Vitamin b-12 level test- purpose, procedure & results

Vitamins have undisputed importance in the human body. The levels of vitamins in the body have a major impact on how the body performs. Vitamins serve endless purposes and functions in the body which makes it necessary to keep an eye on their levels in the body. Their importance and requirement can never suffice for over intake also. Too much intake of vitamins can have their effects and consequences.

Vitamin B-12 is one such important vitamin in the human body. Vitamin B-12 helps in the formation of DNA and red blood cells, proper nerve functioning, brain health, etc. Another factor that makes Vitamin B-12 important is the fact that our body does not produce it. We have to maintain its levels by external means. The human body like most vitamins does not store Vitamin B-12 in the body so we have to take in small amounts of Vitamin B-12 daily in our diet.

This brings us to another question. How much of Vitamin B-12 do we need to intake?

Levels and amounts of per day intake of Vitamin B-12 depend on age, eating habits, medical condition, and personal health.

Infants (6 months) need 0.4mcg

Babies (12- months) need 0.5mcg

Children (1–3 years) need 0.9mcg

(4–8 years) need 1.2mcg

(9–13 years) need 1.8mcg

Teenagers (14–18 years) need 2.4mcg

Adults need 2.4mcg

Pregnant and breastfeeding women need 2.6mcg and 2.8 mcg of Vitamin B-12 per day.

Now when it comes to maintaining the levels of vitamins there are only a few means by which we can monitor the levels of vitamins in the body. Deficiency symptoms are one way to conclude if you have a deficiency of any vitamin but a more concrete clinical test is required to follow up treatment.

Deficiency of Vitamin B-12 can lead up to

• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Constipation, loss of appetite, gas
• Vision issues
• Nerve damage, tingling, numbness, a problem in walking, muscle weakness
• Smooth tongue
• Mental issues like depression, memory loss, behavioral changes
• Temporary infertility in women

When should one get a Vitamin B-12 test?

It is important to monitor your body and look for any signs or symptoms of Vitamin B-12 deficiency like although it takes a lot of time for symptoms to show up.

• Tingling in the hands and feet
• A racing heart
• Jaundiced skin with a yellow tinge to it because of the low level of red blood cells in the body due to deficiency of Vitamin B-12
• Weakness or fatigue due to lack of RBC’s. Low levels of red blood cells lead to improper circulation of oxygen and cause fatigue.
• Weak nerve endings and functioning. Myelin is an important substance produced in the body which surrounds and protects the nerves. Myelin needs Vitamin B-12 to form. This results in pin and needles sensation in limbs.
• Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue which makes the tongue red, painful, and swollen. Mouth ulcers are also a symptom of deficiency of Vitamin B-12.
• High temperature
• Dizziness
• Those people who follow a vegan diet should get Vitamin-B12 because of lack of dairy can cause Vitamin-B12 deficiency.
• Those who have conditions of which interfere with Vitamin-B12 absorption.
• During pregnancies the cell production and DN synthesis activity in women’s body increases which needs a high amount of folate. So it is advised getting tested add supplements to the diet.

Your doctor might recommend a Vitamin B-12 test in case of high levels of serum folate levels.

Purpose of the test

The symptoms which present the need to test Vitamin-B12 levels take years to shown and often are misunderstood for something else. Generally, the need for Vitamin-B12 arises if there are chances of a condition called megaloblastic anemia in the patient’s body. In this condition, the body does not absorb the Vitamin-B12.

What is an active Vitamin-B12 test?

Active Vitamin-B12 test is done to test the level of B-12 which is available for the body to use.

Types of Vitamin B-12 test and the procedure

Blood test

Urine test

Other cases in Vitamin-B12 can be prescribed

• Weak bones
• Male infertility
• Inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Heart diseases
• Asthma
• Sleep and mental disorder
• Diabetes
• Swollen tendons
• Alzheimer’s diseases

Results

Both high and low levels of Vitamin B-12 can be indicators of other health issues. This is best discussed with a doctor.

Results according to pg/mL of Vitamin B-12

Below 150 pg /mL — low

200 to 600 pg/mL — normal

800 pg/mL — high

In the case of urine test MMA under 3.8 mcg/mC is considered normal.