REGULAR health tests became mainstream during Covid and, ever since, the number of check kits has ballooned.
Some are not reliable and a visit to your GP is a must if you have serious concerns.
But for health guidance, many are far more accurate than they used to be.
I put three to the test . . .
VITAMIN D
BEFORE I tried the U-Test Vitamin D Deficiency Test Kit, I got tested by my GP – so knew I wasn’t deficient. This kit told me the same.
The company makes tests for all sorts, from prostate and kidneys to stomach ulcers and STIs.
Many are well priced, including this one.
For this clinically approved at-home test you prick your finger then drop blood on to a small plastic testing pad.
Ten minutes later, it reveals if you have sufficient, insufficient or deficient vitamin D.
A great little kit with clear steps, it is said to be 94.4 per cent accurate.
£7.99, Home Bargains and u-test.co.uk.
METABOLISM
MANY are obsessed with coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD).
It plays essential roles in energy metabolism and DNA repair, and it can decline as you get older.
A test can work out if you need to supplement with NAD or make lifestyle changes.
This NAD Blood Test from Nadmed is the world’s only CE-marked NAD check – meaning it meets EU health regulations.
You need a blood test at a clinic, which was quick and painless.
Despite not being a spring chicken, my levels are fine.
Good to know before buying supplements you don’t need.
From £199, goodbodyclinic.com/products/nad-blood-test.
STRESS
YORKTEST’s Stress (Cortisol) Test looks at levels of this hormone produced by the adrenal gland.
It helps your body respond to stress, reduces inflammation, manages blood sugar and metabolism and controls blood pressure.
Too much or too little cortisol can indicate an underlying health issue.
The big concern is if it is chronically high.
You take the test in the morning.
Prick your finger, collect a few drops of blood, post to a lab and get the results within a week.
Mine was slightly high, so a bit more yoga and less wine for me.
On offer at £41, yorktest.com/products/stress-cortisol-test.
