The Vitamin Comprehensive Profile tests water-soluble vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, B9, B12, and C, as well as fat-soluble vitamins A (beta-carotene and retinol), D, E (alpha- and gamma-tocopherol), and vitamin K1 and K2. It is an excellent tool for quickly and comprehensively assessing the body's nutritional status.
Who should do the Vitamin Comprehensive Profile?
Those who have symptoms, signs, or laboratory findings that indicate a deficiency of some vitamins
- Disorders of the skin and mucous membranes, especially lesions in the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis)
- Redness of the face
- Red or white pimples like those of acne
- Hair loss, alopecia, brittle hair, and nails
- Nervous system disorders (hallucinations, numbness, irritability, dementia, amnesia)
- Anemia, increased homocysteine
Those at risk for vitamin deficiency
- Gastrointestinal surgeries
- Celiac disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Alcoholism
- Malnutrition
- Unbalanced diet
- Extreme diets
- Pregnancy, lactation
- Intense physical exercise
Those who use systematic dietary supplements
More information
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) has a wide range of functions, including many metabolic reactions and the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the "energy currency" for every cell type throughout the body. Vitamin B1 deficiencies can occur in people with gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is essential for energy production, enzyme function, and the normal synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids.
Vitamin B3 (niacin), like all B-complex vitamins, helps convert carbohydrates into glucose, metabolize fats and proteins, and maintain proper nervous system function. Niacin also helps synthesize sex hormones and stress-related hormones and improves cholesterol levels.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal) helps synthesize serotonin and norepinephrine, chemicals that transmit signals to the brain (neurotransmitters). It is also involved in forming myelin, a fatty substance that forms the protective layer around nerve cells. Vitamin B6 deficiencies can occur in people with gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) plays a vital role in DNA synthesis and red blood cell production. The small intestine absorbs folic acid, which the liver stores. The body cannot synthesize it, so it must be obtained through the diet.
Vitamin B7 (biotin) is essential for cell growth, fatty acid production, and the metabolism of fats and amino acids, and it also helps stabilize blood sugar. Its deficiency is associated with hair loss, brittle nails, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and neurological symptoms. It is found in peanuts, green leafy vegetables, egg yolk, and liver.
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) plays a vital role in normal central nervous system function, red blood cell formation, and metabolism. Vitamin B12 deficiencies can occur in people with gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, or irritable bowel syndrome, as well as stomach disorders.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plays an essential role in the development and repair of body tissues, including the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth; wound healing; and the formation of fibrous tissue, skin, tendons, ligaments, and vessels.
Beta-carotene is a fat-soluble micronutrient that is a precursor to vitamin A. Therefore, a deficiency or decrease in beta-carotene can lead to vitamin A deficiency. Beta-carotene is the form of vitamin A derived from plant sources (green or orange vegetables and fruits). The body converts β-carotene to vitamin A if the thyroid gland functions normally and the patient does not have diabetes.
Vitamin A is a very important nutrient. It is essential for good vision, mucosal and skin health, sperm and egg production, immune function, growth, cell division, bone metabolism, antioxidant defense, and cancer prevention. Symptoms and signs of vitamin A deficiency include difficulty seeing, especially at night; skin bruising; acne and dry skin; decreased resistance to disease; and poor growth. Preformed vitamin A is found mainly in meat, eggs, and fish.
Vitamin D falls into two families: ergocalciferol (D2) and cholecalciferol (D3), collectively known as calciferol. The skin produces cholecalciferol when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D's primary function in the body is to support the absorption, transport, storage, and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D plays a vital role in immune function and is essential for maintaining good health. Sun exposure is an excellent source of vitamin D. Other sources include butter, eggs, milk, cod liver oil, and fish.
Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant for tissues that helps neutralize free radicals and protect cells. It is mainly found in two forms: the most active alpha-tocopherol, found in the European diet, where the primary dietary sources are olive oil and sunflower oil, and gamma-tocopherol, the most common form in the American diet due to higher intake of soybean oil and corn oil.
Vitamin K is crucial in synthesizing blood coagulation factors and bones, cartilage, and blood vessel proteins. The most important source of vitamin K is vitamin K1 (phylloquinone or phytomenadione), which comes from green leafy vegetables and vegetable oils, and vitamin K2 (menaquinone), which comes from the intestinal microbiome. Synthetic vitamin K3 (menadione) has toxic effects.
