Vitamin D test, Vitamin B12 test & Iron deficiency test Unleash your vitality: live more easily with clarity Experience more energy and increased performance, easily revealed by the 3-in-1 home test for vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iron (ferritin): Gain clarity effortlessly: Reliable results directly from our laboratory. Professional laboratory analysis using liquid blood – as reliable as at the doctors office. Precise, digitally retrievable result. Clear and easy-to-understand instructions. Your Path to Vitality Energy Boost: Measure Vitamin D, B12 and Iron at Home Our test provides clarity about your health. Youll quickly and effectively find out your vitamin and ferritin levels , so you can tackle your daily life feeling strong and energized. For each self-test, one sample can be sent to our partner laboratory, the CBT in Bonn , for analysis. There it will be examined. Scope of delivery of the Vitamin D test, Vitamin B12 test & iron deficiency test: 1x detailed instructions 1x sample tube 2x plasters 1x alcohol swab 2x lancets 1x security bag 1x prepaid return envelope for orders to Germany Advantages of our laboratory analysis using liquid blood: ✅ Quality like at the doctors office – Precise laboratory results, as you know them from the doctors office. ? Accurate results – No loss of quality due to dried blood. ⏳ Fast analysis – Fast processing in the laboratory, as liquid blood does not need to be prepared or extracted first. ? Reproducibility – Consistently precise and reproducible test results. ? For maximum precision and reliable results – liquid blood! Your key to effortless energy and fitness Vitamin D: The Energy Booster Vitamin D not only supports bones and muscles, but also plays a role in the immune system and overall energy levels. A deficiency has systemic effects on the entire body and can lead to fatigue and exhaustion, among other things. Vitamin B12: The nerve vitamin Vitamin B12 is crucial for the formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin, as well as for the function of the nervous system. It contributes to reducing tiredness and fatigue and supports mental performance and concentration. Iron (ferritin): The oxygen carrier Iron is stored in the body as ferritin and is necessary for transporting oxygen in the blood. A deficiency directly affects energy, endurance, and performance. How does the self-test work? Sampling Our Vitamin D test, Vitamin B12 test & iron deficiency test includes instructions and the necessary utensils for taking a small blood sample from your fingertip yourself. This is done with a short, uncomplicated puncture using one of the enclosed lancets. Return and analysis Please return your sample to us in the enclosed return envelope (returns are free of charge within Germany; customers from Austria must pay for postage themselves). Your sample will then be analyzed in our partner laboratory CBT . Result We will inform you by email as soon as your test result is available. You can find your results in your protected area in the MetaLytic patient portal . Vitamin D Vitamin D - The sunshine vitamin Vitamin D is primarily produced through the action of sunlight on the skin. However, during the winter months, sunlight in our latitudes is often insufficient to meet the bodys needs, which can lead to a deficiency. Low vitamin D levels can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infection , among other things, which underlines the importance of regular monitoring. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency A vitamin D deficiency has systemic effects on the entire body. Common symptoms include fatigue, exhaustion, and lack of energy, accompanied by muscle weakness or pain in muscles and bones. A weakened immune system, mood swings, and depressive moods can also be signs. Concentration and sleep problems can also occur. Why a vitamin B12 test is useful for everyone Whether its stress, certain medications, or natural aging – many factors can lower vitamin B12 levels. Therefore, testing is advisable for almost everyone. Vitamin B12 storage Vitamin B12 stores usually last 3–6 years. Those following a low-meat or plant-based diet should have their levels checked early, as the risk of deficiency is particularly high in these cases. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency A deficiency of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) can lead to anemia in the long term and manifests itself, among other things, through fatigue, weakness, dizziness, paleness, sleep disturbances, a burning tongue or nerve damage. Vitamin B12 Iron (ferritin) Why measure ferritin – instead of just iron? Iron levels in the blood can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day and diet, often providing only a snapshot in time. Ferritin levels, on the other hand, indicate how well the bodys iron stores are actually replenished – and can thus help to detect an emerging or existing iron deficiency early on. Why measure iron levels – especially for women & thyroid Women are particularly prone to iron deficiency. Conventional medicine often fails to mention that this can also disrupt thyroid metabolism. A low iron level not only impairs energy levels but also hormonal balance. Symptoms of iron deficiency Iron deficiency can manifest as fatigue, exhaustion, and difficulty concentrating, as well as muscle weakness, pale skin, sensitivity to cold, hair loss, and brittle nails. Psychological symptoms such as irritability, depressive moods, or sleep problems can also occur. General Questions & Answers How safe and accurate are the home tests? Our home tests meet the highest quality standards – both in terms of the materials used and the analysis. The evaluation is carried out in our partner laboratories, CBT and SOGZ, both located in Germany . This ensures that the quality of the analysis is comparable to that of a medical examination. However, you benefit from a time-saving and convenient procedure, as well as potential cost savings. How long will it take for the test kit to arrive? Orders received by 3:00 PM on weekdays (Monday to Friday) will be shipped the same day. Shipping is handled by Deutsche Post AG / DHL with standard delivery times. For shipments to Austria, you can expect a delivery time of 2-4 working days. How long will it take to receive my test result from the lab? After you send us your sample, it arrives at our German partner laboratory. Your detailed test results are usually available within 3–4 business days of the sample arriving at the lab. How does the shipping process to the lab work? Are there any costs for me? Please return your sealed sample to us in the enclosed return envelope. Returns within Germany are free of charge. Customers from Austria are responsible for postage costs. Note: DHL tracking may be delayed by up to 24 hours; your sample may already be being processed during this time. In what form will the test result be communicated to me? You will be notified by email as soon as your test result is available. The result will also be available in your secure online area of ​​the MetaLytic patient portal . There you can view, download, and print it. Can I safely send my sample at extreme temperatures? Yes, shipping is possible at any outside temperature. Will my data be stored? Yes, your test results will be securely stored in your personal, free area of ​​our MetaLytic patient portal. You have access to them at any time. Is the shipping discreet? Yes, we ship your order in brown large envelopes without any indication of the contents. Is it possible to send the test to a parcel locker? Yes, thats possible! This must be specified directly during the ordering process under the delivery address. When ordering, please always include your personal postal code and the number of the desired Packstation in addition to your name. Also, please provide the postal code and city of the respective Packstation. Example: Max Mustermann -> Your name 7654321 -> Your post number in your customer account Packstation 123 -> Packstation with number 12345 Musterdorf -> Postcode and town of the parcel station Will the laboratory results be accepted by doctors for further treatment? Yes, you will receive a meaningful laboratory result as a PDF, which can be used by doctors for further treatment. Can the results of my test be sent via email? For data protection reasons, we do not send results by email. You can access your results in the MetaLytic patient portal as soon as they are available. Where can I find my sample code? You will find your personal sample code in the instructions included in the test kit. Frequently asked questions about the test How do the Vitamin D test, Vitamin B12 test & iron deficiency test work? The self-test requires only a small blood sample from your fingertip and is easy to perform at home. Detailed step-by-step instructions included in the test kit guide you safely through the process. After taking the sample, you send it to our partner laboratory in Germany for analysis. The results are then reviewed by a doctor. How often should a vitamin D test, vitamin B12 test & iron deficiency test be performed? How often you should test yourself depends on various factors, such as your age, eating habits, and health. We generally recommend performing a self-test at least once a year . If a deficiency is detected and corrected with a dietary supplement, we recommend retesting after 8–12 weeks. This will allow you to determine whether your levels have normalized and adjust the dosage if necessary. Why should I get tested for vitamin D? A vitamin D test can be useful to detect a potential deficiency . Especially during the winter months, when sunlight is weaker in Northern Europe, or among people who spend little time outdoors, vitamin D levels are often insufficient. Older people and those with darker skin also have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency , as their skin is less efficient at producing vitamin D from sunlight. Furthermore, a test before planned vitamin D supplementation helps determine the correct dosage . What are the consequences of a vitamin D deficiency? A vitamin D deficiency can have serious consequences for bone health. Children can develop rickets , a disease that impairs bone growth and leads to permanent deformities and growth disorders. It is often accompanied by muscle weakness, reduced muscle tone , and increased susceptibility to infections . In adults, a deficiency can lead to osteomalacia , which causes bone pain, deformities, and muscle weakness. In older age, a vitamin D deficiency also contributes to the development of osteoporosis , characterized by reduced bone density and increased susceptibility to fractures. How does vitamin D get into the body? The human body typically synthesizes 80% to 90% of vitamin D in the skin itself; this requires sunlight, especially UV-B radiation . Therefore, spending time outdoors is necessary for sufficient vitamin D production. Diet plays only a relatively minor role in vitamin D supply, estimated at between 10% and 20% . What is a normal vitamin D level in the blood? According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and other institutions, the following are considered normal values: 50-124 nmol/l (20-49 ng/ml): optimal range, normal vitamin D supply 30-49 nmol/l (12-19 ng/ml): suboptimal supply, possible health consequences Below 30 nmol/l (below 12 ng/ml): Vitamin D deficiency Is it possible to overdose on vitamin D? Yes, a vitamin D overdose is possible through long-term intake of high doses of vitamin D supplements . A vitamin D overdose leads to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, and nervousness. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) recommends avoiding a daily intake above 100 μg (4,000 IU). Our vitamin D test can help you determine whether taking a supplement is right for you. How to compensate for a vitamin D deficiency? To counteract a vitamin D deficiency, it is recommended to take advantage of sunlight : Spend time outdoors regularly, especially during the months from March to October. If a vitamin D3 deficiency has been confirmed, supplements can help replenish vitamin D levels. The recommended daily dose depends on the individual deficiency. What to do in case of vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Those following a vegetarian or vegan diet can use fortified foods or supplements. However, since fortified products are often insufficient, they usually do not reliably meet the bodys needs. What happens in the case of a vitamin B12 deficiency? A vitamin B12 deficiency means the body does not have enough vitamin B12 available, usually due to impaired absorption or insufficient intake. Such a deficiency can cause various health problems, including anemia, fatigue, and neurological disorders. What to do in case of iron deficiency. If you have an iron deficiency, its important to take proactive steps to counteract it. One way to do this is to adjust your diet: Good sources of iron include meat, fish, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and green vegetables. Foods rich in vitamin C (e.g., bell peppers, citrus fruits) also promote iron absorption. Furthermore, taking a dietary supplement can be beneficial. Be sure to choose a high-quality product that is well-tolerated by the stomach and intestines, as iron supplements can otherwise frequently cause discomfort. Its important to know that while the reference range for iron starts at around 13 ng/ml, initial symptoms can often appear below 50 ng/ml. Therefore, the goal should not only be to be within the normal range, but to strive for optimal iron levels to ensure long-term energy, performance, and well-being.