Birth Control Pill Nutrient & Vitamin Deficiency Test

Nutrient Deficiency Test Panel for Oral Contraceptive Patients

Oral contraceptives may make it difficult for your body to get the nutrients it needs. Measure the levels of 7 nutrients in your blood that research has shown can be affected by oral contraceptives. 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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$230.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

About the Test

The Nutrient Deficiency Panel for Oral Contraceptive Patients measures the levels of the following 7 nutrients in your blood: vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorous, 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.

Oral contraceptives 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 oral contraceptive 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), vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorous, selenium, and/or zinc.

This test panel measures the level of 7 nutrients in your blood: vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin E, and magnesium, phosphorous, selenium, zinc.

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 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 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 calcium. 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 Phosphorus Test measures the amount of phosphorus in your blood. Phosphorus is an essential mineral needed in our bodies in large amounts. Your body needs phosphorus to make energy and is important for healthy bones, teeth, and blood vessels. It helps enzymes work and keeps the pH of your blood within a normal range. Phosphorus makes sure that nerves and muscles, including the heart, work properly. Low levels can cause weak muscles, a higher chance of infection, loss of appetite, confusion, problems with coordination, bone pain, and anemia.

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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Oral contraceptives (birth control pills or "the pill") revolutionized women's reproductive health since their introduction in 1960. Though effective for their intended purposes, oral contraceptives can also negatively impact nutrient levels in the body. Learn more in the article.

FAQs

Will everyone who takes oral contraceptives 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 oral contraceptives?

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

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Selenium. February 26, 2024. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/selenium/nium | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
National Institutes of Health. Selenium. February 26, 2024. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/
Palmery M, Saraceno A, Vaiarelli A, Carlomagno G. Oral contraceptives and changes in nutritional requirements. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2013;17(13):1804-1813.
Wilson SMC, Bivins BN, Russell KA, Bailey LB. Oral contraceptive use: Impact on folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 status. Nutrition Reviews. 2011;69(10):572-583. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2011.00419.x
McArthur JO, Tang H, Petocz P, Samman S. Biological variability and impact of oral contraceptives on vitamins B(6), B(12) and folate status in women of reproductive age. Nutrients. 2013;5(9):3634-3645. Published 2013 Sep 16. doi:10.3390/nu5093634
Akinloye O, Adebayo TO, Oguntibeju OO, Oparinde DP, Ogunyemi EO. Effects of contraceptives on serum trace elements, calcium and phosphorus levels. West Indian Med J. 2011;60(3):308-315.

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 Test Panel for Oral Contraceptive Patients