What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. After the body uses these vitamins, leftover amounts leave the body through the urine. The body can store vitamin B12 for years in the liver. Vitamin B12 (also known as cyanocobalamin or cobalamin) is essential in our body as it is a water-soluble vitamin that helps in the formation of red blood cells and keeps our nerve cells healthy. Vitamin B12 foods are animal based foods like milk and meat products, which can be added to our daily diet as a food source or as food supplements. Vitamin B12 foods support our body by providing us energy, helping iron function and preventing various diseases.
Importance of Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12, like the other B vitamins, is important for protein metabolism. It helps in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of the central nervous system.
If we have low Vitamin B12 in our body, it can lead to the symptoms mentioned below:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tingling sensation in the body
- Pain or trouble in walking
- Mood swings or depression
- Forgetfulness or memory loss
- Vision issues
Purpose of Vitamin B12 Test:
This test is most often done when other blood tests suggest a condition called megaloblastic anemia. Pernicious anemia is a form of megaloblastic anemia caused by poor vitamin B12 absorption. This can occur when the stomach makes less of the substance the body needs to properly absorb vitamin B12.
Your provider may also recommend a vitamin B12 test if you have certain nervous system symptoms. A low level of B12 can cause numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, weakness, and loss of balance.
Preparation of vitamin B12 Test:
- Usually, you will not need to fast. But this depends on the laboratory and the testing method used
- Avoid excessive exercise: Avoid intense exercise or physical activity on the day of the test, as it can affect your blood sugar levels and give inaccurate results.
- Medications: Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking as they may affect your test results.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water before the test to stay hydrated, which helps in providing accurate results.
Understanding Vitamin B12 Blood Test parameters
This test is most often done when other blood tests suggest a condition called megaloblastic anemia. Pernicious anemia is a form of megaloblastic anemia caused by poor vitamin B12 absorption. This can occur when the stomach makes less of the substance the body needs to properly absorb vitamin B12.
Your provider may also recommend a vitamin B12 test if you have certain nervous system symptoms. A low level of B12 can cause numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, weakness, and loss of balance.
Other conditions for which the Vitamin B12 test may be done include:
- Sudden severe confusion (delirium)
- Loss of brain function (dementia)
- Dementia due to metabolic causes
- Nerve abnormalities, such as peripheral neuropathy
