Carly Hanna
BSc (Human Nutrition and Psychology)
A yearly check-up with our family doctor is a bare minimum what we should be doing to ensure we’re in good health.
However, when following any type of diet that excludes certain food groups, such as vegan or vegetarian diet, it is recommended to get blood tests and/or health checks every 6-12 months.
This will prevent any vitamin or mineral deficiencies.
The following tests are a recommendation only, and you should always consult your family doctor or a health professional since everyone’s needs and health are different.
Complete blood count (CBC) test
A CBC test is a routine blood test that is used to understand our overall health by looking at:
- red blood cells
- white blood cells
- platelets
- hemoglobin
- hematocrit
It is commonly used to check for infection as well as anemia (low levels of red blood cells).
It is important for vegetarians and vegans to get a CBC test due to not consuming any red meat, which is high in iron and increases red blood cell count.[1]
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) test
A CMP test is used to look at the function of our liver and kidney, as well as checking protein and electrolyte levels, and blood sugar, which can potentially indicate pre-diabetes.
RELATED — Diabetes: Early Signs, Causes, Types and Treatment
Abnormal results may indicate a condition that affects the liver and kidney, or if you are dehydrated, have low blood calcium levels, which can come from inadequate nutrition.[2]
Vitamin B12 (MMA — Methylmalonic Acid) test
As vitamin B12 is only found in animal products, vegetarians and vegans are recommended to check their vitamin B12 levels often.
RELATED — Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 is important for the nervous system and a deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to anemia. MMA test is an indication of how much vitamin B12 our body makes.[3]
25-Hydroxy Vitamin D test
Vitamin D is a nutrient that can be absorbed from skin exposure to the sun, as well as through animal products in the diet. Vegetarians and vegans that don’t get enough sunlight should get their Vitamin D levels checked.
RELATED — Vitamin D: The sunshine hormone for stronger bones
Vitamin D is important for bone health, so abnormal results can be an indicator of bone conditions such as osteoporosis and/or rickets.[4]
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Transferrin is a protein that is made by the liver which transports iron throughout the blood.
A TIBC test indicates how well the iron is functioning in order to carry oxygen around the body.
This is important for vegetarians and vegans as they are more likely to have lower iron intake and hence lower levels of iron in their blood.[5]
Ferritin test
Ferritin is a protein in the blood that indicates how much iron is in the body as iron is stored and bound to ferritin.
For vegetarians and vegans, it is important to make sure to get enough iron in the diet, and also to check that there are adequate iron stores in the body.[6]
Omega-3 Index test
Omega-3 levels can be tested by analysing blood plasma and/or composition of red blood cells.
This test shows the levels of EPA and DHA, which are important since both of these acids are only found in one plant food which is marine algae.
RELATED — What is Seaweed and can it be our future food source?
As an omega-3 index test is sensitive to what is in the digestive system at the time, it is recommended to fast overnight before having this test done.[7]
Folate test
Folate (also known as vitamin B9) is important for red blood cell development. As vegetarians and vegans don’t eat red meat, it is recommended to get their folic acid levels tested.
RELATED — Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Folate is commonly tested alongside vitamin B12 and ferritin levels.[8]
Lipid Profile test
A lipid profile test checks the cholesterol and triglycerides levels and is often used as a measure of heart health.
The following is checked in a lipid profile test:
- high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol – “good cholesterol”
- low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – “bad cholesterol”
- triglycerides
- total cholesterol (TC)
- total cholesterol/HDL ratio[9]
Abnormal results usually indicate that there is risk of a heart attack and/or stroke.
Urinary Iodine test
As vegetarians and vegans are at risk of not consuming enough iodine, a urinary iodine test can be done to check the levels.
While these are only an indication of short term iodine intake, and not long term stores, abnormal results can indicate that there may be thyroid problems.[10]
Related Questions
1. What are the potential issues with a vegan or vegetarian diet?
There are certain nutritional deficiencies to be mindful of when following a vegan diet. This includes deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, choline, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.
RELATED — Health Risks of Long-term Vegan and Vegetarian Diet (Part 1)
2. Is vegan diet healthier than Standard American diet?
Overall, a vegan diet is healthier than the Standard American diet as it is generally higher in fruits and vegetables, wholegrains and lean sources of protein and lower in saturated fats.
3. What are the best sources of protein when following a vegan diet?
Healthy plant-based sources of protein include:
- soy products (such as tofu and edamame)
- beans and legumes
- nuts and seeds
- some whole grains such as quinoa
RELATED — Alternative to meat: Unprocessed plant-based protein sources
If you are thinking about changing your diet and moving away from processed and ultra-processed foods, a plant-based diet is a good choice. Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions about how to start.
Having passion for mental health and nutrition, Carly’s goal is to become a registered psychologist with a focus on self-care – food, exercise, and sleep. She has a special interest in various mental health disorders, plant-based diets, and the relationship between food and mood…
If you would like to learn more about Carly, see Expert: Carly Hanna.
References
(1) Melinda Ratini. Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test. WebMD. 04/03/2022. Retrieved online. Available from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/complete-blood-count
(2) Minesh Khatri. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. WebMD. 11/08/2022. Retrieved online. Available from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/comprehensive-metabolic-panel
(3) Dan Brennan. What is a Methylmalonic Acid Test? WebMD. 25/10/2021. Retrieved online. Available from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-methylmalonic-acid-test
(4) Debra Sullivan. 25-hydroxy vitamin d test. Healthline. Jan 24 2019. Retrieved online. Available from https://www.healthline.com/health/25-hydroxy-vitamin-d-test
(5) Cheryl Whitten. What to know about total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test. WebMD. 24/11/2021. Retrieved online. Available from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-tibc
(6) Gwenda Lawrence. Ferritin Test. Health Navigator New Zealand. 27/09/2022. Retrieved online. Available from https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/f/ferritin-test/
(7) Lauren Panoff. 5 signs and symptoms of omega-3 deficiency. Healthline. Jan 6 2021. Retrieved online. Available from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/omega-3-deficiency
(8) Folate test. Health Direct Australia. Aug 2020. Retrieved online. Available from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/folate-test
(9) Cholesterol Testing. Health Navigator New Zealand. 10/10/2022. Retrieved online. Available from https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/cholesterol-testing/
(10) Melinda Ratini. Are you getting enough iodine? WebMD. Feb 16 2021. Retrieved online. Available from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/ss/slideshow-get-enough-iodine#:~:text=Doctors%20can%20test%20your%20pee,lack%20iodine%20in%20their%20diets
