Vitamin B12 Test

The main reason behind low vitamin B12 is the kind of diet a person follows on a regular basis. Insufficient intake of vitamin b12-rich foods can lead to low levels of vitamin B12 in the body. Animal-based products such as milk, cheese, fish, chicken, meat, etc., provide the right amount of vitamin B12, so individuals who do not consume these food items can have deficiencies. Along with this, people who have had gastric surgeries are prone to low vitamin B12. Pernicious anaemia and intestinal conditions can also lead to low vitamin B12 among people of all age groups. A Vitamin B12 Test is the right way to determine whether a person has a deficiency or not. 

Yes, there is a blood test for analysing vitamin B12 in the body. This test is recommended for people who show signs of vitamin B12 deficiency such as shortness of breath, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, pale skin, mental confusion, etc. It is important to get this blood test if these symptoms occur during pregnancy as they can cause birth defects. This blood test can also prevent serious complications in the nervous system and digestive tract. Thus, it is always better to book a vitamin B12 blood test without making any delays. 

Vitamin B12 deficiency is generally caused by insufficient intake of animal products such as milk, cheese, fish, poultry, etc. This is because these food items are rich in vitamin B12. Due to this reason, vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent among people who follow a vegan diet. It is suggested to take vitamin B12 supplements if consumption of animal-based foods is not possible. Pernicious anaemia, intestinal conditions, and gastric surgeries are other reasons behind the deficiency of vitamin B12. 

The role of vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation, proper functioning of nerves, metabolic health of cells, and the production of DNA. Keeping these aspects in mind, an optimal amount of vitamin B12 must be present in the body. Since this vitamin’s production cannot take place internally, consumption of animal-based foods like milk, cheese, fish, poultry, etc., is recommended. In adults, the vitamin B12 requirement per day is 2.4 micrograms. For children, the daily intake should be 1.8 micrograms. 

Vitamin B12 serum is elevated in people who might have specific kinds of leukaemia. High levels of vitamin B12 can also occur among those who have diabetes, liver diseases, or kidney problems. This elevation occurs when absorption of vitamin B12 is not taking place properly. It is best to consult a medical practitioner to understand the reasons behind high levels of vitamin B12 serum. 

Individuals who do not consume animal-based foods like milk, eggs, cheese, poultry, fish, etc., are at a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. This is because vitamin B12 can only be consumed through these foods or supplements. Hence, individuals who follow a vegan diet can get low levels of vitamin B12, resulting in a deficiency. Along with this, a family history of vitamin B12 deficiency can be a reason why some people are more prone to this condition than others. Individuals who have gastritis, pernicious anaemia, transcobalamin II deficiency, etc., can have issues absorbing vitamin B12 in their systems. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages can also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency as well. Hence, people with alcohol addiction can also have this type of vitamin deficiency. 

Vitamin B12 is responsible for the production of energy, red blood cells, and DNA in the body. So, if a person has B12 deficiency, then they can also get anaemic due to a lack of red blood cells for cell production. If low levels of vitamin B12 are left untreated, then the risk of serious health conditions can increase significantly. Brain-related issues such as dementia, mental confusion, and irritability can occur in people with chronic vitamin B12 deficiency. Besides this, the risk of neurological and cardiovascular conditions can increase with untreated vitamin B12 deficiency. 

Supplements of vitamin B12 are recommended to people who follow a vegan diet on a daily basis. This is because they do not consume animal-based food items that are rich in vitamin B12. These include milk, eggs, cheese, poultry, fish, meat, and the like. This is especially true for vegans during pregnancy because the requirement for vitamin B12 increases in order to develop the DNA and red blood cells of the foetus. People who have pernicious anaemia, gastritis, and kidney problems can also take vitamin B12 supplements if their medical practitioner prescribes them. 

Since vitamin B12 is important for the production of red blood cells and energy, a person might experience fatigue with this kind of vitamin deficiency. Alongside this, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal issues can also occur among people who have a deficiency of vitamin B12. Some individuals can also experience irritability, depression, and mental confusion. It is best to get a vitamin B12 serum test to check for its deficiency. Max Lab provides the test reports for this blood test within the same day of sample collection. 

Max Lab offers a vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) test that any individual can get if they experience a sign or symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. It is a blood test that is suitable for people in all age groups. Medical practitioners can also prescribe a complete blood count or CBC test in order to analyse the overall health of a person who might have vitamin B12 deficiency. Max Lab offers an at-home sample collection service in several cities across the country.

Fasting is not required for the Vitamin B12 Test. There is no other form of preparation needed for it as well. Max Lab offers an at-home sample collection service, so this blood test can be booked as per convenience.

The price of the Vitamin B12 Test may differ from city to city. Below are our cities of service with the Vitamin B12 test price near you: