VEI Check · Nutrition

Nutritional status testing:
we check what you are missing

Rather than simply adding more supplements, nutritional testing uses blood tests to check your current levels so you can replenish only what you need. Based on the results, we put together a plan for meals, supplementation and when to test again.

VEI Clinic, Gangnam — VEI Check · Nutrition

Who It May Suit

People with fatigue, poor concentration, or hair or nail concerns
People who eat a mostly plant-based diet or little animal protein
People with digestive conditions or a history of stomach surgery that can affect absorption
People taking medication long term
People who are very active or planning a pregnancy
People who want an evidence-based supplement plan

What We Test

We do not run every test at once. We choose only those that fit your symptoms and eating habits.

Anemia and baseline status: complete blood count (CBC), ferritin, iron, transferrin saturation
Vitamin B12 (with MMA and homocysteine when needed) and folate
Vitamin D
Minerals and micronutrients (case by case): magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamins B1 and B6, vitamins A, E and K
Omega-3 index (for some patients, sent to an outside lab)
Metabolic status: liver and kidney function, lipids, HbA1c, CRP, and thyroid function when needed

What You Receive With Your Results

Routine tests usually take 1 to 3 business days, and tests sent to outside labs take about 5 to 14 days.

A walkthrough of your results that highlights the values needing attention now
A personal supplement plan (types of nutrients and timing with meals)
Food-first guidance: a shopping list and sample meal patterns
When to retest (usually 8 to 12 weeks after changes) and when to stop or adjust

Before Your Test

If lipids or other metabolic items are included, fast for 8 to 12 hours (water is fine)
Have your blood drawn in the morning if possible, and drink plenty of water
Please bring a list of the supplements you take
We may suggest pausing non-prescribed high-dose biotin and non-essential supplements 24 to 48 hours before testing (the specialist will advise you)
Do not stop prescribed medications without your doctor's advice
A short note of what you eat on a typical day and any dietary restrictions is helpful

Precautions and Safety

We avoid unnecessary high-dose supplementation and look at the balance between nutrients, such as zinc and copper or vitamin D and calcium
Tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have liver or kidney disease, kidney stones or G6PD deficiency
Results that need treatment, such as severe anemia or electrolyte problems, are managed with medical care and follow-up testing, not supplements alone
If you have emergency symptoms, emergency care comes before testing

The VEI Clinic Approach

An internal medicine specialist chooses which tests to run after your consultation. We do not read a single number in isolation. We interpret results together with your symptoms, eating habits and medications.

Even with the same supplement plan, responses can vary from person to person. The specialist decides after your consultation whether supplementation is needed and how.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Should I stop all supplements before testing?

Not necessarily. We will tell you which ones to pause briefly, such as biotin, and which ones you can continue. Do not stop prescribed medications without instruction.

Can you test minerals inside red blood cells?

Some items, such as red blood cell magnesium, are available. We explain the limits of the test first and always interpret it together with your symptoms.

Do you offer hair mineral testing?

We generally do not recommend it. It is easily affected by outside contamination and is hard to interpret for medical decisions.

When should I retest?

Usually around 8 to 12 weeks after changing your diet or supplements. It may be sooner or later depending on the item and your goals.