Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in overall health. A vitamin B12 test shows the amount of the vitamin in your blood or urine. Vitamin B12 is essential for nervous system function and red blood cell production. High levels of B12 can indicate liver disease, diabetes, or other conditions.
Low vitamin levels can cause neurological symptoms, as well as fatigue, constipation, and weight loss. Depression can be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
* difficulty maintaining balance;
• fast heartbeat;
* numbness and tingling in the hands and feet;
* poor memory;
* pain in the mouth or tongue.
Infants with vitamin B12 deficiency may experience movement problems in addition to developmental delays.
People with symptoms of malignant anemia also need to be tested for vitamin B12 levels. Malignant anemia, which causes low red blood cell levels, is the result of an inability to absorb vitamin B12. Pernicious anemia often affects the elderly.
Symptoms of pernicious anemia
* constipation;
* fatigue;
* loss of appetite;
• pale skin;
* weakness;
* weight loss.
High serum folic acid levels can mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and worsen its neurological symptoms.
Risk factors for low vitamin B12 levels
People with low stomach acidity or other digestive problems are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
People who are more likely to have low levels of vitamin B12:
* Older people;
• children;
* vegetarians;
* people with diabetes;
* people with celiac disease and Crohn’s disease;
* people after gastric bypass surgery;
• women who are breastfeeding;
* people who take medication
How to check the level of vitamin B12 in the body
To check the level of vitamin B12, a blood or urine test is usually used. It is important that a person tells their doctor about the medications and supplements they are taking, as some of them may affect the results.
Vitamin B12 levels are normal
Normal levels of vitamin B12 in the blood range from 200 to 900 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml).
Low levels of vitamin B12 in the blood
If the vitamin B12 level is below 200 ng / ml, the result suggests vitamin B12 deficiency, pernicious anemia, or thyroid hyperactivity. People with low levels of vitamin B12 often experience neurological symptoms.
Your doctor may also check your levels of methylmalonic acid and other substances to assess your vitamin B12 deficiency. These laboratory tests help detect vitamin B12 deficiency in the early stages.
Low Vitamin B12 levels-Treatment
Individuals with low levels of vitamin B12 often require regular vitamin injections. They are more effective than supplements, especially when people have any medical conditions that make it difficult to absorb the supplements.
For some people, high doses of vitamin B12 supplements can improve their vitamin B12 levels. It may also be helpful to eat more foods rich in vitamin B12.
Daily dose of vitamin B12
Adults and adolescents over the age of 14 need 2.4 mcg (mcg) of vitamin B12 per day. The dose is increased to 2.6 mcg during pregnancy and to 2.8 mcg during breast-feeding.
People can avoid vitamin B12 deficiency by consuming a balanced diet and including multiple sources of vitamin B12 daily or by taking supplements. If there are problems with the absorption of vitamin B12 from food, vitamin supplements or injections can prevent symptoms and complications.