Although there is no such single thing as a “vegan diet” we know that veganism omits certain food types which can result in nutritional differences which can have an impact on how your body works. For example, scientists have also pointed to vegan diets being associated with less likelihood of heart problems, but lower levels of Vitamin B12 in vegan diets leading to an increase in strokes.

And the questions become even more pertinent when it’s about children and young people – they care passionately about the world, but is being a vegan ok for growing and changing bodies?

Chequp allows vegans and vegetarians to make their lifestyle choice as informed as it could be – so they can take whatever steps they need to ensure they can pursue their lifestyle choice fully informed, and with confidence

This test looks at 24 biomarkers to help you determine if your vegan diet is having an adverse effect on your health

Calcium

Is important for good bone health. The blood test is used to screen for and monitor bone disorders. It can also give an indication of nutritional status, organ damage and other medical conditions.

Adjusted Calcium

Also called "corrected calcium", is an estimate of the total calcium concentration in the body

Full Iron Profile

Iron is a mineral in your body that comes from foods like red meat and fortified cereals or from supplements you take. You need iron to make red blood cells. Iron is also an important part of haemoglobin, a protein in your blood that helps carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. An iron test can show if you have too much or too little of this mineral in your system.

Ferritin - Ferritin is a protein which stores iron. This test indicates if your body's iron stores are low and you have iron deficiency or if you have too much iron. It could also point to liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory conditions or hyperthyroidism.

Iron Serum - A serum iron test measures how much iron is in your serum. Serum is the liquid that’s left over from your blood when red blood cells and clotting factors have been removed. The test can reveal abnormally low or high blood iron levels. Having too much iron — or not enough — can cause serious health problems.

HbA1C

The haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test measures the amount of blood sugar (glucose) attached to your haemoglobin. haemoglobin is the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

Hs-CRP

Heart disease is usually as a result of fatty deposits in the arteries causing narrowing and poor blood supply. This blood test measures markers of inflammation specific to this process and can help to predict an otherwise well person’s cardiac risk.

Lipid Profile /Full Cholesterol test

Cholesterol is a fatty substance mostly created by the liver from the fatty foods in your diet and is vital for the normal functioning of the body.

Total Cholesterol - Total cholesterol measures the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both "good" (HDL) and "bad" (LDL) cholesterol.

Triglycerides - Triglycerides are a fatty substance similar to bad cholesterol. High levels of triglycerides can cause heart disease.

LDL Cholesterol - LDL (low-density lipoprotein) can be considered as “bad cholesterol”. This makes you more likely to have heart problems or a stroke.

HDL Cholesterol - HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol can be considered “good cholesterol”. this makes you less likely to have heart problems or a stroke.

Non-HDL Cholesterol - Non-HDL cholesterol, as its name implies, subtracts your high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good") cholesterol number from your total cholesterol number. So it contains all the "bad" types of cholesterol.

HDL % of total/Total HDL Ratio - This is the ratio of all the "bad" types of cholesterol to total cholesterol. The higher the number, the greater the chance of heart problems

Liver function test

When the liver is damaged, it releases substances called enzymes into the blood and levels of proteins produced by the liver begin to drop. By measuring the levels of these enzymes and proteins, it's possible to build up a picture of how well the liver is functioning. This can help to diagnose certain liver conditions, including hepatitis, cirrhosis (liver scarring), and alcohol-related liver disease.

Total protein - Your liver is in charge of making most of the proteins that are in your blood. The total protein test measures all the proteins in your blood.

Globulin - This is a group of proteins. Some of them are made by your liver. Others are made by your immune system. They help fight infection and transport nutrients.

Gamma GT - Gamma GT is a common enzyme found in many of your body’s tissues and organs, including your liver. It plays a part in breaking down, changing, and moving proteins and other molecules in your body.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) - Your body uses ALT to break down food into energy. Normally, ALT levels in the blood are low. If your liver is damaged, it will release more ALT into your blood and levels will rise.

Albumin - This carries medicines and hormones throughout your body. It also helps with tissue growth and healing

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) - Alkaline phosphatase is one kind enzyme found in your body. Enzymes are proteins that help chemical reactions happen. If your liver isn’t working properly, the amount of ALP in your blood may be high.

Bilirubin - Bilirubin is a pigment that occurs normally when part of your red blood cells break down. Your liver takes the bilirubin from your blood and changes its chemical make-up so that it can be passed through your body. If your bilirubin levels are higher than normal, it’s a sign that either your red blood cells are breaking down at an unusual rate or that your liver isn’t breaking down waste properly and clearing the bilirubin from your blood.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 and folate are part of the B vitamins group. B12 is important for red blood cell and DNA formation, as well as brain and nerve cell development. Folate is also important for red blood cell formation, and crucial in early pregnancy to reduce certain brain and spinal birth defects. It can give an indication of nutritional and/or malabsorption statuses.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D and Calcium are important for good bone health. The blood test is used to screen for and monitor bone disorders. It can also give an indication of nutritional status, organ damage and other medical conditions.