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Vitamin B12 supports the nervous system and red blood cell production. Deficiency, often caused by poor absorption or certain diets, can lead to serious health issues if untreated.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in the body’s functioning. It is essential for:
Vitamin B12 levels are often checked to diagnose conditions related to blood health, neurological function, and digestion.
Testing for Vitamin B12 can help doctors detect deficiencies or high levels, which may point to underlying health issues like anemia, malabsorption disorders, or certain liver and blood diseases.
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A doctor may recommend testing your Vitamin B12 levels to monitor your health or if you have symptoms related to B12 deficiency or excess. Testing is prescribed in the following cases:
Vitamin B12 is most commonly measured through a blood test. During this test, a healthcare professional draws blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to determine the amount of Vitamin B12 present in your blood.
There are also more specialized tests that may include B12 levels:
Preparations
For adults, the normal range of Vitamin B12 in the blood is generally between:
Note: The units of measurement and the normal ranges can differ depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used.
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Abnormal levels of Vitamin B12 in your blood can indicate several health issues, depending on whether the levels are too high or too low.
High Vitamin B12 levels are less common but can signal underlying health conditions. Some of the causes include:
Low levels of Vitamin B12 can be more common and often lead to symptoms like fatigue, nerve issues, and anemia. Causes of low Vitamin B12 include:
If you have abnormal Vitamin B12 levels or are experiencing symptoms of deficiency or excess, it's important to consult the right healthcare specialist. Here’s who you may need to see:
In some cases, a Vitamin B12 deficiency can be linked to certain cancers, especially if the deficiency is caused by conditions that affect nutrient absorption, such as stomach or intestinal cancers. However, it is more commonly associated with other conditions like pernicious anemia or malabsorption disorders. If you're concerned about Vitamin B12 deficiency, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough diagnosis.
This article was written by doctors from the Docus Medical Research team and reviewed by leading gastroenterology, hematology, and neurology experts. We relied on academic studies, medical research, and publications from credible sources to ensure the information provided is accurate and trustworthy.
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