Vitamin & Deficiency Risk Check
Find out if your lifestyle, diet, and symptoms suggest an increased risk of deficiency in key vitamins and minerals.
Vitamine Check
Basic Details
Diet
Lifestyle
Do you experience any of these symptoms?
Select all symptoms that apply. This is optional.
Your Risk Profile
Based on your answers, we have compiled the following risk profile.
Good news!
Based on your answers, you do not appear to have an elevated risk of deficiencies. Continue following a varied diet and have your blood values checked periodically.
Why get a blood test?
This risk assessment is based on known risk factors, but only a blood test can determine your actual levels. A blood test provides certainty about your vitamin and mineral status.
Want to keep track of your results?
Create a free account to save your scores and see how they change over time.
Medical Disclaimer
This risk assessment is based on known risk factors from scientific research and guidelines from the RIVM, the Health Council of the Netherlands, and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace blood testing or medical advice. Only a blood test can determine your actual levels. Consult your doctor if you have symptoms.
Why are vitamins and minerals important?
Vitamins and minerals are essential micronutrients your body needs for hundreds of functions. From energy production and immune defence to bone health and cognitive function — deficiencies can lead to fatigue, reduced immunity, and more serious health problems in the long term. In the Netherlands, deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, iron, and folate are most common.
Common deficiencies in the Netherlands
According to the RIVM, a significant portion of the Dutch population has suboptimal levels of key vitamins and minerals. Approximately 40-60% of Dutch people have insufficient vitamin D status, particularly during winter months. Vegetarians and vegans are at extra risk of B12 deficiency, and women of childbearing age more often have iron deficiency.
Risk Groups
Certain groups have an increased risk of deficiencies:
- Older adults (65+): Reduced absorption of B12 and vitamin D, less time outdoors
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Increased need for folate, iron, and vitamin D
- Vegetarians and vegans: Limited intake of B12 and iron from animal sources
- People with little outdoor time: Insufficient vitamin D production due to lack of sunlight
- People with high alcohol consumption: Disrupted absorption and increased loss of various micronutrients
Methodology
This risk assessment is based on scientifically supported risk factors from guidelines by the RIVM (Public Health Foresight Study), the Health Council of the Netherlands (Dietary Reference Values), the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, and the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey. Each risk factor contributes points to a score per nutrient, supplemented by symptom recognition. The result indicates your risk profile, not a diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is this risk assessment?
This tool is based on known risk factors from scientific research and guidelines from the RIVM and the Health Council. It provides an indication of your risk but cannot replace a blood test. Individual factors such as genetics, medication use, and specific conditions are not included.
What should I do if I have an elevated risk?
An elevated risk does not automatically mean you have a deficiency. It means your lifestyle and diet contain risk factors. Consider a blood test to determine your actual levels, and discuss the results with your doctor.
Can I reduce my risk?
Yes, many risk factors can be influenced. More outdoor time can improve your vitamin D status, a more varied diet can prevent deficiencies, and targeted supplementation can help with proven deficiencies. Consult a doctor or dietitian for personal advice.
Why are symptoms asked about?
Symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, and tingling can indicate specific deficiencies. By combining symptoms with lifestyle factors, a more complete picture of your risk profile emerges. Symptoms are optional and the tool works without them.
Is this tool suitable for everyone?
This tool is intended for adults (18+) who want insight into their risk of common deficiencies. It is not suitable as a diagnostic tool and does not replace medical advice. For known conditions or medication use, it is advisable to consult your doctor directly.
Get certainty with a blood test
This risk assessment provides an indication. With a comprehensive vitamin & mineral blood test, you know exactly where you stand.