Advanced Vitamins Profile is a comprehensive evaluation of your body’s vitamin and nutritional status. It is a group of blood tests that can be done in any age or gender to check for vitamin deficiencies and associated conditions. It enables the healthcare professional to plan the line of treatment if required and to prevent and avoid any complications arising from the deficiencies.

You might have to fast for 6-8 hours before getting your Advanced Vitamins Profile done. Please consult your doctor for advice.

Why should you get this test done?

Since vitamins are critical to many of the body's vital processes, it is crucial to understand the amounts of vitamins in the body. They keep a check on the bone health, nerve condition, and growth of the cells as well.

You should get an Advanced Vitamins Profile done:

To diagnose certain diseases: Advanced Vitamins Profile enables the healthcare professional to check for deficiencies associated with these vitamins which can help in formulating the appropriate treatment plan.
To monitor the effectiveness of your ongoing treatment: If you are already undergoing treatment for abnormal levels of vitamins, then the Advanced Vitamins Profile will help in monitoring the effectiveness of your ongoing treatment.
If other tests show abnormal results or a person is at risk of developing deficiency: A Complete Blood Count test may indicate conditions such as anemia. Your doctor may ask you to get an Advanced Vitamins Profile to find out the cause. You may also be advised to get this test done if you are at risk of certain conditions that may be due to genetics.

More about the components:

Advanced Vitamins Profile includes 4 parameters:

Vitamin – B12: It is performed to determine the levels of vitamin B12 in the blood and to find out any deficiency states. It helps to diagnose conditions such as pernicious anemia, tapeworm infestation, vitamin B12 malabsorption, or certain autoimmune disorders including thyroid disease or vitiligo. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps in maintaining the health of nerve and blood cells.

Vitamin D Total (25-Hydroxy): It is a comprehensive evaluation of vitamin D levels in the body. It helps to detect whether there is a deficiency or overload of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It also helps to keep your muscles, nerves, and immune system working normally.

Folate Serum (Folic Acid) Vitamin B9: This test is used to identify folate deficiency. It helps in the diagnosis of various health conditions such as Megaloblastic anemia. Folate or Vitamin B9 is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential to carry out various processes in the body including synthesis of genetic material, proliferation of red blood cells, metabolism of proteins, and cell/tissue growth.

Precautions:

Fasting required – Yes
Do not skip any of your regular medications such as medications for thyroid, blood sugar, or hypertension on the day of the test. Consult with your doctor for advice. Your doctor might advise you to take the medicine after your blood sample is drawn.
Always inform your doctor about your existing medical conditions.
Inform your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, non-prescription, or herbal supplements as certain medications may alter the values of the test.
You might get a bruise or soreness at the site from where your blood is drawn. Consult with your doctor if it doesn’t resolve in a couple of days.

FAQs:

Q: Why is Advanced Vitamins Profile important?

A: Nutritional deficiencies can occur even if you are consuming a proper diet that is rich in all the nutrients. This might indicate an underlying disease. For instance, vitamin deficiency can occur due to poor absorption of nutrients, caused by digestive problems, aging, and certain health conditions and medications. These tests help identify the deficiencies.

Q: How is the sample taken for Advanced Vitamins Profile?

A: Vitamins are assessed using blood samples. A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from the vein in your arm.

Q: Who should get the Advanced Vitamins Profile test done?

A: Your doctor may prescribe you an Advanced Vitamins Profile if you have symptoms such as anorexia or significant weight loss, hair loss, fatigue, bone pain, shortness of breath, tingling in arms and legs, etc.

Q: Do pregnancy affect the results of the Advanced Vitamins Profile?

A: During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes numerous changes physiologically. Some of these changes may cause minor fluctuations in the levels of certain vitamins such as Vitamin B12. However, your doctor will correlate your test results with your clinical condition to frame a diagnosis.

Q: Is fasting required for Advanced Vitamins Profile?

A: Yes. The Advanced Vitamins Profile is usually done with a fasting blood sample. Fasting refers to 6-8 hours of overnight complete dietary restriction except for water and medications.

Q: Why is Folate Serum (Folic Acid) Vitamin B9 an essential part of the Advanced Vitamins Profile?

A: The levels of folate play some major roles in the body. It is specifically a crucial vitamin during pregnancy. The body needs folate for the proper growth of tissues and cells, production of DNA, formation of red blood cells, and metabolizing proteins.

Q: How often do I need to get an Advanced Vitamins Profile done?

A: If you are undergoing treatment for, or have deficiency states, or excess of these vitamins in the body, your doctor may suggest you do this test periodically. Alternatively, if you are a healthy individual, you may consult your doctor before undergoing these tests.

Q: What are the symptoms of low Vitamin D Total (25-Hydroxy) levels?

A: Low levels of Vitamin D Total (25-Hydroxy) may present as weakening of bones, abnormal bone development, bone pain, muscle cramps or weakness, or dental defects.

Q: What is the best time to get an Advanced Vitamins Profile done?

A: Since it requires fasting, Advanced Vitamins Profile is better done in the morning to get the best results. However, consult with your doctor before getting tested.

Vitamin Profile Lab Tests

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