i-Screen i-Screen

Nutrition (Micronutrient) Check

Type

Blood Testing

Biomarkers

28

Duration

30 min

Results

4 days

Comprehensive blood test to analyze micronutrient levels and assess nutritional status.

Vitamin and nutrient testing measures the levels of essential micronutrients in your blood — vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that your body needs in small amounts but cannot function without. Common tests include B12 (critical for nerve function and red blood cell production), folate (essential for DNA synthesis and especially important in pregnancy), zinc (immune function, wound healing), magnesium (involved in 300+ enzymatic reactions), and selenium (thyroid function, antioxidant defense). Deficiencies are more common than most people realize, particularly in B12 (affecting up to 20% of older adults), vitamin D, iron, and magnesium. Symptoms are often vague — fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep — making testing the only reliable way to identify specific gaps.

Key Details

Nutrients Tested
1–30+ (varies by panel)
Fasting Required
Varies by specific test
Sample Type
Blood draw
Turnaround
2–5 business days
Common Use
Deficiency screening, supplementation guidance

Who Is This For?

Vegetarians and vegans (at higher risk of B12, iron, and zinc deficiency). Older adults, as nutrient absorption decreases with age. Anyone on restrictive diets or with digestive conditions affecting absorption. People experiencing unexplained fatigue, brain fog, poor wound healing, or hair loss. Athletes with high nutrient demands from training.

What's Included

Vitamin B12
Folate (vitamin B9)
Additional vitamins and minerals (varies by panel)

Preparation Required

Fasting for 8–10 hours is recommended for some nutrient tests but not all — check with your provider. Continue taking your regular supplements unless told otherwise (the test measures your steady-state levels). Morning draws are preferred for consistent results.

Biomarkers Tested

28
Active Vitamin B12 pmol/L

Active vitamin B12 is the biologically active form of vitamin B12 that is essential for many physiological processes in the body, including the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and nerve function.

Folate (Vitamin B9) ng/mL

Essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell formation. Folate deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and, during pregnancy, increases the risk of neural tube defects. Works closely with vitamin B12.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) nmol/L

Essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function. Thiamine deficiency can cause beriberi (nerve damage) and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Common in chronic alcohol use and malabsorption conditions.

Vitamin B6 ng/mL

Involved in over 100 enzyme reactions, primarily in protein metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and immune function. Deficiency can cause anemia, dermatitis, and neurological symptoms. Excess supplementation can cause nerve damage.

Vitamin C mg/dL

A powerful water-soluble antioxidant essential for collagen synthesis, immune function, and iron absorption. Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy. It also supports wound healing and protects against oxidative stress.

Vitamin D (25-OHD) ng/mL

The best indicator of overall vitamin D status. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Deficiency is extremely common, especially in northern latitudes, and linked to increased disease risk.

Vitamin A (Retinol) µg/dL

A fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, skin health, and cell growth. Both deficiency and excess can cause health problems. Levels are tightly regulated by the liver.

Vitamin E mg/L

A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. Vitamin E works synergistically with vitamin C and selenium. Deficiency is rare but can cause nerve and muscle damage.

Selenium µg/L

A trace mineral crucial for thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense (via selenoproteins), and immune function. Selenium deficiency can impair thyroid function and increase susceptibility to viral infections.

Copper µg/dL

A trace mineral essential for iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and antioxidant defense. The copper/zinc ratio is an emerging marker of inflammation and oxidative stress. Both deficiency and excess can cause problems.

Zinc µg/dL

An essential trace mineral involved in immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and testosterone production. Zinc deficiency impairs immune response, delays wound healing, and can cause hair loss and taste changes.

Copper to Zinc ratio ratio

A commonly cited range for the copper to zinc ratio is 0.7 and 1.0. Studies have noted that ratios above 1.0 may be associated with higher levels of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Iron (Fe) µg/dL

A mineral essential for oxygen transport (in hemoglobin), energy production, and immune function. Serum iron measures the amount circulating in blood, but ferritin and TIBC provide a more complete picture of iron status.

Transferrin mg/dL

Transferrin is a protein that binds and transports iron in the blood. Abnormal levels can indicate iron metabolism disorders.

Transferrin saturation %

The percentage of transferrin (iron-transporting protein) that is carrying iron. Calculated from serum iron and TIBC. Low saturation indicates iron deficiency; high saturation may indicate hemochromatosis (iron overload).

Ferritin ng/mL

The primary iron storage protein. Ferritin reflects total body iron stores and is the first marker to drop in iron deficiency. However, ferritin also rises with inflammation, infection, and liver disease, which can mask true iron deficiency.

Calcium mg/dL

The most abundant mineral in the body, essential for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting. Blood calcium is tightly regulated by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. Abnormal levels can indicate parathyroid disorders.

Calcium (corrected) mg/dL

Calcium adjusted for albumin levels to provide a more accurate measure of physiologically active calcium. Important because total calcium can appear falsely low when albumin is low, even if actual calcium is normal.

Magnesium mg/dL

Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions including energy production, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Magnesium deficiency is common and associated with muscle cramps, anxiety, insomnia, and increased cardiovascular risk.

Phosphate mg/dL

A mineral essential for bone formation, energy metabolism (ATP), and acid-base balance. Phosphate levels are inversely related to calcium and regulated by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D.

Sodium mEq/L

The primary electrolyte regulating fluid balance and blood pressure. Sodium is essential for nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Abnormal levels can cause confusion, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Potassium mEq/L

A critical electrolyte for heart rhythm, muscle contractions, and nerve function. Both high and low potassium can cause dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Levels are influenced by kidney function, medications, and diet.

Chloride mEq/L

An electrolyte that works with sodium to maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and acid-base balance. Chloride abnormalities often accompany sodium abnormalities and can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders.

Fasting glucose mmol/L

If you have diabetes your body doesn't process glucose effectively.

Triglycerides mg/dL

The most common type of fat in the body, stored for energy. Elevated triglycerides — often from excess sugar, alcohol, or calories — increase cardiovascular risk and can cause pancreatitis at very high levels.

Albumin g/dL

The most abundant protein in blood, produced by the liver. Albumin maintains blood volume and pressure, and transports hormones, vitamins, and drugs. Low levels indicate liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, or chronic inflammation.

Total Protein g/dL

Measures the combined amount of albumin and globulin proteins in your blood. These proteins are essential for fighting infections, blood clotting, and transporting substances throughout the body.

Vitamin B12 pg/mL

Essential for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. B12 deficiency can cause anemia, neuropathy, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Common in vegans, vegetarians, older adults, and those taking metformin or acid-reducing medications.

Frequently Asked Questions