You must fast for at least 8 hours to draw blood. No previous appointment is necessary, the extractions are done from 8:00am – 10:30am from Monday to Friday (children under 5 years old, please consult in advance).
The results are delivered within 48 hours – 15 days, depending on the vitamin. Consult the availability and time of obtaining the results of the different vitamins. Advise at the time of sampling of the vitamins to be analysed.
Through a simple blood extraction you will be able to rule out any deficiency of vitamins.
It is possible to study the following vitamins:
- Vitamin A. It is responsible for the development and maintenance of skin, teeth, bones and mucous membranes. Also known as retinol, vitamin A is also responsible for generating eye pigments in the retina. A low level of vitamin A causes hair loss, dry eyes or dental problems. It is also usually requested for Reproduction and Fertility studies.
- Vitamin B1. Also known as thiamine. It helps the cells of the body to convert carbohydrates into energy. The main role of carbohydrates is to supply energy to the body, especially the brain and nervous system. It also plays a role in muscle contraction and the conduction of nerve signals and is essential for the metabolism of pyruvate.
- Vitamin B6. Known as pyridoxine. Related to the immune system, it is fundamental in helping our body produce antibodies that help fight diseases and infections. In addition, it is also responsible for maintaining blood sugar levels at healthy levels. A low level of this vitamin can cause anemia.
- Vitamin B9. Also known as folic acid or folates. This vitamin helps prevent possible malformations in the fetus, such as spina bifida, during pregnancy. It helps generate red blood cells and DNA replication.
- Vitamin B12. It metabolizes proteins and helps maintain the nervous system. This vitamin is usually found in foods such as chicken, milk and derivatives, eggs, seafood, etc. A decrease in this vitamin can cause tingling and numbness in the extremities and anemia. Those patients who have undergone weight loss surgery lose the ability to absorb this vitamin. Also known as cobalamin.
- Vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Fundamental for proper growth and development. It helps the body repair tissues and generate skin, blood vessels and tendons. It also helps to heal wounds and absorb iron. Our body does not generate vitamin C on its own and neither does it store it, so it is essential to incorporate foods rich in this vitamin in our daily diet (potatoes, oranges, kiwi, spinach, etc.). A low level causes bleeding gums or anemia.
- Vitamin D2 (1,25-OH) and D3 (25-OH). Fundamental for maintaining healthy bones as it is responsible for absorbing calcium and phosphorus. Both minerals are basic for the correct formation of the bone system. A high level of vitamin D can cause kidney problems, confusion, nausea, constipation, etc. On the other hand, a low level causes osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children.
- Vitamin E. Known as tocopherol or alpha-tocopherol. It is an antioxidant that protects and strengthens our immune system against free radicals. The accumulation of them can cause aging and problems in the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
- Vitamin K. This vitamin helps the body to form bones and tissues. It also produces proteins that help the blood to clot. If you do not have enough vitamin K, it could lead to heavy bleeding. Newborns have very little vitamin K and often receive a vitamin K shot shortly after birth. If anticoagulants are being taken, care must be taken with the amount of vitamin K consumed.
- Vitamin H. Also known as biotin or vitamin B8. It has the peculiarity that it cannot be stored in the body and this causes it to be included in the diet on a regular basis.
It is important to follow a varied and healthy diet to achieve an adequate balance of each of these vitamins.
