Rapid & Precise: The Advanced Vitamin B12 Blood Analysis

Vitamin B12, essential for DNA synthesis and the formation of red blood cells, nerve cells, and brain cells, stands as one of the most vital vitamins for human health. The Extended Vitamin B12 Blood Test provides a detailed assessment of your vitamin B12 levels.

What is vitamin B12?

Also known as cobalamin, Vitamin B12 is predominantly found in animal products like meat and fish and is occasionally fortified in certain foods. In the digestive process, Vitamin B12 detaches from food proteins in the stomach and subsequently binds to another protein, facilitating its absorption in the intestines.

Given its pivotal role in nerve and brain cell production, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation, maintaining adequate Vitamin B12 levels is paramount. The body’s Vitamin B12 reserves deplete gradually, meaning a deficiency might not manifest immediately. Similarly, recovery from a B12 deficiency is a gradual process.

The daily recommended intake is 2.8 micrograms, with pregnant or breastfeeding women advised to consume 3.2 micrograms. While the body efficiently excretes any excess Vitamin B12, ensuring consistent intake is crucial to prevent potential health issues.

The Extended Vitamin B12 Blood Test

While traditional blood tests measure the total Vitamin B12 levels, the Extended Vitamin B12 Deficiency Blood Test from Easly offers a more comprehensive analysis, including markers like holotranscobalamin, homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid.

Holotranscobalamin, or active B12, is the biologically active form of Vitamin B12 that binds to a transport protein called transcobalamin. This marker offers the most accurate representation of tissue-level Vitamin B12 availability.

Elevated levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, and methylmalonic acid, an organic compound, can indicate a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Assessing these markers alongside Vitamin B12 and holotranscobalamin provides a holistic view of the body’s Vitamin B12 status.

Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency

A deficiency in Vitamin B12 can arise from dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian or vegan diets, or due to gastrointestinal conditions that impede its absorption. For instance, stomach ailments that reduce stomach acid production or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s can disrupt Vitamin B12 balance.

A vitamin B12 deficiency can also arise from gastrointestinal conditions. For instance, inflammation within the stomach lining can reduce stomach acid production. This acid is essential for facilitating the transfer of vitamin B12 from the digestive system into the bloodstream. Additionally, intestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can adversely affect the body’s vitamin B12 equilibrium.

Some medications can also cause too low B12 levels in your blood. For example, antacids can disrupt the transport of vitamin B12 from the stomach to the intestines and blood, resulting in too little vitamin B12 in your blood. Metformin, a diabetes medication, can also disrupt the absorption of vitamin B12. Finally, those who use nitrous oxide too often or too much can become insensitive to vitamin B12.

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Nerve problems are typical of vitamin B12 deficiency. This can manifest as:

• Tingling in hands and feet
• Less feeling in your fingers
• Less feeling in your feet, as if you are walking on cotton
• A leg that feels cold
• Movements are less precise; for example, you drop something
• Your balance is off

Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause anemia. In that case, you may experience the following complaints:

• Feeling tired and weak
• Quickly becoming short of breath during exertion
• Feeling dizzy
• Feeling like you’re going to faint
• Palpitations
• Sweating
• Headache
• Tinnitus

If you have mild complaints, take the Extended Vitamin B12 Blood Test. If you have severe complaints, it is best to contact your doctor immediately.