A vitamin profile test detects the levels of most major vitamins in a patient's bloodstream and is a useful tool to screen for malnutrition caused by a poor diet or digestive illness. Different tests measure...

Beta carotene is a bright reddish-orange pigment found in plants like the carrot, pumpkin and sweet potato. The body can convert it into Vitamin A and beta carotene acts as an important anti-oxidant in the...

Ferritin is a protein stored inside blood cells that also helps physicians measure iron levels in the blood. Ferritin tests work best when performed alongside iron tests and TIBC (total iron binding capacity) tests. The...

Folate and folic acid are naturally occurring sources of B-vitamins found in fortified foods, leafy green vegetables, some fruits and legumes. If the body lacks adequate folate, patients may suffer from diarrhea, macrocytic anemia, nerve...

The TIBC test stands for total iron binding capacity. It measures the body's ability to transport iron via the bloodstream using a protein called transferrin. Most of the time, doctors recommend this test when they...

A Vitamin A, E and beta carotene blood profile can help patients determine the quality of their nutrition and maintain better over all health. All these vitamins are important anti-oxidants, substances that fight oxidation within...

Vitamin A is also known as retinol and is an important contributor to accurate eyesight and proper cell function. As a fat-soluble vitamin, it remains in the body for long periods of time and can...

Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine. It is found naturally in plants, mushrooms and other fungi, and bacteria and is responsible for proper functioning of the heart and nervous system. Too little vitamin B1,...

Vitamin B12 is an important water soluble vitamin responsible for correct blood production and a well-functioning nervous system. It is found primarily in meat and shellfish, meaning that deficiencies are frequently a problem for vegetarians,...

A vitamin B12 and folate test checks the blood serum levels for two B vitamins important to proper nervous system function. It is most likely to be recommended by a doctor when a standard complete...

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin in the B complex group. It is an important component of enzymatic reactions throughout the body, including the use of amino acids, glucose production and metabolism of fats. This...

Vitamin C is also called L-ascorbic acid and L-ascorbate. It is one of the most common essential nutrients and is responsible for keeping the body's metabolism working correctly. Too little vitamin C results in a...

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps with muscle and bone development, mood and other basic body functions. It exists in several different forms, commonly referred to as vitamins D1 through D5. Vitamin D...

Vitamin D, 25-hydroxy is an inactive form of the fat-soluble vitamin D that is responsible for maintaining good bone growth and healthy tissues. The kidneys metabolize this form of the vitamin into one that is...

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in corn, soy, sunflower, safflower and wheat germ oils, as well as nuts and fortified grain products. It acts as an anti-oxidant, preventing cell damage caused by oxidation....

Vitamin K1 is also known as phylloquinone and is a fat-soluble vitamin naturally found in a large number of green plants, including broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts and other members of the Brassica group. It plays...

Lactose tolerance tests can be used to diagnose a hereditary problem digesting lactose, the primary sugar found in milk or other dairy products. Many people, especially those of Native American, African, Asian and Mediterranean descent,...

Celiac disease, sometimes called celiac sprue, is a type of autoimmune disorder that occurs in the small intestine. It is most likely to occur in people with genetic disposition for it and prevents sufferers from...

Chromium is a metallic mineral that affects many different areas of the body, but is nonessential for human life. It occurs in trace amounts in a wide range of foods, making it very difficult to...

Cobalt is a silver-gray metal in its natural form, but is often used in blue pigments, glass and high-strength or magnetic metal alloys. It is an essential dietary trace mineral for humans and other animals,...

Iron is an abundant element required by all living organisms. In humans, it gives blood its characteristic red color and helps protect against bacterial infections. Low iron levels are especially common in women of child-bearing...

Magnesium is a metallic element with a slightly tart flavor and is responsible for maintaining proper cell function. It occurs naturally in coffee, tea, cocoa, grains, nuts and spices, as well as leafy green vegetables....

  Manganese is a metallic element found naturally in leafy green vegetables, nuts, fruits, whole grains, coffee, spices and tea. Doctors consider it an essential trace element that helps the bones develop properly and ensures...

Selenium is an element necessary for basic cellular function that can be found in nuts, fish and shellfish, meat, eggs and whole grains. Too little of this mineral can produce thyroid problems, weakening of the...

Zinc is an important trace mineral responsible for enzyme production and proper cellular function. Unlike many other dietary trace minerals, many people are deficient in zinc, producing digestive problems and a wide range of diseases....