B Vitamins

B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning the body does not store large reserves. Intake through diet or supplementation needs to be consistent to maintain adequate levels. Deficiencies can develop gradually and may produce non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, tingling, or difficulty concentrating. This panel measures four commonly tested B vitamins to give an overview of your status.

This test may be relevant for:

• People who experience symptoms such as fatigue, tingling in hands or feet, or difficulty concentrating
• Those who follow a restricted diet that may limit B vitamin intake
• Older adults, as absorption of certain B vitamins may decline with age
• Anyone taking B vitamin supplements who wants to verify their levels are within expected ranges
• People who want to check their B vitamin status as part of a broader health overview

This panel includes four B vitamins:

• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): involved in nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production. Deficiency can lead to a type of anemia and neurological symptoms.
• Folate (Vitamin B9): involved in cell division and DNA synthesis. Adequate folate is particularly relevant during pregnancy.
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): plays a role in energy metabolism and nerve function.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): involved in protein metabolism, immune function, and neurotransmitter production.

Low Vitamin B12 may suggest insufficient dietary intake or absorption, which can be associated with fatigue, neurological symptoms, or changes in red blood cell size. Low folate can also contribute to anemia and is relevant for cell division. Vitamin B1 deficiency is less common in varied diets but can occur with certain dietary patterns or conditions. Vitamin B6 levels can reflect dietary intake and may be low in people with limited dietary variety.

The results can help identify specific gaps in your B vitamin status and provide a starting point for discussion about diet or supplementation.

This test uses a blood sample collected at a certified sample point (afnamepunt). With over 750 partner locations across the Netherlands, you can select a convenient location. A trained phlebotomist performs the blood draw, and results are typically available within a few working days.

This test may be useful when:

• You experience symptoms that could be related to B vitamin deficiency, such as fatigue or neurological symptoms
• You follow a diet that may limit B vitamin intake, such as a vegan or very restrictive diet
• You take B vitamin supplements and want to check whether your levels are within expected ranges
• You are an older adult and want to verify adequate B vitamin levels

Each marker is shown with your value and the reference range. Values within range generally suggest adequate levels for that vitamin. Values below the range may indicate that dietary intake or supplementation could be adjusted. Values above the range can occur with high-dose supplementation and may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

Your report includes explanations for each vitamin. We recommend discussing the results with a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalised advice.

No specific preparation is needed for this test. If you take B vitamin supplements, you may wish to take them as usual unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise, so that the results reflect your typical status. Staying well hydrated before your appointment may make the blood draw more comfortable.

Your results are typically available within a few working days. The report includes your values alongside reference ranges with explanations for each vitamin. If any value falls outside the expected range, this is highlighted. We recommend discussing the results with a healthcare provider or dietitian, who can offer guidance on dietary adjustments or supplementation if needed.