Iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and ferritin. For vegetarians and vegans who want to check key nutrients.
Blood collection at collection point
After your order you receive instructions by email
Make an appointment at a collection point near you
Blood collection at 1,000+ locations across the Netherlands
The Vegetarian Basic Blood Test is specially developed for vegetarians and vegans who want to check the most important nutrients that often become deficient with a plant-based diet. This basic test measures four crucial biomarkers that are essential for oxygen transport, nerve function, the immune system, and overall energy. With a plant-based diet, the risk of deficiencies is higher because certain nutrients are found primarily in animal products or are less well absorbed from plant-based sources.
This test is essential for anyone following a vegetarian or vegan diet, especially if you have been eating plant-based for a long time, experience fatigue, or have had previous deficiencies. Iron from plant sources (non-heme iron) is absorbed much less effectively than iron from meat. Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products, which means vegans absolutely must supplement. Vitamin D deficiency is common, especially in Northern Europe where there is little sunlight. Ferritin gives an early signal if your iron stores are heading towards deficiency, even before anemia develops.
The results provide insight into your nutritional status and whether your plant-based diet provides sufficient essential nutrients. Low values indicate deficiencies that can lead to fatigue, concentration problems, reduced resistance, hair loss, and, in the long term, more serious health problems. Iron and B12 are crucial for energy production and oxygen transport. Vitamin D regulates the immune system and bone health. This test helps you optimize your diet and supplementation.
High iron values are rare in vegetarians but can indicate hemochromatosis (hereditary iron overload) or excessive supplementation. Too much iron can be harmful to organs. Very high B12 levels are usually harmless and may indicate recent supplementation or injections. Extremely high vitamin D levels only occur with extreme overdose of supplements and can lead to calcium accumulation. High ferritin can also arise from inflammation, not just iron excess.
Low iron and ferritin levels are very common in vegetarians and vegans and lead to fatigue, concentration problems, pale skin, hair loss, and reduced athletic performance. Iron deficiency should be treated with supplements, preferably combined with vitamin C for better absorption. Low B12 levels are dangerous in the long term and can lead to irreversible nerve damage, anemia, and neurological problems. All vegans should supplement B12. Low vitamin D leads to bone demineralization, reduced resistance, and muscle weakness. These deficiencies are easy to remedy with targeted supplementation.
This test is included in Dutch healthcare guidelines and is regularly used for its respective indications.
Rationale for this test
Deze test meet vier voedingsstoffen die essentieel zijn voor vegetariërs en veganisten: ijzer, vitamine B12, vitamine D en ferritine. Alle vier zijn standaard-bepalingen in de Nederlandse laboratoriumdiagnostiek. De Gezondheidsraad adviseert vitamine B12-suppletie voor veganisten vanwege het risico op tekorten. IJzer- en ferritinebepaling zijn gevestigde markers voor ijzerstatus, en vitamine D-bepaling is een standaard-test voor het opsporen van tekorten.
Dutch clinical guidelines and healthcare organisations
We recommend consulting these independent sources before ordering a preventive health check.
Brochure on preventive health checks: careful choice, reliability, pros and cons, checklist.
Independent information about preventive health checks from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
Reliable patient information about illnesses and complaints from Dutch GPs (NHG).
Public-facing website of the Dutch Society for Clinical Chemistry with explanations of blood tests and laboratory values.
Practical information
After ordering we generate a referral letter and email you the instructions. You pick a collection point yourself and book an appointment there. Blood is drawn at the location, processed at the lab, and your result arrives digitally.
Often within a few working days. How soon you can be seen depends on how busy the location is and the type of analysis. For specialist analyses we first ship collection materials, which takes a bit longer.
At most collection points yes. Some accept walk-ins. This is clearly indicated per location. You choose the location that works best for you.
That depends on the test. Whether fasting is required, and from what time, is clearly stated in the instructions you receive after ordering. No surprises at the counter.
It varies per analysis: from same-day to a few working days. Standard values often come back quickly; analyses that go to an external lab can take a bit longer. You receive your laboratory report securely by email. It lists the measured values, units, reference ranges and any flags added by the laboratory.
We work with 1,000+ collection points across the Netherlands. After ordering you'll see which locations near you are available and you pick where you'd like to go.
“Very positive experience”
From ordering to having my blood drawn, everything went smoothly and was well organised. I really appreciated being able to visit a blood collection location in my own town so quickly. I received clear instructions beforehand, and the results arrived promptly by email too. Very satisfied!
“Good communication”
This company responds to questions thoroughly and promptly. The entire process, from requesting the test to having blood drawn and receiving the results, runs very smoothly. Overall, I am very satisfied!
“Wide choice of tests, fast and affordable”
You can choose the tests yourself. Fast delivery and processing, clear instructions and affordable.
“I am satisfied with the service”
I received a referral by email, just like from a GP. I did not have to send anything by post and could quickly visit a local blood collection centre. The results were fast and clear. The price was good, not too expensive, and all messages were secure.
“A very good experience”
A very good experience! I received quick answers to my questions, a custom blood test was put together, everything was arranged smoothly, and I could have my blood drawn by a healthcare professional nearby. The results were available within a few days. In short, very satisfied!
“Very good customer service”
The customer service is very good. I had a complex request, which caused an issue at the blood collection centre. Customer service resolved it very well. They also offer a wide range of tests at a reasonable price.
“Everything was well organised”
Everything was well organised. The products were delivered within a few days and, after sending in the samples, the results arrived within a few days too. Communication and information throughout the process were clear and friendly.
“Fantastic service”
Fantastic service! Very good customer service that responds quickly and thinks along with you. Good prices. I will definitely use BloedCheckup's services again.
“Very happy to have found this business”
Very happy to have found this business. We need to check our blood more often :) The process was easy. They sent me the kit at home, then I had to go to a clinic with the papers and they knew what they had to do. I got the results in less than a week.
“Smooth process and good support”
Amazing website experience. I ordered various tests for 2 people. We went to one of the supported centers and took samples. Also after the results were ready, I needed a letter from the laboratory and they prepared the letter for me in no time. Definitely recommended.
“Amazing service!”
Received a packet with everything needed, went to a walk in clinic (Amsterdam DC Clinic) where my blood was drawn and I was out the door within 5 minutes, and then after posting the samples, received results 2 days later. Results were easy to understand as well. Amazing service, would highly recommend!
“Great customer service”
I ordered a test through bloedcheckup.nl but later realized I no longer needed it. I contacted their support team, and they were very quick, responsive, and helpful in handling my cancellation. The whole process was smooth and efficient. Great customer service!