This article will discuss about the Vitamin B12 deficiency its uses and tests related to B12 vitamin.We will also discuss some common questions related to the vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin or cyanocobalamin.Vitamin B12 deficiency is a treatable condition that happens if we aren’t consuming enough Vitamin B12 in the diet or following the proper nutritious time plan which includes seasonal fruits or green leafy vegetables and eating whole grains food. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause physical, neurological, and psychological symptoms in the body. It can be treated with B12 medications.
When Vitamin B12 Deficiency Occurs?
It occurs when the body is either not getting enough or not absorbing enough vitamin B12 from the food that we need to meet the body's requirements or to function properly. Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that helps the body make red blood cells and the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), the genetic material that is available in the cells of the body. Untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause various changes in physical, neurological, or psychological problems. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia occurs when there is a lack of red blood cells or a deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood which results in pallor on the face, a yellowish complexion, fatigue or confusion, and sometimes dullness. It is very essential to build the red blood cells. This causes Vitamin B12 deficiency and causes anemia. Moreover, people don't need to have Vitamin B12 deficiency without having anemia because it is a big taboo. It occurs or develops in any age group. People who are above the age group means 60 or older are more likely to develop Vitamin B12 deficiency as compared to the other age groups.
Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Lack of Vitamin B12 in the diet
People who don’t eat enough foods that have Vitamin B12 naturally or don’t eat foods that are fortified.
Gastritis
It is the inflammation of the stomach lining and the commonest cause of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Pernicious anemia
A rare medical condition and unable to make intrinsic factors that cause B12 deficiency.
Digestive issues or problems
Disease that affects the digestive system, like Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, can prevent the body from fully absorbing Vitamin B12.
Chronic alcohol consumption
It can damage the digestive system and cause Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Transcobalamin 2 deficiency
A rare genetic disorder that impairs the transport of Vitamin B12 also called cobalamin within the body.
Functions of Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 - is an important nutrient that helps to keep the body's nerve cells and blood cells healthy. It also helps the body make DNA, the genetic material in all the cells. The body doesn’t make vitamin B12 on its own. For better health, we have to consume food and drinks that have vitamin B12 to get it. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products that we eat and drink, meat, dairy, fish, and eggs it have nine amino acids which are good for building muscles. It can also be found in fortified foods that have certain vitamins and nutrients added to them including certain cereals, brown bread, brown rice, and nutritional yeast means the fermented form.
Daily Requirement of Vitamin B12
- Adults need approximately 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 a day.
- Feeding infants need 0.4 micrograms (mcg).
- Toddlers need 0.9 -1.2 micrograms (mcg).
- Children between 1.2 - 1.8 micrograms (mcg).
- Pregnant women need 2.6 micrograms (mcg).
TESTS FOR VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY DISEASE
- Blood test (Book Now)
Through blood test - A Vitamin B12 level test checks the amount of Vitamin B12 in the body. Normal level ranges from usually 200 to 900 picograms/liter and at home through urine.
- High serum folate levels (Book Now)
Serum folate determines the level of folate in the blood.High serum folate levels can tell the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and make the neurological symptoms worse. They can also increase the possibility of anemia.
- During the period of pregnancy or in older age (Book Now)
This test is done durine pregnancy and above 60 age, Vitamin B12 test is done to check the parameters of the person.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin or cyanocobalamin.Vitamin B12 deficiency is a treatable condition that happens if we aren’t consuming enough Vitamin B12 in the diet or following the proper nutritious time plan which includes seasonal fruits or green leafy vegetables and eating whole grains food. The range of vitamin B12 in the serum changes with the age and pregnancy. Deficiency of B12 leads to various abnormalities like anemia, infertility, stomach problems, nerve problems etc. There are various tests used to detect vitamin B12.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin or cyanocobalamin.Vitamin B12 deficiency is a treatable condition that happens if we aren’t consuming enough Vitamin B12 in the diet or following the proper nutritious time plan which includes seasonal fruits or green leafy vegetables and eating whole grains food.
What are the Various symptoms of Vitamin B12?
Various symptoms related to Vitamin B12 deficiency include anemia, nervous system symptoms, sore tongue, mouth ulcers etc.
What are the Causes of the Vitamin B12 Abnormalities?
Various causes related to Vitamin B12 abnormalities include diet, medication, medical condition etc.
Which tests are used for Vitamin B12 Diagnosis?
Various types of tests are used to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency including Serum test, blood test, vitamin B12 package etc.
What is the ICD-10 code for Vitamin B12 deficiency Unspecified?
The ICD-10 code for Vitamin B12 deficiency unspecified is D51.9.
How can Patients download Vitamin B12 Test Reports Online?
Patients can visit Ganesh's diagnostic website or call at 011-47-444-444 / 011-47-333-333 to download the Vitamin B12 test report online.
Which Ganesh Diagnostic Centre is near me in Delhi for the Vitamin B12Tests?
Ganesh Diagnostic Centres for Vitamin B12 Tests are at Rohini, Nangloi, Model Town, Hari Nagar, Mangol Puri and Yamuna Vihar.
