabsorption, raw eggs

💊 Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Test The Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Test measures the level of thiamine, a water-soluble B-complex vitamin essential for energy metabolism, nerve function, and muscle coordination. 🧬 Why Is This Test Done? Clinical Use Purpose 👣 Peripheral neuropathy Rule out B1 deficiency (e.g. burning feet, tingling) 🧠 Wernicke’s encephalopathy Neurological symptoms due to severe B1 deficiency 🍺 Chronic alcoholism Commonly causes thiamine deficiency 🥼 Malabsorption syndromes Celiac, Crohn’s, bariatric surgery 🍚 High-carb malnutrition diets Increased thiamine need 👩‍⚕️ Patients on parenteral nutrition Monitoring B1 status 📊 Normal Reference Range Sample Type Normal Range Whole Blood Thiamine 70 – 180 nmol/L or ~10–30 µg/L Plasma Thiamine 1.5 – 15 µg/L (varies by lab) Whole blood testing is more accurate than plasma, as most thiamine is inside red blood cells. 🧾 Sample Report Example Test Result Normal Range Vitamin B1 (Thiamine, whole blood) 64 nmol/L 70–180 nmol/L (Low) 🟥 Interpretation: Indicates thiamine deficiency ⚠️ Symptoms of Vitamin B1 Deficiency Type of Deficiency Symptoms Dry beriberi Numbness, burning feet, muscle weakness, foot drop Wet beriberi Heart failure, rapid heartbeat, swelling Wernicke’s encephalopathy Confusion, ataxia, eye movement problems Korsakoff’s syndrome Memory loss, confabulation (chronic phase of Wernicke’s) 🥗 Sources of Vitamin B1 Food Source Thiamine Content Whole grains (brown rice, oats) High Legumes (lentils, beans) Good Nuts and seeds Moderate Pork Excellent source Fortified cereals and breads Common in many diets 💡 Thiamine is destroyed by: Alcohol Overcooking Refined (polished) grains ⚠️ Risk Factors for Deficiency Alcoholism Malabsorption syndromes Dialysis Diuretic use High sugar/carb diets Pregnancy and breastfeeding (increased demand) ✅ Summary Feature Detail Test Name Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Sample Type Whole blood or plasma Normal Range 70–180 nmol/L (whole blood) Deficiency Symptoms Fatigue, neuropathy, confusion Common Causes Alcoholism, malnutrition, GI disorders Toxicity Rare (water-soluble vitamin)