What tests should a vegan and vegetarian do to check for deficiencies?

Vegetarianism and veganism are lifestyles that involve excluding meat and often animal products from the diet. While these diets can be healthy and balanced, there is a risk of deficiencies in some nutrients, especially vitamin B12. Testing holotranscobalamin levels (the active form of vitamin B12) is one of the key steps vegans and vegetarians should take to monitor their health. In this article, we will discuss what holotranscobalamin is, when it is worth doing this test, how to prepare for it, how much it may cost and what our suggestions are for people on vegetarian and vegan diets.

What is holotranscobalamin?

Holotranscobalamin, also known as holo-TC or the active form of vitamin B12, is a protein that transports vitamin B12 in the body. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the proper functioning of the body, especially the nervous system and the production of red blood cells. Therefore, it is important to have sufficient levels of holotranscobalamin because it is the form of vitamin B12 that is biologically active and available to the body.

Holotranscobalamin – indications for the test

Testing holotranscobalamin levels is especially important for vegans and vegetarians because natural sources of vitamin B12 are mainly of animal origin, such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. People on vegetarian and vegan diets are therefore more likely to be deficient in this vitamin. Indications for testing holotranscobalamin levels include:

• Vegetarianism or veganism
• Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency such as weakness, headaches, tingling in the limbs
• History of vitamin B12 deficiency
• Bariatric surgery or other procedures that may affect the absorption of vitamin B12

Holotranscobalamin level test – preparation and course

Before testing your holotranscobalamin levels, there are some preparatory steps you should take. The most important of them are:

1. Do not eat or drink for at least 8 hours before the test (fasting test).
2. Report any dietary supplements or medications you take to your doctor as they may affect the test results.

The testing process itself involves taking a blood sample, which is subjected to laboratory analysis to measure the level of holotranscobalamin. The test results will be forwarded to the doctor, who will carefully interpret them and share them with the patient.

Holotranscobalamin – price/reimbursement, referral

The price of holotranscobalamin level testing may vary depending on the region and type of medical facility. In some cases, it may be reimbursed from public funds if there are appropriate medical indications. A referral for this test can be obtained from a family doctor or specialist who suspects a vitamin B12 deficiency in the patient.

Your suggestions

If you are vegan or vegetarian, there are several steps you can take to avoid vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Monitor your holotranscobalamin levels regularly by following your doctor’s advice.
• Supplement your diet with appropriate vitamin B12 supplements if recommended by your doctor.
• Keep your diet varied by including foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as some plant-based milk drinks and breakfast cereals.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet and monitoring your nutrient levels, check out the following articles:

• “Vitamin B12 in a vegan diet – what you should know”
• “Healthy supplements for vegans and vegetarians”
• “A balanced vegetarian diet – how to compose it”

Remember that maintaining a proper diet and checking your health regularly are key steps in maintaining your well-being and health as a vegan or vegetarian.