This article will tell you the details about the Vitamin B12 test significance, the abnormal and the normal levels of Vitamine B12 in your bloodstream, and the treatment options for complications associated with its deficiency.
Vitamin B12 plays a very important role in aiding various physiological functions that might be related to the brain health, our nerve functions, or for maintaining optimal blood cell production. However, Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause various complications. Vitamin B12 test can help measure your Vitamin B12 levels.
A blood test that helps in analysing your Vitamin B12 levels in your bloodstream, it is a type of routine blood test. This measurement can be done as a urine test, but blood tests provide more accurate results.
What is the Significance of Doing a Vitamin B12 Test?
To monitor your Vitamin B12 levels in your bloodstrea, Vitamin B12 test is conducted. Keeping the levels of Vitamin B12 in optimal range is cruicial as both its high and low levels can cause certain severe complications. Your doctor might suggest you to get your Vitamin B12 test in case of:
1. Possible Vitamin B12 deficiency
Many countries have prevelant Vitamin B12 deficiency. These may include countries like India, north and central America, parts of Africa and mexica.
Vitamine B12 deficiency may present typical symptoms including lacking balance, confusion, nausea, fast heartbeat, sore mouth, memory loss, etc.. if you are facing certain symptoms, your doctor might suggest you to get the Vitamin B12 test to clarify the suspects.
2. Pernicious Anemia diagnosis
The production of the blood cells is determined by the vitamin B12 levels. If there is a lack of vitamin B12 in your body, it might lead to development of pernicious anemia. This type of anemia is prevalent in those patients who do not have adequate amounts of intrinsic factors in their stomachs.
If you lack intrinsic factors in your stomach, it can be the primary contributing factor for pernicious anemia development. Loss of appetite, fatigue, unexplained loss of weight, and weakness are some common symptoms that are associated with this condition
3. Elevated Folate Levels
Undiagnosed Vitamin B 12 deficiency can lead to Patients complaining for having neurological issues. Excess levels of folic acid in your bloodstream nmay mask Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms. In such cases, Vitamin B12 test can help identify any complications.
When will Your Doctor Prescribe a Vitamin B12 Test?
Your doctor might suggest you to get Vitamin B12 test not only in above cases but also if you experience certain symptoms including:
- Pale skin
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Not feeling hungry/Loss of appetite
- Bleeding gums
- Tachycardia/increased heart rate
- Balance-related issues
- Tingling sensation in the body’s extremities
To rule the presence of any other disease, you dpctor will prescribe you with certain other tests depending on the symptoms you are facing.
Vegetarians and vegans are more prone to having Vitamin B12 deficiency. This is because Vitamin B12 is more found in animal products or food sources including eggs, meat, cheese, milk, etc.
Vitamin B12 Test Results – What is the Normal, Low, and High Range?
Normal Vitamin B12 Levels
The normal range of vitamin B12 in your body is 200 pg/mL to 600 pg/mL. This range is the standard reference range for measurement of its levels through blood tests.
If your Vitamin B12 levels are getting measured through a urine examination, its normal range falls under 3.8 mcg/mC.
High Vitamin B12 levels
When your Vitamin B12 levels in the bloodstream reach above 800 pg/mL, they are considered as high Vitamine B12 levels. This can be a sign of concern. These levels might indicate the presence of certain complications including renal dysfunction, liver disease, or leukaemia.
A high vitamin B12 level indicates the presence of some underlying dysfunction or disease pertaining in your body. So, to eliminate and to rule out any possible severe complications, your doctor might suggest for further testing and treatment.
Low Vitamin B12 levels
The low levels of Vitamin B12 are considered when they reach below 150 pg/mL. This might indicate an underactive thyroid gland and its functions. It might lead to the prevalence of neurological symptoms, or pernicious anaemia.
When you have Low Vitamin B12 levels, you might require certain supplementation or injections to absorb the required minerals and vitamins in your body in an efficient manner. Therefore, these individuals need to take the prescribed dosage of supplements.
How is the Vitamin B12 Test Done?
The levels of Vitamin B12 can be measured via two methods – a urine test or a blood test.
The blood test is a conducted as the standard and common test approach. This is often done with empty stomach to get precise results. Therefore, you require to fast for at least 6-8 hours before the test.
You might be prescribed with other tests, depending on your situation. This is done to check for your MMA- methylmalonic acid levels. These tests might indicate the initial signs of deficiency of Vitamin B12.
What are the Side Effects of Vitamin B12 Test?
Vitamin B12 test only brings minor side effects or discomfort including a prick sensation while your blood sample is being withdrawn. It does not cause any severe side effects or risks.
In certain, very rare cases, you might experience hematoma or infection at the injection site (from where your blood sample was drawn).
What is the Cost of Vitamin B12 Test in India?
Your Vitamin B12 test cost in India can range approximately 500 - 1200 INR. although, the prices may vary depending on other factors as well including the city location and the laboratory reputation.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 has a pivotal role in maintaining certain functions of your body. So, any abnormal Vitamin B12 levels can be alarming. However, if you get a timely testing and diagnosis, your treatment can prove to overcome the complications and allows for living a comfortable life ahead. People who remain on a strict plant-based diet should especially get their routine Vitamin B12 tests.
