Blood test (phlebotomy)

This is a blood test which assesses the level of Bioactive B vitamins in the blood. These vitamins can be priced singularly and are usually checked together with other key nutrients but can also be done as a stand alone. Your Nutritionist will help to decide which of these tests will benefit you.

Phlebotomy can be carried out at our Dublin clinic or locations around the country. Please enquire with our team. Phlebotomy carries an additional charge.

This test measures:

• Serum levels of B1, B2, B6, B12
• Bioactive level of B1, B2, B6, B12
• Optional: B3, B5, folate

Works well with:

• Functional Nutritional Profile

Wendy had been experiencing hormonal issues such as PMS, including fatigue, mood changes and burning mouth syndrome. She had been taking B vitamins in one form or other for a long time and wanted to know more about what she really needed and how to tailor her supplements.

The results showed that Wendy was low in Vitamin B1 activity, which had measured as borderline low levels in serum B1. Her niacin (B3) levels were excellent and her supplements were reviewed to ensure she was not taking too much. Most interestingly, Wendy’s serum Vitamin B6 was very high, while the activity level was low – indicating that her B6 was not getting into her cells. Further investigation showed that Wendy had a low level of Alk Phos (alkaline phosphatase) which helps transport B6 across cell membranes. This may have been genetic in Wendy’s case but could explain why her hormonal symptoms were hard to treat.

Key findings:

• Low normal levels of serum B1 but low activity levels – should supplement
• High/ good levels of vitamin B3 niacin, do not supplement
• High serum B6 but very low cellular B6 – difficulty transporting vitamin B6 into cells