Vitamin B12 levels less than 150 ng/L are considered evidence of vitamin B12 deficiency. Follow-up with a test for antibodies to intrinsic factor (IFBA / Intrinsic Factor Blocking Antibody, Serum) is recommended to identify this potential cause of vitamin B12 malabsorption.
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How do you check vitamin B12 levels?
How does the vitamin B-12 level test work? Doctors usually use a blood test to check vitamin B-12 status, but home urine tests are also available. A doctor can check vitamin B-12 as part of a standard blood test.
What is vitamin B12 test called?
B6, pyridoxal phosphate. B7, biotin. B9, folic acid (or folate) and B12, cobalamin. These two B vitamins are often measured together in a test called vitamin B12 and folate.
How do you test for vitamin B12 deficiency?
Diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is based on CBC and vitamin B12 and folate levels. CBC usually detects megaloblastic anemia. Tissue deficiency and macrocytic indexes may precede the development of anemia. A vitamin B12 level < 200 pg/mL (< 145 pmol/L) indicates vitamin B12 deficiency.
Can a blood test detect vitamin B12 deficiency?
For most people who eat a balanced diet, low B12 levels are rare. But there are reasons why they may dip below normal. A simple blood test can show whether your levels are healthy, low or somewhere in between.
How can I test my B12 levels at home?
Most home kits test your urine for the presence of MMA, which is linked to early stages of a vitamin B-12 deficiency. You may need to send your urine sample to a laboratory. These kits will include a jar and mailing instructions.
What causes low B12?
You can get vitamin B12 deficiency anemia if you don't get enough vitamin B12 in your diet from foods like milk, eggs, and meat. You're more likely to be low in this vitamin if you're older, or you eat a vegetarian diet. It can also happen if your body can't absorb enough of it from the foods you eat.
What are the neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency?
A lack of vitamin B12 can cause neurological problems, which affect your nervous system, such as:
- vision problems.
- memory loss.
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- loss of physical co-ordination (ataxia), which can affect your whole body and cause difficulty speaking or walking.