Vitamin B12 supports the nervous system and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency, often caused by poor absorption or certain diets, can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the proper functioning of the body. It plays a key role in:
Vitamin B12 levels are often tested to diagnose disorders related to blood health, neurological function, and digestion.
A vitamin B12 test can help detect deficiencies or high levels, indicating underlying health conditions such as anemia, absorption disorders, or certain liver and blood diseases.
A doctor may recommend testing vitamin B12 levels to monitor your health or if you have symptoms related to a deficiency or excess of B12. The following are the cases where this test is usually prescribed:
Vitamin B12 is usually measured by a blood test. During this test, a health professional takes a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then analyzed in the lab to determine how much vitamin B12 is in your blood.
Other specialized tests may also include levels of B12:
Preparations:
For adults, the normal range of vitamin B12 in the blood is generally between:
200 and 1100 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter)
Note : The units of measurement and the normal ranges may vary depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used.
Abnormal levels of vitamin B12 in the blood can indicate several health conditions, depending on whether they are too high or too low.
High levels
High levels of vitamin B12 are less common, but may signal underlying conditions, such as:
Recommendations:
Low levels
Low levels of vitamin B12 are more common and can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, nerve problems, and anemia. The causes include:
Recommendations:
If you have abnormal levels of vitamin B12 or symptoms of deficiency or excess, it is important to see the right specialist:
We can analyze and explain hundreds of blood biomarkers. Check out some key examples:
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