Vitamin B12 Level

What is vitamin B12 test for?

Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that is necessary for the growth and function of nerves and red blood cells. A vitamin B12 test measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the blood. Vitamin B12 levels that are too low may be caused by a diet that does not include enough foods that are rich in vitamin B12 (such as animal-based foods), by anorexia, or by certain diseases (such as pernicious anemia).

How do you test for B12 deficiency?

You can check for Vitamin B12 deficiency by doing a Total Vitamin B12 and an Active Vitamin B12 test

What happens when your vitamin B12 is low?

Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause anemia. Vitamin B-12 deficiency also can cause neurological problems, such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. It also can cause poor balance and difficulty walking. In severe cases, vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause confusion, dementia, and psychosis.

What is the normal range of B12?

Value between 183 - 883 pg/ml is suppose to be normal, you may have a B12 deficiency and need to supplement with vitamin B12. However, you should first see your doctor to determine the cause of your B12 deficiency, and to correct any underlying cause for your B12 deficiency.

Should I be worried if my B12 is high?

Usually, it is not a cause for concern. Please consult your doctor about the same.

How long does B12 deficiency take to correct?

After the initial phase of vitamin B12 replacement therapy, it can take up to 6 – 12 months before it actually kicks in and starts alleviating some of your symptoms. It is also common for certain symptoms not to improve right away since it can take some time for you to absorb enough from what you've been taking.

What medications should not be taken with B12?

Certain medications can decrease the absorption of vitamin B12. Medications that may decrease vitamin B12 absorption include: Colchicine, Metformin, Extended-release potassium products, Antibiotics (such as gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin), Anti-seizure medications (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone) and Heartburn medications

How can I increase my B12 naturally?

To get more vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of these foods that contain it: meat, beef liver and chicken fish, and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, clams The fortified breakfast cereal. Low-fat milk and cheese yogurt eggs

Can low b12 cause hair loss?

If your body doesn’t get enough vitamin B12, its cells will not be able to reproduce. Hair cells depend on this vitamin because they are a type of cell that constantly replicate. When the hair cells stop reproducing within the hair follicle, it means hair growth is stunted.

Can low b12 cause anxiety?

Vitamin B12 causes Severe Neurologic Symptoms: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause almost any severe neurological symptom, from anxiety and depression to hallucinations and psychotic symptoms. This is because vitamin B-12 deficiency triggers the nervous system as well as blood cell functions.

How do you test for B12 deficiency?