Health check

Assessment of levels of vitamins (e.g. vitamin D, b12, folic acid), single test

There are 13 vitamins necessary for life in the human body that play very different roles. For example, vitamin B12 is important for the synthesis of nucleic acids, folate, amino acids, proteins and myelin. The vitamin is necessary for the development of red blood cells in the bone marrow and for normal nerve function. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by low dietary intake of vitamin B12 (vegetarians), stomach diseases, changes in the intestinal microflora, diphyllobothriasis in the body, etc. The vitamin is only found in animal products, but its absorption is inhibited by excessive alcohol intake, coffee, smoking, oral contraceptives, laxatives, atrophic gastritis and other gastrointestinal diseases. The absorption of vitamin B12 often decreases with age. Chronic vitamin deficiency causes anaemia and various nerve damage.

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble steroid hormones. Cholecalciferol D3 is of animal (mainly fish) origin, but most vitamin D3 is synthesised in the skin by UVB radiation. With just 10-15 minutes’ exposure of the hands and face to summer midday solar radiation (UVB), 800-1000 units of previtamin D3 are synthesised in the skin, which is enough to cover the daily needs of an adult. In vitamin D deficiency, the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphates is impaired, which increases the risk of osteoporosis. This vitamin affects blood clotting and nerve tissue function and has anti-infectious, anti-diabetic, immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory and other effects. Vitamin D is needed to improve athletic performance. In particular, the effects of vitamin D on fast-acting striated muscle cells, which are responsible for controlling body position and maintaining balance, help to reduce falls and fractures. Prolonged vitamin deficiency can slow down growth in children, cause bone thinning and, in severe deficiency, cause rickets.