Bioactive B vitamins

Bioactive B vitamins

Bioactive B vitamins

Bioactive B vitamins

€50.00 + phlebotomy and shipping

These tests give more in-depth information on how your B vitamins are active in the body, rather than just the levels in the serum. This can include B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and also folate and B12 if needed.

Who can benefit from this test?

Your nutritionist may recommend this test if you have:

  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Anxiety, depression, mood disorders
  • Energy imbalances, chronic fatigue, ME/CFS, Long Covid
  • Concerns about healthy ageing and disease prevention

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Bioactive B vitamins
 

Learn More about our Bioactive B Vitamins

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

Bioactive B Vitamins FAQ

How can this test help me feel better?
B vitamins play a central role in energy production, nervous system function, hormone regulation, and cellular metabolism. Even subtle deficiencies or functional impairments — which are not always detected in standard blood tests — can contribute to fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, irritability, or poor recovery from stress. This panel measures both serum levels and bioactive forms of B1, B2, B6, and B12, with optional testing for B3, B5, and folate. By identifying both overt and functional deficiencies, we can create a personalised supplementation or dietary strategy to optimise energy, cognition, and overall metabolic health.
I have Long Covid or ME/CFS – can this test help me?
Post-viral syndromes often increase the body’s demand for B vitamins due to immune activation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Standard blood tests may appear “normal,” but functional deficiencies can still impair recovery. This test helps identify whether your B vitamin status may be contributing to persistent fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, or poor energy — providing actionable information for targeted nutritional support as part of a broader recovery plan.
Why test both serum and bioactive B vitamins?
Testing serum B vitamins shows the circulating levels in the blood, which tells us about recent intake or general nutrient availability. However, serum levels don’t always reflect whether the vitamins are actually being used effectively in the body. Bioactive forms measure the versions of B vitamins that your cells can actively use in metabolic reactions — for energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and DNA/methylation processes. By measuring both, we can: • Identify subtle functional deficiencies that serum alone might miss • Detect issues caused by absorption problems, genetic variations (e.g., MTHFR), or post-viral stress • Tailor personalised supplementation or dietary strategies that restore optimal cellular function, not just blood levels In short: serum tells us what’s circulating; bioactive tells us what your body can actually use. Both together give a complete picture of B vitamin status.
Can this test help with fertility?
Yes. B vitamins are critical for cell division, DNA synthesis, homocysteine metabolism, and methylation pathways, all of which influence reproductive health. Deficiencies in B12, B6, or folate can affect egg and sperm quality, implantation, and early embryonic development. Testing allows for personalised supplementation to optimise reproductive function and support a healthy conception environment.
Can this test help if I already eat a balanced diet?
Yes. Even with a nutrient-rich diet, factors such as gut absorption issues, genetic variations (e.g., MTHFR), medications, chronic stress, or post-viral fatigue can create functional deficiencies. Measuring both serum and bioactive forms ensures we capture these subtle imbalances and guide precise, personalised nutritional strategies, rather than assuming adequacy from diet alone.
Can I combine this test with other panels?
Absolutely. This panel works particularly well with the Functional Nutritional Profile, which assesses minerals, antioxidant status, and omega-3 fatty acids. Combined testing provides a comprehensive overview of nutrient status, enabling a more holistic approach to energy, immunity, and metabolic health.