Depression Vitamin & Nutrient Deficiency Test

Depression Nutrient Deficiency Test Panel

Depression, including seasonal depression, may make it difficult for your body to get the nutrients it needs. Measure the levels of 11 nutrients in your blood that research has shown can be affected by depression. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 10-12 hours is required. If you are taking supplements or medications, check with your healthcare provider to see whether you should take them before the test. Avoiding supplements containing the nutrients being tested for 24 hours prior to collection is preferred. Note: supplements containing selenium must be avoided 3 days prior to collection.

Test type: In Person

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$269.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

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About the Test

The Depression Nutrient Deficiency Panel measures the levels of the following 11 nutrients in your blood: vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), vitamin E, chromium, iron, ferritin, magnesium, selenium, and zinc.

Identifying and addressing nutrient deficiencies are important steps toward better health. Your body does not produce most vitamins and minerals, so you must get them from food or supplements. How nutrients work in your body is influenced by more than just what you eat. These factors include genetics, age, health conditions, medications, metabolism, and how well your body absorbs nutrients.

Depression, including seasonal depression, may make it difficult to get the nutrients your body needs. Having these nutrients tested helps you and your doctor decide if you need to supplement them with additional vitamins or minerals.

This test may be right for you if you are depressed or have seasonal depression, and are concerned about not getting certain nutrients or are experiencing symptoms that suggest a nutrient deficiency. Although some vitamins/minerals have been associated with depression, you should still seek medical care if experiencing depression or depression related symptoms.

This test panel gives you and your healthcare provider information about whether you are deficient in vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), vitamin E, chromium, iron, ferritin, magnesium, selenium, and zinc.

This test panel measures the level of 11 nutrients in your blood: vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), vitamin E, chromium, iron, ferritin, magnesium, selenium, and zinc.

The Vitamin B1 Test measures the level of vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, in your blood. Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin needed to help your cells grow, develop, and work properly. It also helps your body turn the food you eat into energy. Too little thiamine may cause tiredness, poor memory, confusion, appetite loss, muscle weakness, weight loss or mood changes.

The Vitamin B6 Test measures the level of vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, in your blood. Pyridoxine is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a coenzyme in the body, with over 100 enzymes dependent on it for breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It also helps support brain health and protect cells from damage. Not having enough pyridoxine may cause depression, confusion, cracks at the corners of the mouth, a swollen tongue, or microcytic anemia (a condition when there are fewer and smaller red blood cells than usual).

The Folate Test measures the level of vitamin B9, also known as folate, in your blood. Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that helps your body make red and white blood cells; grow tissues; build DNA; and turn food into energy. This vitamin is important during pregnancy to help prevent congenital disabilities (conditions present at birth) of the brain (eg, anencephaly) and spine (eg, spina bifida). Folate helps with the healthy development of fetal tissues and cells. People who are deficient in folate may not have any symptoms or may have symptoms of anemia, an irregular heartbeat, weakness, tiredness, or nerve damage. Early detection is important to prevent irreversible damage over time, especially to the nervous system.

The Vitamin B12 Test measures the level of vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, in the blood. Cobalamin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps your body make red blood cells, create DNA, and keep your nervous system healthy. People who are deficient in cobalamin may not have any symptoms or may have symptoms of anemia, depression, weakness, tiredness, memory loss, or nerve damage. Early detection is important to prevent irreversible damage over time, especially to the nervous system.

The Vitamin E Test measures the levels of alpha-tocopherol and beta-gamma-tocopherol, also called tocopherol, in your blood. Tocopherol is a fat-soluble vitamin that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules) because it is an antioxidant. Tocopherol also helps strengthen your immune system, make new red blood cells, heal wounds, reduce inflammation, and stop blood clots from forming inside blood vessels. There are several types of tocopherols. Each one does something different in the body. Alpha-tocopherol is the only type your body uses. Even though other tocopherols are absorbed and serve various roles, your body does not make them into alpha-tocopherol for use. Too little tocopherol may cause tiredness, weakened immunity, difficulty with balance and coordination, poor vision, or digestive problems.

The Chromium Test measures the amount of chromium in your blood. Chromium is an essential mineral needed by our body in small amounts to help the hormone insulin function properly. Chromium also helps your body break down and absorb proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Although chromium is poorly absorbed in the body, having too little or too much is rare. If your body doesn't have enough chromium, it may not respond as well to glucose (sugar) in your blood. This can lead to insulin resistance and increase your risk of diabetes or heart disease. It may also cause weight loss, confusion, and coordination problems.

The Iron Test measures the amount of iron in your blood. Iron is an essential micronutrient that the body needs to make healthy red blood cells. It is also a key component of proteins, such as: hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen), myoglobin (the protein in muscle that binds to oxygen), and enzymes. Iron is needed for proper growth and development. When abnormal iron levels are left untreated, they may lead to serious blood disorders or other health conditions.

The Ferritin Test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is a protein in the blood that contains iron and helps you understand how much iron your body is storing. Blood levels of ferritin correlate to the body's iron status. Abnormal (too high or too low) levels of iron may lead to weakness and fatigue. Left unchecked, abnormal iron levels may lead to certain health issues (e.g., anemia, hemochromatosis).

The Magnesium Test measures the amount of magnesium in your blood. Magnesium is an essential mineral needed in our bodies in large amounts. Magnesium plays an important role in keeping your heart and muscles functioning normally, regulating blood sugar levels, maintaining blood pressure, and helping your body absorb ZINCium. Magnesium also helps keep bones strong and regulates the immune system. Every cell in your body needs magnesium to function properly. Too little magnesium may cause muscle spasms or cramps, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, numbness, uncontrolled eye movements, or convulsions. A lack of magnesium for an extended period has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

The Selenium Test measures the level of selenium in your blood. Selenium is an essential trace mineral, needed in small amounts, that make up enzymes and proteins in your body called selenoproteins. Selenium helps to build DNA and protect cells against infection and damage, as well as making and breaking down thyroid hormones. Too little selenium may cause more frequent illness, hair loss, heart problems, thyroid issues, mental fogs, infertility in men and women, and muscle weakness.

The Zinc Test measures the level of zinc in your blood. Zinc is an essential trace mineral, needed in small amounts, to help activate over 300 enzymes in your body. Zinc helps to build and protect DNA, grow cells, heal wounds, build proteins, and strengthen your immune system. It can help reduce oxidative stress (when free radicals outnumber antioxidants), inflammation, and the risk of infection. Zinc is especially important during times when the body is changing quickly, such as during childhood or pregnancy. Too little zinc may cause weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. It may also cause skin changes, vision problems, slow wound healing, irritability, hair loss, and frequent infections.

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

Note: supplements containing selenium must be avoided 3 days prior to collection.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes up to 8 business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

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FAQs

Will everyone who is depressed be nutrient deficient?

No. Absorption rates of nutrients vary from person to person. It's important to get tested so you know which nutrients you're not getting enough of. Then, you can talk with your doctor about what supplements, if any, to take.

Would taking supplements be helpful if I am depressed?

If your body is not absorbing certain nutrients properly, your doctor may suggest you consider taking a supplement for that nutrient.

While it is unlikely to get too much of a nutrient if you are taking a supplement, getting too much, known as toxicity, is possible. It's recommended to confirm a deficiency through testing and talk with your doctor prior to taking supplements.

What’s the difference between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins?

Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins differ in how they are absorbed by the human body.

A water-soluble vitamin dissolves in water and is easily absorbed by the body. Your body does not store these vitamins for long, so any extra will be eliminated in your urine. Because of this, it's important to consume them every day.

A fat-soluble vitamin dissolves in fats and oils and is absorbed with the fats you eat. Your body stores any extra in your liver or fatty tissues. Because of this, you don't need to consume them every day.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by oxidative stress. They interact with toxins called free radicals, to minimize their damage. Antioxidants can help prevent diseases like cancer and reduce your risk of heart disease.

What are enzymes and coenzymes?

An enzyme is a protein that helps to start, or speed up, a reaction in the body. A coenzyme is a non-protein molecule that helps an enzyme to perform that reaction.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

Sathyanarayana Rao T, Asha M, Ramesh B, Jagannatha Rao K. Understanding nutrition, depression and mental illnesses. Indian J Psychiatry. 2008;50(2):77.
Maes M, De Vos N, Pioli R, et al. Lower serum vitamin E concentrations in major depression. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2000;58(3):241-246.

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Depression Nutrient Deficiency Test Panel