A Vitamin B12 test measures the quantity of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in your blood. This nutrient is indispensable for the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and for maintaining healthy nerves and blood cells. Humans need to obtain Vitamin B12 through their diet, with meat, eggs, and dairy being rich sources, as the body cannot synthesise it.

In India, 47% of the population suffers from a deficiency in Vitamin B12. This may result in macrocytic anaemia, a disorder that may induce neuropathy and cause tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Therefore, getting tested for Vitamin B12 levels in Hyderabad is crucial for preventing these health issues and ensuring overall well-being.

Important details about the Vitamin B12 test blood include:

• Prerequisites : Fasting is not required prior to the Vitamin B12 test.

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

• Who Should Get a Vitamin B12 Test : People of all ages can suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency. Those showing symptoms like weakness, nausea, or irritability should consider getting tested.

• Cautions Before Taking Vitamin B12 Test: Certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors, might influence the test results. It is crucial to notify your doctor of any medications you are on before taking the test.

When a complete blood count shows low haemoglobin, large red blood cells, or atypical white blood cells, a Vitamin B12 test might be advised by your doctor. You might also need this test if you have symptoms like:

• Weight loss

• Sore mouth or tongue

• Vision problems

• Impaired walking or speech

• Irritability

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea

• Reduced appetite

• Severe tiredness or weakness

• Tingling or numbness in your extremities

• Yellowish skin

• Mood swings and behavioral changes

• Memory difficulties or confusion

• Depression

You may also need a Vitamin B12 test if:

• You follow a plant-based diet, a B12 is naturally found only in animal products.

• You take medications that can lower B12 levels (e.g., diabetes or peptic ulcer medications).

• You are over 70, as the elderly are more susceptible to B12 deficiency due to less efficient nutrient absorption.

• You are pregnant, requiring more B12 for the baby’s development.

• You have digestive disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, which impede B12 absorption.

• You have Sjögren's syndrome, which raises the risk of B12 deficiency.

• You are being treated for malnutrition or a B12 deficiency, as the test can help assess treatment success.

• You drink excessive amounts of alcohol, which can damage the digestive system and reduce B12 levels.

Doctors may also suggest checking homocysteine levels, which can help diagnose a B12 deficiency and its cause. This helps in facilitating an appropriate treatment.

Normal Vitamin B12 Range

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

Understanding Test Results

Low Levels

A low Vitamin B12 level may indicate a deficiency due to:

• Insufficient dietary intake, particularly in vegetarians

• Weight loss surgeries and other surgical procedures

• Gastrointestinal disorders like atrophic gastritis

• Elevated homocysteine levels

• Genetic conditions like transcobalamin II deficiency

• Malabsorption issues linked to Crohn's disease, celiac disease, pancreatitis, or small bowel resection

• Infection by fish tapeworm

• Absence of intrinsic factor or the presence of intrinsic antibodies (common in pernicious anaemia)

Increased demand during the final trimester of pregnancy can also cause reduced Vitamin B12 levels. Your doctor may also advise checking your folate levels simultaneously with vitamin B12 as both are necessary for proper cell function.

High Levels

High levels of Vitamin B12 are uncommon because the body usually excretes excess amounts in urine. Conditions that might lead to increased Vitamin B12 levels include:

• Acute hepatitis

• Cirrhosis

• Drug-induced cholestasis

• Chronic kidney disease

• Protein malnutrition

• Polycythaemia vera

• Congestive heart failure

• Myelogenous or promyelocytic leukaemia

• Hepatocellular carcinoma

• Metastatic liver disease

If you have unexpected Vitamin B12 levels, it is important to seek guidance and interpretation from your doctor.