Vegan/Vegetarier-Check -- Vegan Panel

Comprehensive panel designed for plant-based diets, covering the nutrients most at risk of depletion in vegans and vegetarians: holotranscobalamin (active B12), ferritin, selenium, zinc, vitamin B2, vitamin D3, calcium, iodine, creatinine, and a small blood count. At approximately EUR 223 under GOAe 1.0x rates -- substantially more expensive than equivalent panels in Poland due to trace element assay costs under the GOAe fee schedule.

Plant-based diets eliminate or restrict the primary dietary sources of several essential nutrients, creating predictable deficiency patterns that differ from omnivore populations. This panel targets those specific vulnerabilities with clinically appropriate biomarkers rather than relying on standard screening tests designed for mixed diets. Holotranscobalamin (active B12) is the preferred biomarker for B12 status in this panel rather than total serum B12. Only 10-30% of circulating B12 is bound to transcobalamin II (forming holotranscobalamin) and is available for cellular uptake. The remaining 70-90% is bound to haptocorrin and is metabolically inert. Holotranscobalamin falls earlier than total serum B12 during depletion, making it a more sensitive marker for early deficiency. B12 deficiency is virtually inevitable in unsupplemented vegans within 3-5 years and occurs in approximately 20% of vegetarians. Ferritin assesses iron stores. Non-haem iron from plant sources has 2-20% bioavailability compared to 15-35% for haem iron from meat. Additionally, phytates, polyphenols, and calcium in plant-based diets inhibit non-haem iron absorption. Vegans and vegetarians typically maintain adequate iron intake in absolute milligrams but have lower ferritin levels due to reduced bioavailability. Selenium status is a particular concern in Northern Europe, where soils are selenium-poor compared to North American soils. Plant-based diets in Germany may provide as little as 20-30 micrograms daily against a recommended intake of 55 micrograms. Selenium is critical for thyroid function (the deiodinase enzymes that convert T4 to T3 are selenoproteins) and antioxidant defence. Zinc absorption is impaired by phytates present in whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds -- staples of plant-based diets. The German Nutrition Society recommends that vegetarians and vegans consume 25-30% more zinc than omnivores to compensate. Iodine is found primarily in seafood and dairy; vegans who do not use iodised salt or seaweed are at high risk of deficiency, which impairs thyroid function. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is concentrated in dairy products and meat. Deficiency causes angular cheilitis, glossitis, and impaired energy metabolism. Vitamin D3 and calcium are included for bone health assessment. Creatinine screens for renal function, which can be affected by very high-protein plant-based diets centred on soy and legumes. The approximately EUR 223 cost reflects the trace element assays (iodine, selenium, zinc, copper), which are analytically complex. For comparison, a similar panel at a Polish direct-pay lab would cost roughly EUR 50-70, illustrating the 3-4x price differential.