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Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential vitamin for our body that plays a vital role in the execution of various biological processes like brain health, blood cell production, and proper nerve functioning. It can also be taken in the form of supplements for the management and treatment of pernicious anemia, treatment of spinal cord myelopathy, ileal resection, and other conditions. Low blood B12 levels are uncommon in most people who consume a balanced diet. However, there are causes for them to fall short of average.
Vitamin B12 testing is done to measure the levels of that vitamin in your blood.A low level of vitamin B12, or a vitamin B12 deficiency, can lead to a number of health problems, including nervous system disorders and anemia.
Low vitamin B12 levels can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor diet, use of certain medications, aging, or illnesses that impair the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food. Testing for vitamin B12 necessitates blood testing. Your doctor can diagnose and recommend the best course of action for any potential vitamin B12 deficiency by measuring your level.
If you exhibit signs of anemia or nervous system problems, such as mental abnormalities, weakness, loss of balance or numbness, pain, and tingling in the arms and legs, your doctor may prescribe a vitamin B12 test. In the event that an abnormal blood test indicates megaloblastic anemia—a condition in which red blood cells are abnormally large and malfunction—a vitamin B12 test may also be ordered as a follow-up.
The amount of vitamin B12 levels in the body is measured with a vitamin B12 test. Normal levels typically fall between 200 and 900 picograms per milliliter. The goal of a vitamin B12 test is to identify if your body has less B12 than usual or if you have any symptoms of such deficiency in your body. In order to diagnose or track specific health issues, a vitamin B12 level may be measured independently at times or in conjunction with other tests.
Your body needs adequate amounts of vitamin B12 to produce red blood cells, keep your nervous system functioning properly, and make DNA, which is the genetic material found in every cell in your body.
There are several reasons why your doctor might advise you to get vitamin B12 test done, including:
The primary health issue linked to inadequate absorption of B12 is a disorder called "pernicious anemia." It arises from a deficiency of an intrinsic factor, a stomach-produced protein. You can't get enough vitamin B12 from food without it. A decrease in B12 levels can also be attributed to Crohn's disease and celiac disease.
Your levels of vitamin B12 may be impacted by a variety of medications. Medication for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most popular. Proton-pump inhibitor medications lessen stomach acid, which is necessary for food to release vitamin B12.
The principle of vitamin B12 testing is based on the fact that vitamin B12 molecules may bind to specific antibodies. These antibodies are mixed with blood samples. These antibodies then specifically bind to Vitamin B12 molecules. The bound complex can then be measured using various detection methods.
A typical range for a normal vitamin B12 level is 200–800 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Your doctor may ask you to retake the vitamin B12 test or have more testing done if your result falls into the borderline range of 200 to 300 pg/mL.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 is indicated by values below 200 pg/mL. Known causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include vegan diets, drugs, pancreatic issues, surgery, and illnesses that impact the digestive system.
Low values may indicate following conditions:
The average cost of vitamin B12 test may range from Rs. 800 to Rs. 900. This cost may vary depending on various factors like available discounts, overall package booked, and insurance cover.
A vitamin B12 test's price in India can differ for a number of reasons, such as the following:
You don't need to do anything if your vitamin B12 test results indicate that your levels are normal; just keep eating a balanced diet. Fish, meat, dairy products, and other foods fortified with B12, such as cereal and milk, are good sources of vitamin B12. Speak with your doctor about whether B12 supplements or dietary adjustments make sense if your levels continue to worry you.
Choose Dr. B. Lal Labs for getting vitamin B12 tests done and taking control of your health in your own hands. Book your test now!
Q1: How much does a B12 test cost?
A: The average cost of vitamin B12 test may range from Rs. 800 to Rs. 900. This cost may vary depending on various factors like available discounts, overall package booked, and insurance cover.
Q2: Is a Vitamin B12 test essential?
A: If you exhibit signs of anemia or nervous system problems, such as altered mental status, weakness, disorientation, tingling in the arms and legs, or pain, your doctor may prescribe a Vitamin B12 test.
Q3: Does taking a B12 test require fasting?
A: A six to eight-hour fast (not eating) may be required before your blood test.
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