Marker group

Vitamins

Plain-English guides to the vitamins markers we measure and what your results mean, written to inform the conversation with your practitioner.

Markers in this group

Active B12 (Holotranscobalamin)Active B12 is the small part of your vitamin B12 — only about a quarter — that your cells can actually take up and use. It shows whether B12 is really reaching your body more directly than the standard total-B12 test. A result in the expected zone is reassuring; a low one is common, often easy to put right, and read with the rest of your picture.Folate (Folic Acid)Folate (vitamin B9) is a B vitamin your body needs to make healthy red blood cells, and it matters most before and during early pregnancy, where getting enough lowers the chance of serious birth defects. A result inside the range on your report means you are unlikely to be short. A low level is common and usually straightforward to put right with your GP's guidance.Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)MMA is a marker of how well your body is actually using vitamin B12 at the cell level. When B12 is doing its job, MMA stays low. When B12 is low or not working properly, MMA climbs — sometimes before a standard B12 blood test shows anything unusual. If your result is above range, it is worth a conversation with your GP, who will look at it alongside your other B12 markers, your kidney health, and how you are feeling.Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)Vitamin B1 is a vitamin your body needs to turn food into energy and keep the nervous system healthy. Serious shortfalls are uncommon, but they matter — most often with heavy alcohol use or poor nutrition. The blood test is only a guide: a low reading is taken seriously, but a normal one does not fully rule a shortfall out, so your GP weighs it against how you are feeling.Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 keeps your nerves working and helps your body make red blood cells and DNA. It comes entirely from food (mainly meat, fish, eggs and dairy) or supplements — your body cannot make it. A blood test gives a useful first look, but it measures B12 in your bloodstream, not how much is reaching your cells. A result near the lower end sometimes needs a follow-up test to know for certain whether you are running short.Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)Vitamin B6 is a vitamin your body needs for energy, healthy nerves and making red blood cells. Unusually, both too little and too much can harm the nerves — and high levels almost always come from supplements, not food. The blood test measures the active form your cells use, so it can flag either a shortfall or a build-up.Vitamin D (25-OH)Vitamin D is checked with a blood test to see whether your body has enough for healthy bones. In Australia, an adequate level is generally 50 nmol/L or above, year-round. Your level naturally shifts with the seasons — the same person can test quite differently in summer versus winter — so the number only tells part of the story on its own.

Reading results in this group

a little low

Vitamins play important roles in many body processes, including bone health, nerve function, and immune support. This is common, especially during Australian winters when sun exposure is reduced.

Feeling tired, getting sick often, or experiencing muscle weakness?

Possible reasons:

This can relate to diet, absorption, life stage, or medicines.

Next steps: Discuss with your GP. They may consider your diet, symptoms, and related tests.

Vitamin levels often respond to supplementation within 4-8 weeks, with full improvement in 3-6 months.

in range

Your vitamin levels are in the expected range, supporting healthy body function.

Possible reasons:

Balanced intake and absorption often support in-range levels.

Next steps: No follow-up is usually needed.

a little high

Higher vitamin levels are often related to supplementation. While this isn't usually a concern, it's worth reviewing your supplement routine.

Possible reasons:

This can relate to supplements, diet, or lab timing.

Next steps: Mention this to your GP. They can advise whether any adjustments to your supplements might be helpful.

Test your vitamins

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