Fat-soluble vitamins – A, D, E and K – are nutrients that are dissolved in fats that travel through the small intestines and are distributed through the body in the bloodstream. They are stored in the liver and fatty tissue for future use. Testing provides a good indication of their status throughout the body, and as they are involved in a vast array of important body functions that are both protective and regulatory, test results can give important information about overall health.
Deficiencies of these fat soluble vitamins is rare, but less than optimal levels may be affected by poor diets, incorrect supplementation, excessive alcohol consumption, malabsorption and smoking. An increased demand can be associated with some chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Vitamin A: necessary for bone and tooth formation and vision, this nutrient also contributes to immune and cellular function as well as keeping the intestines working properly. Deficiencies are rare in the developed world, but do occur and cause dry skin and eyes, night blindness, frequent chest and throat infections, as well as problems with fertility.
Vitamin D: also helps the development of teeth and bone by supporting absorption and metabolism of phosphorous and calcium. Deficiency is common worldwide and is associated with bone loss, depression, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, MS and some cancers.
Vitamin E: an antioxidant that helps to fight infection and supports red blood cell health. Deficiency is usually associated with an underlying health condition such as Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis.
Vitamin K: essential for blood clotting, and helps to keep bones healthy. Deficiency is rare in adults and more common in babies and children, but may be present if those taking blood thinners or antibiotics.
The test includes the following vitamins and related compounds:
Vitamin A (retinol)
Vitamin E (tocopherol)
Vitamin D3 (25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol)
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone, phytonadione), vitamin K2, CoQ10
Carotenes: alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, alpha-lycopene, beta-lycopene, luteïn, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin.
18 years and above.
Blood draw. This is recommended to be done before breakfast after an overnight fast (8 hour minimum).
You will need to arrange for a blood sample to be collected by a nurse at your GP service or at a private clinic or hospital. Any fee for this service is not included with the test fee.
Please note that samples should only be posted straight away on Monday – Thursday so that they do not arrive over the weekend when the lab is closed.
Do not take vitamin supplements 24 hours prior to taking the test unless you are monitoring therapy. Full instructions will be sent with the test.
2 years and above.
The cost of return postage is included in your test. You will receive a prepaid addressed envelope for returning your samples with your test.
16 working days
Your results will be emailed to you.
All sample reports are for representational and educational purposes only. Biomarkers, references ranges, results, and all other data may differ from actual reports. All data included in no way represents an actual patient. Any comparisons of results to actual patients is completely incidental.
Updated April 2020
