Why does this panel measure both vitamin B12 and active B12?

Total B12 measures all the vitamin B12 in your blood, while active B12 measures only the part your cells can use. NICE accepts either as a first test, and measuring both gives the doctor two views of your B12 status.

What is the difference between folic acid and red cell folate?

Folic acid (serum folate) measures folate in the liquid part of your blood, while red cell folate measures folate inside your red blood cells. Doctors can use red cell folate when serum folate is normal but deficiency is still suspected.

Do I need to fast for a vitamin and mineral blood test?

No. You can eat and drink normally beforehand. Tell us when you last ate and about any supplements you take.

Extended Vitamins & Minerals Blood Test at Jace Medical

Energy & nutrition

Private blood test

Extended Vitamins & Minerals Blood Test

A wide panel of vitamins and minerals for a detailed picture of your nutritional status.

16 biomarkers
No fasting needed

£269Includes sample collection

Book this test Ask a question

We confirm your appointment and any preparation, such as fasting, before you attend.

What’s included

16 biomarkers in this test.

No fasting needed

Liver1

Enzymes and proteins that show how well your liver is working.

Albumin

Body salts & minerals5

Electrolytes and minerals that help your nerves, muscles and heart work properly.

Calcium (adjusted)
Copper
Magnesium
Zinc
Red Cell Magnesium

Iron & anaemia5

Your iron levels and stores, a common cause of tiredness when low.

Ferritin
Iron
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Transferrin
Transferrin Saturation

Vitamins5

Key vitamins for energy, nerves, bones and healthy blood.

Folic acid
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
Active B12
Red Cell Folate

About this test

Is the Extended Vitamins & Minerals Blood Test right for you?

Who it’s for

You want a detailed check of your vitamin and mineral levels from one sample, for example because you follow a vegan, vegetarian or restricted diet.
You have a condition or past surgery that can affect how you absorb nutrients, such as coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease or weight loss surgery.
You have symptoms that can be linked to low iron, vitamin B12, folate or vitamin D, such as tiredness, pins and needles, or bone and muscle aches.
You take several supplements and want to see your levels.

What it can show

Ferritin, iron, transferrin, TIBC and transferrin saturation show your iron stores and how much iron is being carried in your blood.
Vitamin B12 is measured two ways: total B12 and active B12, the part your cells can use. Folate is measured as serum folic acid and as red cell folate, which doctors can use when serum folate is normal but deficiency is still suspected.
Vitamin D, adjusted calcium and albumin give information about bone health. Vitamin D helps your body control calcium and phosphate.
Zinc, copper and magnesium are minerals your body needs in small amounts. Copper helps make red and white blood cells and release iron to form haemoglobin, and magnesium helps turn food into energy. Magnesium is measured in both serum and red blood cells.

What it can’t tell you

Some results are affected by things other than your intake. Infection and inflammation can raise ferritin and lower zinc, and zinc also varies with the time of day and when you last ate.
Supplements can raise your vitamin B12 result without fully treating a deficiency, and the combined contraceptive pill can lower total B12. Pregnancy also affects B12 and ferritin results.
This panel does not measure every vitamin. For example, vitamins A, C and E are not included.
A normal result does not always rule out a deficiency, and some people have symptoms with normal vitamin B12 levels.
Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms and diet. Diagnosis and treatment of any deficiency are made with your GP or specialist.

How it works

From booking to results in three steps.

Step 1
Request your test
Send a booking request online or call us. We confirm your clinic, appointment time and any preparation.
Step 2
Visit the clinic
A short appointment for professional sample collection at Greysteel or Letterkenny. No GP referral needed.
Step 3
Receive your results
Usually within a couple of working days, emailed to you once a doctor has reviewed them.

Common questions

Questions about this test.

A blood test can show low levels of the nutrients it measures, such as iron, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, zinc and magnesium. It cannot assess your whole diet or every vitamin, and some levels are affected by recent illness or supplements.