Vegan/Vegetarian Panel

A nutritional screening designed for plant-based diets, measuring 10 biomarkers at highest risk of depletion. Uses holotranscobalamin (active B12) rather than total B12 for earlier and more reliable detection of functional B12 deficiency. Also covers ferritin, selenium, zinc, vitamin B2, vitamin D3, calcium, creatinine, iodine, and a blood count.

Plant-based eating patterns offer established health benefits but introduce specific nutritional risks that targeted monitoring can address proactively. This panel focuses on the nutrients most commonly depleted in vegetarian and vegan diets. Holotranscobalamin measures the biologically active fraction of vitamin B12, detecting deficiency significantly earlier than total B12. This distinction matters because plant foods contain no reliable B12 source and hepatic stores can mask deficiency for years before neurological symptoms emerge. Ferritin assesses iron stores, important because non-haem iron from plant sources has lower bioavailability than haem iron from animal products. Selenium and zinc are often reduced in plant-based diets due to phytate binding that limits absorption. Both are important for immune function and thyroid health. Vitamin B2 can become marginal without dairy intake. Iodine may be low if iodised salt is avoided and seaweed is not part of the regular diet. Vitamin D3 and calcium are assessed for bone health, particularly relevant for vegans who eliminate dairy entirely. Creatinine provides a kidney function baseline, and the blood count contextualises iron and B12 findings through red blood cell metrics. Recommended annually for established vegans or at 3-6 months after dietary transition.