Vitamin Profile
Understanding Vitamin Profile
What is Vitamin Profile?
The Vitamin Profile is a group of tests that assesses the levels of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), vitamin D, and vitamin B9 (folate) in the body. These tests help check overall health, find any vitamin deficiency, and see if the diet or supplements are effective.
Vitamins like B9 (folate), B12 (cobalamin), and D are crucial in various physiological functions. They help in energy metabolism, bone health, and DNA synthesis. Hence, determining their levels can provide significant health information. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and B9 (folate) are essential for DNA synthesis and the formation of red blood cells. Furthermore, vitamin B12 is also vital for neurological function. Vitamin D is crucial for healthy bones and teeth, immune function, and overall well-being.
Doctors may advise the Vitamin Profile if there are symptoms suggestive of vitamin deficiencies. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint or muscle pain, weight changes, hair loss, frequent infections, etc. This profile may also help monitor nutritional status, particularly in individuals with problems such as bone disorders, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol.
Abnormal test results indicate deficiencies that may require supplementation or dietary adjustments. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency can cause anemia and nerve problems. It may happen if the body cannot absorb vitamin B12, a lack in dietary sources (common in vegetarians and vegans), or due to certain stomach or gut issues. Vitamin D deficiency can happen if there is limited sun exposure, obesity, malabsorption disorders, or inadequate dietary intake. Low vitamin D levels can lead to conditions like rickets, osteomalacia, and an increased risk of fractures. Vitamin B9 (folate) deficiency can be caused by poor diet, alcohol use, certain medicines, or trouble absorbing nutrients. It can lead to megaloblastic anemia, particularly during pregnancy, and cause birth defects in the baby.
No fasting is required for this test. Eat and drink normally as per the routine. Inform the doctors about any medications or supplements that may affect the results.
Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs. Talk to the doctor about specific test results. The results will help them determine the medical condition and formulate an overall treatment plan. They may suggest lifestyle recommendations and medications if required to manage the condition.
What is Vitamin Profile used for?
The Vitamin Profile is done:
- To check if the body has enough Vitamin B9, B12, and D.
- To find out if you have a vitamin deficiency.
- To understand the cause of symptoms like tiredness, weakness, or mood changes.
- To help diagnose health problems like anemia, bone weakness, or nerve issues.
- To monitor your vitamin levels if you're taking supplements or changing your diet.
- To support overall health, especially during pregnancy, old age, or chronic illness.
- To help prevent long-term problems like osteoporosis or immune system disorders.
What does Vitamin Profile measure?
Contains 3 testsThe Vitamin Profile checks the levels of three important vitamins in your body — vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
These vitamins help keep your nerves working well, help your body make new cells and DNA, support your immune system, and keep your bones strong. If these vitamin levels are too low or too high, it can cause tiredness, mood changes, muscle cramps, weakness, anemia, or even serious health problems, if not treated in time. This profile can identify vitamin problems early, enabling doctors to guide the right diet or supplements.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
The Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) test analyzes the levels of vitamin B9 in the blood. Vitamin B9 is a part of the B complex of vitamins and is an essential nutrient, meaning the body cannot produce it and has to be taken into the diet. Folate is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, whereas folic acid refers to a supplement that is added to food and drinks. The deficiency of vitamin B9 (folic acid) can also lead to macrocytic anemia in which the size of the RBCs becomes larger than normal.
Know more about Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
Vitamin B12
The Vitamin B12 test measures your vitamin B12 levels. This vitamin is essential for various health aspects, such as maintaining a healthy nervous system, making red blood cells, and creating the genetic material of our cells. Low vitamin B12 levels are more likely to occur in older adults, children, vegans, vegetarians, people with diabetes, individuals who underwent gastric bypass surgery, women who are breastfeeding, and in conditions like Crohn’s disease that impact the absorption of this vitamin. High vitamin B12 levels are seen in conditions like liver diseases and myeloproliferative disorders. Also, high levels of vitamin B12 are seen in individuals on vitamin supplementation, but this usually does not require treatment as the excess vitamin is flushed out through urine.
Know more about Vitamin B12
Vitamin D (25-Hydroxy)
The Vitamin D (25-Hydroxy) test measures the levels of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that can be synthesized in the body upon healthy exposure to sunlight or absorbed from dietary sources. It majorly exists in two forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D2 is present in plants, such as yeast or mushrooms, and is available as a supplement in fortified foods, and vitamin D3 is found in foods like cheese, green vegetables, mushrooms, egg yolks, and fatty fish.
Vitamin D is available in two key forms: D2 (present in plants like mushrooms and in some fortified foods) and D3 (present in foods like cheese, green vegetables, egg yolks, mushrooms, and fatty fish).
Both forms of vitamin D need to be converted in the liver and kidneys before the body can use them effectively. This test shows the total level of vitamin D (D2 + D3) circulating in the body and guides your doctor in recommending the right treatment or lifestyle changes if needed.
Know more about Vitamin D (25-Hydroxy)
Interpreting Vitamin Profile results
Interpretations
The normal range of Vitamin B12 is 211 - 911 pg/mL, irrespective of sex and age.
High levels of Vitamin B12 may be seen in:
-
Kidney failure
-
Diabetes
-
Liver disease
Low levels of Vitamin B12 may be seen in:
-
Anemia
-
Hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid)
-
Worm infection
The normal range of vitamin D (25-OH) is measured as nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or nmol/L and can vary from lab to lab.
|
Level |
Reference range (ng/mL) |
|
Deficiency |
<20 |
|
Insufficiency |
20-29 |
|
Sufficiency |
30-100 |
|
Toxicity |
>100 |
-
There can be seasonal variations in vitamin D (25-OH) levels. The values can be 40-50% lower in winter than in summer. It is also influenced by sunlight, latitude, skin pigmentation, sunscreen use, and hepatic function.
-
Vitamin D (25-OH) levels can vary with age.
-
Vitamin D (25-OH) levels increase during pregnancy.
The normal range of Vitamin B9 is measured as nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL)
|
Result in ng/mL |
Remarks |
|
0.35 - 0.37 |
Deficient |
|
3.38 - 5.38 |
Indeterminate |
|
> 5.38 |
Normal |
-
Certain medicines like methotrexate and leucovorin can cause changes in vitamin B9 levels.
-
Methylmalonic acid in urine and serum homocysteine tests are suggested to differentiate between vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 deficiencies.
*Reference range may vary from lab to lab
Frequently Asked Questions about Vitamin Profile
Q. What does the Vitamin Profile measure?
Q. Do I need to fast before taking the Vitamin Profile test?
Q. How is the Vitamin Profile performed?
Q. Is there any risk associated with the Vitamin Profile?
Q. What is the benefit of getting the Vitamin Profile done?
Q. What happens if my vitamin levels are low?
Q. Can I take the Vitamin Profile during pregnancy?
Q. What can affect my Vitamin Profile results?
Q. Can too much of these vitamins be harmful?
Q. Can I take the Vitamin Profile at home?
Q. How does Tata 1mg ensure accurate lab test results?
Book a Vitamin Profile test at home near me
References
- Folate (Folic Acid) – Vitamin B9 [Internet]. Boston, MA: Harvard T.H Chan. School of Public Health; Mar. 2023 [Accessed 17 Mar. 2023]. Available from: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/folic-acid/
- Overview- Vitamins and minerals. NHS; 03 Aug. 2020 [Accessed 17 Mar. 2023]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/
- Vitamin and mineral supplements-what to know [Internet]. Australia: Better Health Channel; 07 Aug. 2022 [Accessed 17 Mar. 2023]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/vitamin-and-minerals
Other tests
