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Vitamin D, vitamin B12 and magnesium are among the most frequently measured micronutrients. Not everyone needs every test. This article clarifies when a measurement is useful and what the result says.
Vitamin D
The body forms vitamin D in the skin under UVB light. In central Europe the sun hardly suffices for this in the winter months; in addition, small amounts of vitamin D come from food (fatty fish, egg yolk).
- Who can test: people with little time outdoors, darker skin, older age, overweight, gut or kidney diseases, certain medications or fitting complaints.
- Which marker: 25-OH vitamin D, the storage form. Given in ng/ml or nmol/l (1 ng/ml corresponds to 2.5 nmol/l). The German Nutrition Society names 50 nmol/l (20 ng/ml) as the target value for the population.
- A word of caution: Very high doses over a longer time can lead to elevated calcium levels. Please coordinate dosing. More in the article Vitamin D3 test.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 occurs almost only in animal foods and is important for blood formation and nerves.
- Risk groups: vegan and strictly vegetarian diets, older age, stomach lining inflammation or operations, metformin, acid-reducing medication.
- Markers: total B12, in borderline cases additionally holotranscobalamin or methylmalonic acid. Interpretation in the borderline range is difficult, so never rely on the number alone.
- More: Vitamin B12 Deficiency.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in many enzyme reactions and in muscle and nerve excitation. Good sources are nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and green vegetables.
- Measurement: Only a small share of the body's magnesium is in the blood serum. An unremarkable value does not reliably rule out low supply.
- A word of caution: High doses can cause diarrhea. With kidney disease, magnesium should only be supplemented after consulting a doctor.
- More: Testing for mineral deficiency.
When a test is rather pointless
- if no consequence would follow from the result
- as a blanket package without a question
- right after high-dose intake, without a break, because then the value can be distorted
- when taking biotin, which disturbs some tests (please state it beforehand)
How we proceed
At Natura Heilpraxis we first define the question and then choose suitable values. With the Lab Check-up and in laboratory diagnostics we discuss the results and their informative value. For individual markers, metabolic pathways, cofactors and sources are in the freely accessible reference work ORY Biomarker. We discuss taking supplements in light of your medication and pre-existing conditions. This does not replace medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Who should have vitamin D tested?
A measurement can make sense with little time outdoors, darker skin, older age, overweight, gut or kidney diseases and certain medications. In the winter months the skin in central Europe forms hardly any vitamin D. The marker measured is 25-OH vitamin D, given in ng/ml or nmol/l (1 ng/ml corresponds to 2.5 nmol/l).
Who has an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency?
People on a vegan or strictly vegetarian diet, older people, people with stomach lining inflammation or gastrointestinal surgery, and people taking metformin or acid-reducing medication.
How reliable is the blood magnesium value?
Only a small part of the body's magnesium is in the serum. The value can therefore be normal even though supply is tight. Interpretation is done together with diet, medication and complaints.
Can you overdose on vitamin D?
Yes. Very high doses over a longer time can lead to elevated calcium levels with kidney problems. Dosing should be set based on measured values and medical coordination.
All questions & answers in the guide →
Professionally responsible: Yesha Karmeli, naturopathic practitioner (Heilpraktiker), Natura Heilpraxis Berlin. This text provides general information and does not replace individual advice.
