Our Vegetarian & Vegan Package Explained
What are the tests in the Vegetarian & Vegan Package?
Measure 7 essential nutrients in your blood, and ensure your vegetarian or vegan diet meets your nutritional needs. Identify any deficiencies in nutrients commonly found in animal products to maintain your optimal health.
Full package: R2514
Critical for vegetarians and vegans as this is primarily found in animal products. The Vitamin B12 test helps to diagnose or rule out if you may have vitamin B12–deficiency anaemia. Also known as cobalamin deficiency, this condition develops when your body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells because it doesn’t have enough vitamin B12. Your body needs vitamin B12 to make healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Iron Study (Iron serum, ferritin, transferrin)
Iron deficiency is common in those avoiding meat, so this is essential.
Often low in those not consuming fortified animal products or getting enough sun.
This nutrient is essential for immune function but studies have found that the zinc intake of vegetarians and vegans was significantly lower compared to omnivores. If you are a young woman, you’re especially at risk, according to a number of studies which suggest this population in particular is not getting their recommended dietary intake.
Provides a broad overview of overall health, including anemia, which is common in vegetarians/vegans.
Recommended
Researchers found that avoiding all animal foods may lead to nutritional deficiencies in magnesium. Magnesium content in fruits and vegetables dropped in the last fifty years, and about 80% of this metal is lost during food processing. As a consequence, a large percentage of people all over the world do not meet the minimum daily magnesium requirement.
This test looks for a critical mineral that enables bone health, the functioning of muscles, and the cardiovascular and nervous systems. The main sources of calcium are dietary, but the mineral levels in the blood do not normally fluctuate based on diet. Instead, calcium in the blood is usually drawn from being stored in the bones.
Lipogram (Cholesterol, HDL, TRIG & LDL)
This test (panel) measures the level of the different lipids and lipid-like substances in the blood. Cholesterol and triglycerides are carried in the blood by lipoprotein particles. These particles are also measured and classified according to density. The lipogram is used to help predict the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and determine treatment. The lipogram is used to monitor the effectiveness of and or response to therapy.
Vegetarians and vegans can only get creatine from supplements because it’s naturally found in animal tissue. Creatine can build up as a result of muscle tissue breakdown.
Book with Epicentre
For over 20 years Epicentre has been studying wellness in South Africa. We are a company founded on a vision, ending disease in South Africa! So we believe in making an IMPACT.
We are an independent organization that is committed to creating a positive impact on health & wellness for all in South Africa. We want to close the gap between unscreened, undiagnosed, and uncontrolled HIV & COVID-19 infections as well as other chronic diseases for all South Africans.
By booking your tests with Epicentre, you are supporting a real local company that has worked for decades in all 9 provinces, from Pollsmoor prison to Constantia; & you’re getting a gold standard service that experts trust!
