B vitamins, which are essential for health, play crucial roles in metabolism, blood cell production, and nervous system function. A vitamin B test assesses the levels of these nutrients via a blood or urine sample, offering an overview of your overall health.
B vitamins are nutrients that your body needs to function well and stay healthy. There are eight different types. A vitamin B test checks the level of one or more B vitamins in a sample of your blood or urine.
All B vitamins together are called the “B vitamin complex.” B vitamins are:
Each type of vitamin B plays different important roles in your body, such as helping to:
You get B vitamins from many foods, including green leafy vegetables, meats and fish, eggs, whole grains, milk, and other dairy products. A lack of vitamin B is rare in the United States because many foods contain added B vitamins. These foods include cereals, breads, and pastas.
However, some diets and health conditions can affect your body's ability to absorb vitamin B. And if you lack B vitamins, it can cause serious health problems. For example, a lack of B12 can cause anemia and nerve disorders.
A lack of B vitamins is called vitamin B deficiency and is usually treated with supplements. But it's important to talk with your health care provider before taking vitamin B supplements. This is because high amounts of some B vitamins can also cause health problems. And some B vitamins can affect how certain medications work in your body.
Other names: vitamin B test, vitamin B complex, thiamin (B1), thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxal phosphate (B6), biotin (B6), biotin (B7), biotin (B7), vitamin B12, folic acid, folate, and cobalamin test
The vitamin B test is used if you have symptoms that suggest that you may not be getting enough of one or more B vitamins. For example, a vitamin B12 and folate test is often used for symptoms of certain types of anemia.
If you have a condition that increases your risk of vitamin B deficiency, your healthcare provider can check your vitamin B levels even if you don't have symptoms.
You may need a vitamin B test if you have symptoms that could mean you are lacking in certain B vitamins. Symptoms depend on what type of vitamin B deficiency you have.
For example, common symptoms of a lack of vitamin B6 may include:
Common symptoms of a lack of vitamin B12 may include:
You may also need a vitamin B test if you have a condition or habits that increase your risk of vitamin B deficiency, such as:
Vitamin B levels can be checked in blood or urine.
For a blood test, a health professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. You may feel a slight prick when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
For a urine test, you can have a random urine test or a 24-hour urine sample test.
For a random urine test, you will provide a single urine sample at any time of the day. You will generally collect your sample at your supplier's office or in a laboratory.
For a 24-hour urine sample test, you will need to collect all of your urine for a period of 24 hours. You will be given a special container to collect your urine and instructions on how to collect and store your sample. Your provider will let you know when to start. The test generally includes the following steps:
Before a vitamin B blood test, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. A urine test does not require any special preparation.
There is very little risk in taking a blood test. You may feel a slight pain or bruise where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms go away quickly.
There are no known risks in taking a urine test.
Your results will show how much of each B vitamin was tested. If your vitamin B levels are normal but you have symptoms, you may need additional tests to diagnose your condition.
If you are lacking in one or more B vitamins, you may need more tests to find out why. Your provider may recommend taking vitamin B supplements. In some cases, vitamins may be given by intravenous (IV) therapy.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
Learn more about lab tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
The meaning of vitamin B test results is not always clear. This is because there are several things that can affect the results, including inflammation in your body and some medications. Additionally, medical experts are not sure what a normal level is for some B vitamins. Different laboratories also have different ranges for normal levels. Your provider can explain what your test results say about your health.
Diseases
Diseases and vaccines
Lifestyle
Activity
Nutrition
Sleep
Hygiene
Emotional Health
2025 La Rive Clinic. All rights reserved
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Cookies settings
