What tests are used to assess vitamin and mineral levels in autism?

PostedNovember 27, 2025

UpdatedNovember 27, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Identifying nutritional imbalances is an important step in supporting health, and vitamin and mineral tests for autism play a crucial role in this process. Because many children with autism experience selective eating or digestive difficulties, these assessments help uncover hidden deficiencies that might otherwise be missed.

The most common vitamin and mineral tests for autism involve blood-based methods. Doctors often recommend lab testing to check for key vitamins such as B12, D, and folate, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc. These tests measure nutrient levels in the blood, offering clear insights into whether supplementation or dietary changes are required. In some cases, urine or hair analysis may also be used, though bloodwork remains the gold standard for accuracy.

Key Tests and Their Purpose

Each test provides valuable information about how well the body is supported nutritionally. Below are common assessments and what they reveal:

Blood Tests

The most direct way to identify deficiencies is to show current vitamin and mineral balance.

Urine Analysis

It helps track how the body is processing certain nutrients and whether any imbalances exist.

Specialised Panels

Broader panels combine several markers, giving a more detailed overview of overall nutritional status.

In practice, these tools allow families and clinicians to create more tailored dietary or supplement plans. Regular monitoring ensures that interventions remain effective and aligned with a child’s changing needs.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to nutritional deficiencies.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.