5 Best At-Home 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

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that support many crucial body functions. At-home vitamin deficiency tests can check for deficiencies, but a person should only make health decisions based on their results with input from a doctor.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

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.

A person interested in seeing if they may have a vitamin deficiency can purchase a home-testing kit to check for possible deficiencies. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons of these services.

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

• The nutrients tested: Many companies offer comprehensive panels that test for 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.

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.

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 own sample may wish to visit an in-person testing center.

If a test shows that a person has a vitamin deficiency, it is important that they 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.

Regardless of the results of an at-home vitamin deficiency test, a person should consider consulting a doctor. If their results are positive for a deficiency, a doctor will likely double-check them, run other appropriate tests when needed, and help diagnose any underlying cause before setting out a treatment plan.

If an individual’s results are negative but they are still experiencing symptoms of a vitamin or mineral deficiency, a doctor may carry out further tests to diagnose any underlying conditions.

A person should not treat a vitamin or mineral deficiency without discussing it with a doctor.

Below, we answer some of the top frequently asked questions about vitamin deficiency tests.

How do you test for vitamin deficiencies?

People can test for vitamin deficiencies with at-home tests such as 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.

Can I ask my doctor for a vitamin deficiency test?

Yes, a doctor can offer vitamin deficiency testing if they think it is medically necessary.

Are at-home vitamin deficiency tests accurate?

The accuracy of a vitamin deficiency test depends on the company, the sample collection, and various procedures. If the company designs its devices in line with medical guidelines and people take their samples correctly, the test results may be accurate.

The Food and Drug Administration has a list of approved at-home tests, and anyone concerned about accuracy may prefer to use one.

To help ensure accuracy, carefully follow the instructions about taking, storing, and sending off samples.

How can I tell if I have a vitamin deficiency?

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, and hair loss. An iron deficiency can cause fatigue, while a lack of vitamin D can be responsible for muscle twitches, fatigue, and osteoporosis.

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

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.