A Vitamin B12 test shows the level of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the bloodstream, an important nutrient needed for maintaining blood cells and healthy nerve cells. Vitamin B12 also aids in the synthesis of the genetic material found in every cell of the body: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Since the human body is unable to create Vitamin B12 on its own, it must get it from foods like dairy, meat, and eggs.

In India, approximately 47% of people suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to macrocytic anaemia, a disease that can lead to neuropathy. This causes tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Therefore, getting a Vitamin B12 test in Gurgaon is important to prevent any possible health problems and ensure overall health.

Basic guidelines for the Vitamin B12 blood test include:

• Prerequisites : There is no need to fast before the Vitamin B12 test.

• Best Time to Get Tested : A Vitamin B12 test can be done at any time of the day.

• Who Should Get a Vitamin B12 Test : Regardless of age, anyone can suffer from a Vitamin B12 deficiency. People who exhibit symptoms such as irritation, nausea, or weakness should consider taking this test.

• Cautions Before Taking Vitamin B12 Test: Proton pump inhibitors are one example of a medicine that might affect test findings. Before the test, it is critical to let your doctor know about the medications you use.

A Vitamin B12 test might be advised by your doctor when your complete blood count shows abnormal white blood cells, large red blood cells, or low haemoglobin. Other reasons for this test include symptoms like:

• Reduced appetite

• Severe fatigue or weakness

• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

• Yellowish skin

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea

• Weight loss

• Soreness in the mouth or tongue

• Vision issues

• Irritability

• Difficulty walking or speaking

• Depression

• Mood and behaviour changes

• Memory issues or confusion

Additional reasons for needing a Vitamin B12 test include:

• Taking medications that can lower B12 levels (e.g., medications for diabetes or peptic ulcers).

• Digestive disorders like celiac disease or Crohn's disease, which make B12 absorption more difficult.

• Following a plant-based diet, as B12 is naturally present only in animal products.

• Being treated for malnutrition or B12 deficiency, as this test can help monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

• Being older than 70, as older adults are more prone to B12 deficiency due to reduced nutrient absorption.

• Pregnancy, which increases the need for B12 to support foetal development.

• Having Sjögren's syndrome, which raises the risk of B12 deficiency significantly.

• Excessive alcohol consumption, which can damage the digestive system and lower B12 levels.

Doctors may also suggest checking homocysteine levels, which can help diagnose B12 deficiency and determine its cause, aiding in the development of an appropriate treatment plan.

Normal Vitamin B12 Range

The normal range for Vitamin B12 is 239-931 pg/mL

Understanding Test Results

Low Levels

Low Vitamin B12 levels can point to a deficiency, potentially due to:

• High homocysteine levels

• Dietary deficiencies, especially common in vegetarians

• Infection with fish tapeworm

• Conditions leading to reduced absorption, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, pancreatitis, and resected small bowel

• Lack of intrinsic factor or the presence of intrinsic antibodies (associated with pernicious anaemia)

• Certain surgical procedures like weight loss surgeries

• Gastrointestinal conditions such as atrophic gastritis

• Genetic disorders, including transcobalamin II deficiency

During pregnancy, particularly in the final trimester, increased needs can also result in lower Vitamin B12 levels. Your doctor may advise measuring your folate levels concurrently with your vitamin B12 intake because both are necessary for proper cell function.

High Levels

Elevated Vitamin B12 levels are rare since the body usually excretes excess Vitamin B12 through urine. However, certain conditions can cause an increase in Vitamin B12 levels, such as:

• Protein malnutrition

• Chronic kidney disease

• Acute hepatitis

• Metastatic liver disease

• Cirrhosis

• Drug-induced cholestasis

• Congestive heart failure

• Myelogenous or promyelocytic leukaemia

• Polycythaemia vera

• Hepatocellular carcinoma

Consult your doctor for additional assessment and interpretation if the findings of your Vitamin B12 test are abnormal.