About the vitamins tested
GetTested’s vitamin test covers a wide range of vitamins. Below are stated the vitamins that are analysed, what their functions are and what causes a deficiency.
- Vitamin A (retinol): a nutrient that is important to vision. It helps the immune system work properly to fight against infections and illnesses. It also keeps the skin healthy. A Vitamin A deficiency causes you to have trouble seeing in low light (this is also referred to as night blindness). Your eyes and skin may become dry. In a worse case, vitamin A deficiency can cause infertility. Deficiency is caused mainly by an inadequate diet or chronic diarrhoea.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin): a nutrient which processes food and turns it into energy for the body. A Vitamin B3 deficiency can lead to severe skin rash and cause diarrhoea, headaches and even depression. A diet low in tryptophans causes a deficiency.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): a nutrient that breaks down fats and carbohydrates and turns it into energy. It has an important function in the production of red blood cells and sex and stress-related hormones. It’s also known for lessening acne and keeping the skin clean and smooth. A Vitamin B5 deficiency, although rare, can cause insomnia, depression and stomach pains. Alcoholics and women who are on oral contraceptives are at risk for a vitamin B5 deficiency.
- Vitamin B7 (biotin): biotin metabolises carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids (protein). It is often found in cosmetics, because it strengthens the hair and nails. A Vitamin B7 deficiency causes thinning hair, skin rashes around the eyes, nose and mouth and brittle nails. Crohn’s disease or Colitis can cause a Vitamin B7 deficiency.
- Folate (vitamin B9): folate is necessary for the body to make DNA and other genetic material. It also plays a role in cell division. During periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy, it is a critical vitamin. A Folate deficiency causes fatigue, general weakness and neurological problems. A lack of folic acid in the diet results in a Folate deficiency.
- Cobalamin (vitamin B12): cobalamin plays an important role in energy metabolism. It is necessary to produce red blood cells and DNA. A Cobalamin deficiency causes feelings of tiredness and weakness and lightheadedness. People who don’t eat meat, eggs or milk are at risk of having a Cobalamin deficiency.
- Vitamin D3 (25OH): a nutrient that supports the immune system. It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus and contributes to maintaining strong bones. A vitamin D3 deficiency can lead to the loss of bone strength and result in bone fractures. A low exposure to sunlight is the main cause of vitamin D3 deficiency.
- Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol): vitamin E serves as an antioxidant. It protects the cells, organs, eyes and tissue. A vitamin E deficiency can cause damage to the nerves and muscles and weaken the immune system. A vitamin E deficiency is not very common, but is caused by an inadequate diet.
- Coenzyme Q10: an antioxidant that helps convert food into energy. As an antioxidant, it fights damaging particles in the body that could cause cancer. A Q10 deficiency is mostly the result of genetic defects and causes neurological issues.
Common symptoms of vitamin deficiency
In the case of a vitamin deficiency, it can take a while before you start to notice any symptoms. In some cases, the deficiency may have been going on for a long time before the symptoms appear. Some general examples of symptoms that can occur with a vitamin deficiency are:
- Fatigue, low energy
- Dry skin and dry hair
- Depression
- Irritability
The symptoms can vary depending on what vitamin your body is lacking. Different vitamins have different functions and a deficiency can result in different symptoms.
FAQ
What affects vitamin deficiency?
Stress, pregnancy, dietary intake/diet and age are some factors that can affect our vitamin status.
Who should test for vitamin deficiency?
The vitamin deficiency is suitable for anyone who worries they may not be getting enough nutrients and/or are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with a vitamin deficiency. In such a case it may be wise to consult a doctor and get a vitamin deficiency test.
For people planning to become pregnant, it is important to check their nutritional status, as certain vitamin deficiencies can affect the foetus.
How do you test for vitamin deficiency?
Testing yourself to measure a possible vitamin deficiency is easily done from home via a blood test. The sample is analysed at an ISO-certified and accredited laboratory.
Is vitamin deficiency common?
Vitamin deficiencies are relatively common in the UK, especially folate/folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin D in the winter. Deficiency can be affected by factors such as diet, age, medications, pregnancy and sun exposure.
How does the test work?
The test is a blood test that is collected at home via a prick in the finger and then you squeeze out blood which you drip into two different tubes, a tube with a yellow cap and a tube with a red cap. The test must be taken on an empty stomach in the morning. The sample is then sent to the lab for analysis and you will receive your answer digitally as soon as the lab has analysed your sample. Shipping to the lab is included in the price.
How long does it take to get the results?
As soon as the samples have arrived, they will immediately be tested at the lab, so you can expect the test results should be back to you within a week.
When should I take the test?
It is recommended to take the test on an empty stomach in the morning. This way your level has not been influenced by the time of day or intake of food and you can get a better understanding of your vitamin levels.
Where can I test for minerals?
If you also want to test your mineral levels, you can do so via our nutritional test which you can find here.
How can I treat a vitamin deficiency?
Your doctor may prescribe you supplements to get your nutrient levels up again, but there are also different foods you can add to your diet to naturally increase your vitamin levels. Here’s what you can do:
- Vitamin A (retinol): consume vitamin A–rich foods, such as liver, beef, chicken, eggs, fortified milk, tomatoes, and green and orange vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli, carrots, pumpkin).
- Vitamin B3 (niacin): consume vitamin B3–rich foods, such as red meat, fish, brown rice, cereals, seeds, bananas, avocados.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): adopt a diet rich in vegetables, meat, fortified cereals, legumes and dairy. Examples include: mushroom, chicken liver or breast, dairy, beef avocados , nuts and seeds.
- Vitamin B7 (biotin): consume vitamin B7-rich foods such as meat (beef liver, pork), eggs, salmon, avocados, bananas, raspberries, sweet potatoes, nuts and seeds. If you have a genetic disorder, you may need biotin supplements.
- Folate (vitamin B9): adopt a diet with lots of green vegetables like turnip greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, asparagus, broccoli, and also beans and fresh fruits. Oranges are especially high in folate. To help raise your folate levels, it is also important to reduce your alcohol consumption.
- Cobalamin (vitamin B12): include vitamin b12-fortified grains in your diet, as well as animal products like meat, eggs, dairy and seafood (clams, sardines, tuna).
- Vitamin D3 (25OH): increase your sun exposure and take in foods containing vitamin D3 such as fatty fish, spinach, bananas, mushrooms, and (soy)milk.
- Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol): adopt a diet rich in leafy vegetables (like spinach), fortified cereals, whole grains, nuts and seeds, sunflower (seeds), peanuts and almonds.
- Coenzyme Q10: adopt a diet rich in vegetables, fruits (strawberries, oranges), legumes (soybeans). Especially fatty fish, (organ) meats, nuts and seeds contain high levels of CoQ10.
Refunds and returns
General Terms and Conditions
GetTested offers a wide range of health analyses to individuals and companies. We collaborate with a number of subcontractors of medical laboratory operations for analysis of the samples.
To order our analyses, you must be at least 18 years old, people under the age of 18 need a parent’s permit. GetTested is not a substitute for traditional healthcare. In case of any problems, you should always contact healthcare. When you place your order, you accept our terms of purchase.
Test results
You will receive your test result digitally via the login you created when you registered your test. The response time varies for different analyses, information on how long the response time your analysis takes can be found on the product page. You as a customer are responsible for registering your unique test ID in order to receive your analysis answer. Your analysis answers are sent encrypted with ID verification for maximum security.
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Shipping will be added with £ 4. Our products are sent to the address you specified when ordering. You as a customer are responsible for providing correct address information when ordering. If you have not received your delivery within 10 working days, please contact us at hello@gettested.co.uk and we will help you.
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You as a customer have a 14-day right of withdrawal. The withdrawal period begins to apply on the day you received your goods. The right of withdrawal only applies to analyses that have not been sent to the laboratory for analysis and where the test kit, including the pre-stamped envelope, has not been used. Contact hello@gettested.co.uk to exercise your right of withdrawal and further instructions. If you do not return everything in original condition, we reserve the right to deduct the amount of the refund to cover the fees for the material cost.
We ask you to follow the instructions carefully. If, contrary to expectation, you need more material to perform your test, you can buy it yourself in our online store. This is because we have pushed prices to the maximum so that you as a customer will receive the best offer on the market.
In the event of a right of withdrawal, we will refund you within 30 days from the day you received the item. Any shipping and return costs are borne by the customer and are not refunded.
If you as a customer have used your test kit and regret your purchase after that, we will charge a cost of £15 for the test kit and £4 for shipping (a total of £21) which is deducted from the total amount we refund you, this to cover the cost of the sample material.
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Other
GetTested reserves the right to make any price changes and is not responsible for any errors that may be attributable to a laboratory used for sampling and analysis. GetTested reserves the right to make errors in the article information.
Test done at home
Before you start, you need to register your test. Your test kit contains a sticker with your unique test ID. Register your test ID at 
Wash your hands in hot water for about a minute. This will increase blood circulation in your fingers. Then dry your hands. Doing a blood test without stimulating the blood circulation might be difficult, so please do not skip this step.
Disinfect your “test finger” with the supplied disinfectant paper. Wait a few seconds until the finger has completely dried up.
Rotate the protective cover on the blood lancet to remove it. Use the extra lancet if you need to do another finger prick.
Place your hand on a flat surface. Put the lancet diagonally toward the test finger and press down the button. Make sure the lancet is pressed against the finger the whole time.
We recommend that you stand up at this stage to let the blood in your arm flow downward. Stimulate the blood flow by massaging the finger toward the needle stick.
Transfer the blood drops into the test tube until the blood reaches the marked line. If it doesn’t reach the marked line, there won’t be enough blood for the lab to test. Please contact us if you have any troubles.
Place the sticker with your unique test ID on the test tube. Place the test tube inside the transport tube and seal.
Put the tubes in the enclosed envelope and send it to the lab the same day, preferably a Monday or Tuesday.
Farah Hussein –
This test revealed my vitamin shortfalls. Now I’m thriving after necessary adjustments!
Sofia –
This test was a health wake-up call. Feeling much better now with supplements.:-)
Hughes –
Navigating the complex world of vitamins can be overwhelming. With countless articles and experts suggesting different things, I was lost amidst the cacophony of advice. Enter GetTested’s Total Vitamin Deficiency Test. I took a leap of faith, hoping to gain some clarity, and I wasn’t disappointed. The process was surprisingly simple. From ordering to receiving the kit, and then sending the sample back – each step was effortless and efficient. The instructions provided were straightforward and easy to understand, which made the experience seamless. When my results came in, they were an eye-opener. Presented in an understandable format, the report shed light on several deficiencies I wasn’t aware of. It not only showed which vitamins I was lacking but also provided actionable advice on how to address these deficiencies. Using these insights, I tweaked my diet, incorporated necessary supplements, and within weeks, noticed a significant improvement in my energy levels and overall well-being. This test has truly transformed the way I approach my health, making it personalized rather than generic.
Lakshmi –
Struggled with fatigue and poor skin health for years, not knowing the cause. Took this test and discovered multiple vitamin deficiencies. With dietary adjustments and targeted supplements, my energy levels and skin health have improved remarkably. So glad I took the step and can now navigate my health journey with confidence!
Samantha Taylor –
Test results were eye-opening. I’m now supplementing and feeling healthier.
Morgan –
Investing in our health is the best thing we can do for ourselves. With this philosophy, I opted for the Total Vitamin Deficiency Test, hoping to identify any gaps in my nutrition. The outcome was both enlightening and transformative. The testing kit arrived promptly and was meticulously organized, eliminating any guesswork. The entire procedure was smooth, thanks to the comprehensive instructions provided.
My results were a revelation. It became evident that while I was getting adequate amounts of certain vitamins, there were glaring deficiencies in others. The comprehensive report didn’t just identify the gaps but also offered recommendations to fill them. Guided by this information, I revamped my nutritional strategy. The impact? A noticeable surge in my vitality and cognitive clarity. If wellness is a puzzle, this test is a critical piece. 🙂
Carlos –
Very pleased! Thanks
Robert Sinclair –
Took this test out of curiosity. It showed a couple of deficiencies I wasn’t expecting. Since addressing these, I’ve noticed some small but positive changes in my energy levels and general well-being. The process was straightforward and results were clear. It’s a decent tool for those interested in better understanding their health.
Isabella Martina –
Was constantly feeling off, with no clue why. This test was a revelation, uncovering deficiencies in several vitamins. I’ve tweaked my diet and added supplements, and the difference is night and day. My mood has improved, I’m more energetic, and I feel better overall. Couldn’t recommend this test more!
Jessica –
i’d always been conscious of my health, maintaining a balanced diet, and a regular exercise routine. yet, something felt amiss. this was the tool i needed to identify these hidden gaps. comprehensive and user-friendly, the results were a treasure trove of insights. they highlighted areas of improvement and guided my nutrition journey. today, I feel more energized, focused, and in tune with my body’s needs. 😀
Naomi –
For someone who’s experienced persistent fatigue, finding the root cause was essential. The Total Vitamin Deficiency Test provided the answers. A hassle-free process with in-depth results, I discovered multiple vitamin deficiencies in my system. Armed with this knowledge, I made dietary changes that have since transformed my daily life. Energy, mood, focus – everything feels enhanced.