Order a blood test for vegetarians and check your nutrient status

A plant-based diet offers a lot, but a number of nutrients may be harder to get in sufficient amounts. This blood test for vegetarians gives you data on six markers that are often mentioned as possible gaps in plant-based eating.

Instead of guessing, you see in black and white where you stand. Handy if you want to know whether your current eating pattern and any supplements match what your body needs.

This test may be relevant for men who:

• eat a vegetarian, vegan or predominantly plant-based diet
• have recently switched to a plant-based eating pattern
• want to check whether their supplement strategy is working
• experience fatigue, muscle cramps or reduced immunity on a plant-based diet

As a vegan blood test this panel fits too, because it looks precisely at the nutrients that need attention on a fully plant-based diet.

• Complete blood count (CBC): a broad view of your red and white blood cells and platelets.
• Ferritin (ug/l): an indicator of your stored iron.
• Magnesium (mmol/l): a mineral involved in muscle function, energy production and many enzymatic processes.
• Vitamin B12 (pmol/l, ref: 145-569): plays a role in nerve function and red blood cell production.
• Vitamin D (25-OH) (nmol/l): reflects your vitamin D status, which may affect your bones and immune system.
• Zinc (umol/l): a trace element involved in immune function, protein synthesis and wound healing.

Each marker highlights a different part of your nutritional status. A low ferritin may suggest your iron intake or absorption could be falling short, while a low B12 is common in people who do not eat animal products. That also makes this a practical B12 deficiency test within a broader nutrition panel.

Zinc and magnesium levels can be influenced by the composition of your diet and by absorption factors. Together, these six markers can paint a broader picture of whether your current diet and supplements match your needs.

A blood sample is taken at a certified sample point. There are 700+ locations across the Netherlands, which you choose yourself after ordering. The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

You arrange this without your GP: no referral, just choose a location and time that suit you.

This test can be useful if you have been eating plant-based for months or longer, if you want to check whether your supplementation is adequate, or if you notice symptoms such as persistent fatigue, frequent illness or muscle weakness that could be linked to nutrient deficiencies.

Because it is a blood test without a referral, you decide yourself when to start.

Your result shows, for each marker, whether the value falls within the reference range. Values below the range may point to a possible deficiency, while values within range can provide reassurance.

Keep in mind that some markers, such as vitamin D, can fluctuate by season. A doctor can help you read the results in the context of your diet, lifestyle and overall health.

Fasting is recommended for this test. Avoid zinc supplements for at least 24 hours before the blood draw, as they can temporarily affect your zinc value.

If you use other supplements, you can discuss with your doctor whether they could influence your result.

Your results are usually available online within a few working days, with a reference range and an explanation for each marker. If you want to zoom in on individual values, see the separate pages on vitamin B12 and ferritin.

Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.