Corticosteroid Vitamin B6 & Calcium Deficiency Test

Nutrient Deficiency Panel for Corticosteroid Patients

Corticosteroids may make it difficult to get the nutrients your body needs. Measure the levels of 2 nutrients in your blood that research has shown can be affected by corticosteroids. 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.

Test type: In Person

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$75.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

About the Test

The Nutrient Deficiency Panel for Corticosteroid Patients measures the levels of the following 2 nutrients in your blood: vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and calcium.

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.

Corticosteroids 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 with additional vitamins or minerals.

This test may be right for you if you are on a physician-prescribed corticosteroid and are concerned about not getting certain nutrients or are experiencing symptoms that suggest a nutrient deficiency.

This test panel gives you and your healthcare provider information about whether you are deficient in vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and calcium.

This test panel measures the level of 2 nutrients in your blood: vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and calcium.

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 Calcium Test measures the total calcium levels in your blood. Calcium is a major mineral the body uses and stores in large amounts. Many people know the importance of calcium for strong bones, but it also helps keep muscles, nerves, and blood vessels working properly. Calcium is necessary for blood clotting, muscular movement, heart function, and bone strength as we age. If we don't consume enough of it, our bodies will take it from where we need it the most: our bones. This leads to bone loss and, eventually, osteoporosis (a condition that causes bones to gradually thin and weaken). Abnormal calcium levels in the blood may be a sign of bone disease, kidney disorders, thyroid disease, or other conditions.

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

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 takes corticosteroids 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’m on corticosteroids?

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 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

Hwang C, Ross V, Mahadevan U. Micronutrient deficiencies in inflammatory bowel disease: From A to zinc. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 2012;18(10):1961-1981. doi:10.1002/ibd.22906
Gennari C. Differential effect of glucocorticoids on calcium absorption and bone mass. Rheumatology. 1993;32(suppl 2):11-14. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/32.suppl_2.11

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.

Nutrient Deficiency Panel for Corticosteroid Patients