Milk & Dairy Allergy Nutrient Deficiency Test

Milk Allergy Nutrient Deficiency Test Panel

Having a milk allergy or being lactose intolerant may make it difficult for your body to get the nutrients it needs. Measure the levels of 6 nutrients in your blood that research has shown can be affected by having a milk allergy. 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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$155.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

About the Test

The Milk Allergy Nutrient Deficiency Panel measures the levels of the following 6 nutrients in your blood: vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, iron, ferritin, 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.

A milk allergy 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 have a milk allergy 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 A, vitamin D, calcium, iron, ferritin, and zinc.

This test panel measures the level of 6 nutrients in your blood: vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, iron, ferritin, and zinc.

The Vitamin A Test measures the level of vitamin A, also called retinol, in your blood. Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin needed for healthy eyesight, cell growth, reproduction, metabolism, and a strong immune system. Getting enough retinol is important for your heart, lungs, bones, and skin. Too little retinol may increase your risk for developing infections, weakened bones, vision problems, anemia, tiredness or dry skin and hair.

The Vitamin D test measures the amount of 25-OH vitamin D in your blood, an indicator of the level of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary for the proper functioning of your heart, blood vessels, insulin, and mood. Vitamin D also helps regulate calcium and phosphorus. These are essential nutrients for strong bones and healthy cells. Vitamin D can also help the immune system fight infections. Not having enough vitamin D can lead to bone pain, muscle weakness, or depression.

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.

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 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.

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

Are having a milk allergy and being lactose intolerant the same?

No. While you may experience similar symptoms with both, they are different. Having an allergy usually occurs because your immune system is reacting to something you eat or drink and can affect multiple parts of the body (ie, swelling, rashes, etc.). An intolerance occurs when your body has a non-allergic reaction to something you eat or drink and usually only affects your digestive system.

Will everyone who has a milk allergy 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 have a milk allergy?

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

Skypala IJ, McKenzie R. Nutritional issues in food allergy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2019;57(2):166-178. doi:10.1007/s12016-018-8688-x

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.

Milk Allergy Nutrient Deficiency Test Panel