If you want to check your vitamin B12 levels, you don’t need to wait for a potentially expensive doctor’s appointment as there is a wide selection of at-home Vitamin B12 tests that may save you time and money.
But how do you know which is the right vitamin B12 deficiency test for you? Which ones are accurate? Which will provide actionable insights and support if you are deficient?
Don’t worry – I’ve done the research for you, and found the best at-home vitamin B12 tests. My top choice is LetsGetChecked, as it’s reliable and accurate, and you get your results in just 2 to 5 days.
Check Your B12 Levels With LetsGetChecked!
Short on time? Here are our top picks for the best at-home vitamin B12 tests
- LetsGetChecked’s test can identify a B12 deficiency in as little as five days.
- Everlywell offers an affordable test for three key B vitamins, including vitamin B12
- SelfDecode can help you get detailed vitamin reports along with other health insights.
- MyToolbox Genomics gives you insight into various vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin B12.
- Nebula Genomics can help you with their customized diet and supplement recommendations.
What We Look For in the Best Vitamin B12 Tests
We have taken great care to establish specific criteria for each vitamin B test included in this list. While some vitamins may be more relevant to your individual needs than others, it is important to consider all of them.
- Actionability: We have ensured that your test results report includes personalized actionable insights, backed by solid evidence. Additionally, you will have access to expert support from nutritionists or other healthcare providers who can guide you based on your specific results.
- Clarity: Our priority is to provide you with easily understandable results. We offer clear and concise reports, but if further explanation is required, we have resources available to provide additional information and answer any questions you may have.
- Value-for-money: We strive to offer vitamin B12 tests that are fairly priced, ensuring that you receive good value for your investment. We are transparent about any additional costs, so you can make an informed decision without unexpected expenses.
- Trustworthiness: Our tests are conducted in accredited laboratories, ensuring the highest standards of quality and accuracy. Moreover, we take the extra step of having physicians review your results to guarantee their reliability. Our company has a strong reputation and maintains a good standing with our customers, instilling confidence in our services.
- Speedy Results: We understand the importance of receiving your test results promptly, so you can take appropriate action or seek treatment as soon as possible. Our efficient processes enable us to deliver your results quickly, ensuring minimal waiting time and facilitating timely decision-making.
By considering these factors and selecting a vitamin B test that meets your needs, you can make informed choices about your health and take necessary steps towards optimizing your well-being.
Our Best Vitamin B12 Test Kits Reviewed
1. LetsGetChecked – Accurate Individual Vitamin B12 Blood Test
- At-home Vitamin B12 blood test
- Medical support available to explain your results
- Subscribe and save with regular testing
- Results in 2-5 days
The individual Vitamin B12 test from LetsGetChecked uses a fingerprick blood sample to determine if you are suffering from a deficiency. A period of fasting is required before taking the test, and you should collect your blood sample before 9 am, returning it on the same day.
By testing your blood, the test measures your current B12 levels and if they are found to be too low, you can discuss your results and the next step with an experienced nurse.
Monitor your vitamin B12 levels and the impact of any lifestyle changes on your deficiency over time by subscribing to testing every three, six, or twelve months, and save up to 30%.
Get Started With LetsGetChecked!
2. Everlywell – Test Levels for Three Key B Vitamins
- Blood test for three B vitamins
- Actionable results in 3-5 days
- Medical support available
- Save money with an Everlywell membership
In addition to vitamin B12, the B Vitamins Test from Everlywell also tests your blood for your current B6 and B9 levels, which are also associated with fatigue and weakness.
The test can help identify deficiencies in these vitamins and determine if you need to make dietary changes to improve your overall health and wellness. Your easy-to-understand results include a personalized report for each B vitamin, as well as what the results mean for you. Plus, you’ll get guidance on how to improve or maintain healthy levels of these vitamins.
If you are concerned about chronic fatigue, Everlywell has other tests worth considering, including the Thyroid Test and Metabolism Test. However, we also strongly suggest you visit your healthcare provider, as the tests from Everlywell only provide an indicator of current levels of certain biomarkers, not a diagnosis.
3. SelfDecode – Detailed Vitamin Reports
- Analyzes genetic markers associated with B12 metabolism
- Option to upload raw DNA data
- Extensive personalized reports
- Results in 6-8 weeks
SelfDecode uses your raw DNA data to flag genetic markers that are associated with B12 metabolism. Once you have submitted a DNA sample (either by saliva sample or existing DNA file), you can have it analyzed for certain genetic variations for personalized health reports.
A SelfDecode subscription allows you to claim a number of health reports for free, including the Vitamins DNA Wellness Report, which includes B12 and many others. Based on accurate information from the latest scientific studies, you get personalized recommendations based on your genetics to improve your levels.
The report provides an in-depth analysis of your B12 genetic profile and how your genetic variants might be affecting levels of the vitamin in your body. For example, the FUT2 and FUT6 genes protect the gut against H. pylori, a bacteria that can damage the stomach lining and reduce the protein required for B12 absorption. Plus FUT1 and FUT2 make the large intestine more hospitable to B12-producing bacteria.
With a SelfDecode subscription, you can use the Lab Test Analyzer Tool to decipher B12 lab tests and get personalized suggestions on how to achieve optimum levels to improve energy and motivation.
Get Started With SelfDecode Today!
4. MyToolbox Genomics – Personalized Vitamin Deficiency Insights
- Test based on a saliva sample
- Provides insight into your other vitamin deficiencies
- User-friendly test results
- Results in a few weeks
If you’re looking to understand your B12 levels, MyToolbox Genomics provides a vitamin deficiency report that may be able to help. The test uses a saliva sample, which you can take at home, and then send to be analyzed to provide you with a report that includes your B12 levels and personalized insights based on your genetic data.
In addition to the personalized insights, MyToolbox Genomics also provides test results that are easy to understand. You won’t need to be a medical expert to interpret your B12 levels or the other information in your test report. This makes it easier for you to take action to improve your health, whether that means making dietary changes, taking supplements, or seeking medical advice.
Once you’ve sent your saliva sample, you can expect to receive your test results from MyToolbox Genomics within a few weeks. This turnaround time is similar to other genetic testing providers, so you won’t be left waiting too long for your results.
Get Started With MyToolbox Genomics
5. Nebula Genomics – Supplement and Diet Recommendations
- Supplement and diet recommendations
- At-home testing with a simple saliva swab
- User-friendly reports
- Test results within a few weeks
With Nebula Genomics’ vitamin tests, you’ll receive a personalized report that highlights your unique genetic variants related to vitamin metabolism and nutrient absorption. When it comes to vitamin B12, the report will identify any genetic variants that may affect your ability to process this important nutrient. This information can be especially valuable for individuals who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, as vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products.
One of the key features of Nebula Genomics’ vitamin B12 report is the personalized supplement recommendations. Based on your unique genetic profile, the report will provide recommendations for specific types and doses of vitamin B12 supplements that may be beneficial for you.
In addition to supplement recommendations, Nebula Genomics’ vitamin B12 report also includes information about dietary sources of vitamin B12. You’ll learn which foods are high in vitamin B12 and how to incorporate them into your diet.
When you order a vitamin test from Nebula Genomics, you’ll receive a DNA collection kit in the mail. The kit includes everything you need to collect a DNA sample, including a saliva collection tube and instructions for how to use it. Simply follow the instructions to provide a saliva sample, then send the kit back to Nebula Genomics using the included pre-paid shipping label.
Once Nebula Genomics receives your DNA sample, it typically takes a few weeks to process and analyze the data. When your vitamin test results are ready, you’ll receive an email notification with a link to your personalized report.
Get Started With Nebula Genomics
What’s in the FinePrint?
I’ve researched each of the vitamin B12 tests thoroughly to ensure that you don’t get any nasty surprises, like extra costs. There are no shipping costs for LetsGetChecked or Everlywell. However, you will need to pay for shipping for SelfDecode, but it does ship all over the world.
Also, you should be aware that SelfDecode requires you to subscribe to a yearly or lifetime subscription to receive health reports. If you subscribe for just a year, you only get five reports for free, any others must be paid for.
How Accurate Are Vitamin B12 Tests?
Although it is important to remember no test is 100% accurate, B12 blood tests tend to be very accurate at measuring your current levels of the vitamin. This can tell you if your levels of B12 are within the normal range and if dietary and lifestyle changes should be made.
DNA vitamin B12 tests are slightly different. As opposed to measuring current levels of B12, they analyze your DNA for the genetic variants that can affect the absorption and metabolism of the vitamin. While DNA tests are accurate and identifying these variants, the presence of them only indicates a predisposition to vitamin B12 deficiency, it is certainly not definitive.
To improve the accuracy of your blood and DNA Vitamin B12 tests, ensure the quality of the samples you provide, by following the instructions correctly. Not doing so may result in your sample being contaminated, and therefore, unusable.
What Will the Results From a Vitamin B12 Test Tell Me?
A blood test will tell you your current level of vitamin B12 and if they are within the normal range, plus dietary advice to help optimize your levels. A DNA test will tell you if your genetic makeup predisposes you to a vitamin B12 deficiency. However, just because you have a genetic predisposition doesn’t mean you will develop a B12 deficiency.
Remember, none of the blood or DNA tests on this list can diagnose a vitamin B12 deficiency or any other health condition. While a blood test gives you a good indicator of your current B12 levels and a DNA test an idea of your genetic predisposition to a deficiency, you should still visit your health care provider for an official diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How Do the Top Picks Compete on Price?
The blood tests offered by LetsGetChecked and Everlywell are priced at just $89, as they test an individual biomarker (or three in Everlywell’s case). Plus, an option to subscribe to regular testing with LetsGetChecked or an Everlywell membership, will save money on Vitamin B12 and other tests.
SelfDecode is the cheapest of the remaining DNA tests at just $90, however, you will need to pay for a membership if you want to access health reports. Although, you can use existing DNA data from another provider with your membership.
Which Is the Best At-Home Vitamin B12 Test?
Which test you should choose depends on whether you want to know your predisposition to deficiency or your current levels of vitamin B12. It also depends on whether you’re interested in additional nutrition, predisposition, or health insights.
LetsGetChecked andEverlywellprovide the best blood tests for measuring your current levels of vitamin B12, with a fast turnaround for results and consultations offered.
At-Home Vitamin B12 Test Comparison
| DNA or Blood Test | Physician/Nurse Consultation | Dietary Advice | Time to Results | Starting Price | |
| LetsGetChecked | Blood | ✔ | ✖ | 2-5 days | $89.00 |
| Everlywell | Blood | ✔ | ✖ | 2-5 days | $89.00 |
| SelfDecode | DNA | ✖ | ✔ | 6-8 weeks | $199.00 |
| MyToolbox Genomics | Saliva | ✖ | ✔ | 2-3 weeks | $99.00 |
| Nebula Genomics | Saliva | ✖ | ✔ | 2-3 weeks | $249.00 |
The Bottom Line – Discover More about Your B12 Levels & Predispositions
All the vitamin B12 tests on this list are great choices, with options for testing your predispositions to a deficiency or if your current levels are within the normal range.
For monitoring your current vitamin B12 levels, LetsGetChecked offers a discount for regular testing. Or you could sign up for an Everlywell membership and save on a health test every month.
FAQ
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in neurological function and maintaining a healthy nervous system, as well as producing DNA and generating red blood cells. It is also an essential micronutrient during pregnancy. Symptoms of a deficiency include:
- Fatigue, weakness, and lethargy
- Joint or muscle pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Difficulty walking
- Irritability, mood changes, and depression
- Skin issues
What preparations do a vitamin B12 test require?
That depends on the provider, so it’s important to check the instructions carefully. Generally speaking, it’s important to be well-hydrated for a blood test, and you may be asked to fast for a few hours beforehand. If you’re submitting a spit or cheek swab DNA sample, you should not eat, drink, or smoke for thirty minutes before preparing your sample.
Does insurance cover vitamin B12 testing?
It’s a possibility. Everlywell, LetsGetChecked, and InsideTracker accept HSA/FSA payments, whereas many competitors do not. Check with your provider before ordering your test.
How do you interpret the results of a vitamin B12 test?
A blood test will tell you if your vitamin B12 level is in the normal range, and what you can do to improve it if necessary. Low levels of B12 could indicate a larger health issue, such as anemia, whereas elevated levels can be a sign of diabetes or cancer. You should review your results and discuss any symptoms with a medical professional.
Who should consider taking a vitamin B12 test? (and how often?)
Vitamin B12 is found in foods like fish, meat, and dairy, and is not naturally produced by the body. The people at the greatest risk for a deficiency are those with strict diets (vegetarian or vegan) as well as older adults and younger children. It is also important for women who are breastfeeding to have their levels checked, to ensure their babies are getting sufficient nutrients. If you find out that you have a deficiency, you can easily take steps to supplement your diet. If you have an existing condition, it might be a good idea to take a test every couple of months to actively monitor your levels.
