Assessing Vitamin B12 Levels: Purposes, Standard Values, and Outcomes
Assessing Vitamin B12 Levels: Purposes, Standard Values, and Outcomes
A test to assess vitamin B12 levels within the body checks the concentration of this essential nutrient. Normally, levels fall between 200 to 900 picograms per milliliter, but this can vary depending on the specific laboratory procedure.
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in several bodily functions, including nerve function, DNA production, and the formation of red blood cells. If vitamin B12 levels are outside of the normal range, medical intervention may be necessary. High levels might indicate liver disease, diabetes, or specific types of leukemia. Low levels could suggest a B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia.
Read further to learn more about testing vitamin B12 levels and understanding test outcomes.
Why is a vitamin B12 level test important?
The vitamin B12 level test identifies the amount of vitamin B12 present within the body. Results can aid doctors in determining if abnormal vitamin B12 levels could be contributing to symptoms.
A healthcare provider might order a vitamin B12 level test if someone exhibits any of the following signs:
Vitamin B12 deficiency suspicion
Research highlights that approximately 5-10% of adults in the United States below the age of 60 suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency. This figure increases to 20% for individuals aged 60 and above. Signs and symptoms of deficiency may include:
- confusion
- dementia
- mood disturbances
- difficulty maintaining balance
- fast heartbeat
- numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- memory problems
- sores in the mouth or on the tongue
Infants with vitamin B12 deficiency may also experience movement issues and delayed development. If left untreated, severe neurological damage can occur.
Pernicious anemia
Individuals exhibiting symptoms of pernicious anemia require a vitamin B12 level test. Pernicious anemia generally results in low red blood cell levels due to an inability to adequately absorb vitamin B12. Symptoms may include:
- indigestion
- extreme fatigue
- loss of appetite
- pale skin
- weakness
- weight loss
High serum folate levels
Serum folate refers to the level of folic acid within the blood. Elevated serum folate levels may amplify vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms and exacerbate neurological signs. They could also increase the likelihood of anemia.
Symptoms associated with other conditions
An abnormally high vitamin B12 status may serve as an early indicator of:
- liver disease
- diabetes
- certain types of leukemia
Doctors might use the results of a vitamin B12 test to support their diagnosis.
How does the vitamin B12 level test function?
Medical professionals often employ a blood test to evaluate vitamin B12 status. Home urine tests are also available. A doctor can assess vitamin B12 levels as part of a standard blood test.
Fasting before a B12 test is usually not necessary, but it may be required if the test also looks at other components in the blood. It's important to inform the doctor about any medications or supplements being taken, as some can impact test results.
Factors contributing to reduced vitamin B12 levels
Certain groups are more prone to vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly individuals with low stomach acid or other digestive issues. Stomach acid separates vitamin B12 from food for optimal absorption.
The following populations may be more susceptible to low vitamin B12 levels:
- older adults
- vegans and vegetarians
- individuals with diabetes
- people with conditions that reduce vitamin B12 absorption, such as celiac disease
- post-gastric bypass surgery patients
- individuals taking medications like chloramphenicol, proton pump inhibitors, or H2 blockers
Understanding test results
The findings may be:
- High. An unusually high vitamin B12 status is anything above 1,100 picograms per milliliter. This result could indicate liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or specific forms of leukemia.
- Low. Vitamin B12 levels are considered low if they fall below 200 picograms per milliliter. This suggests a vitamin B12 deficiency, pernicious anemia, or an underlying medical condition. People diagnosed with low vitamin B12 levels typically experience neurological symptoms.
Test result ranges vary between laboratories, so it is crucial to discuss the results and their implications with a healthcare professional. The doctor may also review methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels and other substances to assess for vitamin B12 deficiency. These lab values can pinpoint a vitamin B12 deficiency during its early stages.
Treatment for high vitamin B12 levels
Overconsumption of vitamin B12 does not pose any health risks, so there is no need for dietary restrictions. However, naturally high vitamin B12 levels might signal an underlying medical concern, prompting treatment of the underlying condition instead of the elevated vitamin B12 level itself.
Treatment for low vitamin B12 levels
Individuals with low vitamin B12 levels usually require regular vitamin B12 injections. These injections are more effective than supplements at raising vitamin B12 levels, especially in those with medical conditions that may hinder supplement absorption.
For some people, high doses of vitamin B12 supplements could improve vitamin B12 levels.
Despite frequent challenges in absorbing vitamin B12 due to medical issues or dietary preferences, some individuals might fall short in this nutrient. Particularly, vegans and vegetarians can find themselves lacking in this essential vitamin.
Vitamin B12-rich sources include:
- numerous seafood options
- various meats
- eggs
- diverse dairy products
- fortified plant-based alternatives for dairy
- fortified breakfast cereals
- fortified nutritional yeast
Vitamin supplements serve as a useful alternative when dietary intake is insufficient, especially for vegans and strict vegetarians. Given that their bodies may more easily absorb supplemental vitamin B12, older adults should aim to fulfill their vitamin B12 needs through fortified foods and supplements.
Suggested daily amounts of vitamin B12
Adults and teens over 14 years old need (mcg) of vitamin B12 daily. This increases to 2.6 mcg during pregnancy and 2.8 mcg while breastfeeding.
Commonly asked questions about high vitamin B12 levels
Below are some frequently asked questions related to high vitamin B12 levels.
What could high vitamin B12 levels suggest?
Elevated vitamin B12 levels may signal the beginning of a severe, potentially fatal, illness. It might indicate livers problems, diabetes, or specific types of leukemia.
What should I do if my vitamin B12 level is high?
Individuals with high vitamin B12 levels should consult their healthcare provider as it might indicate a serious underlying condition, such as liver dysfunction or leukemia.
Which autoimmune disorder could cause high vitamin B12?
Diabetes can lead to high vitamin B12 levels. However, the diabetes medication metformin can decrease vitamin B12 absorption.
Can lupus cause high vitamin B12 levels?
According to a study, people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had lower vitamin B12 levels than those without SLE. Despite this, they had significantly higher serum levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that the body produces. High homocysteine levels can be attributed to a B12 deficiency.
Summary
Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in overall health. A vitamin B12 level test determines a person's vitamin B12 status. A doctor might recommend this test for individuals showing symptoms of a deficiency or those with an increased risk of low vitamin B12 levels.
People can prevent vitamin B12 deficiency by maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating multiple daily sources of vitamin B12 or by taking supplements. If challenges with absorbing vitamin B12 from food sources arise, oral supplements or injections of the vitamin can help ward off symptoms and complications.
- Vitamin B12 deficiencies are common in older adults and vegans, leading to symptoms such as confusion, dementia, mood disturbances, and numbness in the hands and feet.
- Pernicious anemia, a condition characterized by low red blood cell levels, requires a vitamin B12 level test to diagnose due to an inability to properly absorb the nutrient.
- Serum folate levels that are significantly high can amplify the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and increase the likelihood of anemia.
- High vitamin B12 levels could indicate liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or specific types of leukemia, necessitating further medical investigation.
- Individuals with low stomach acid or other digestive issues, diabetes, celiac disease, post-gastric bypass surgery, or taking certain medications may be more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiencies.
- Nutrient acid can affect vitamin B12 absorption, leading to potential deficiencies in individuals who consume a diet low in vitamin B12 sources.
- folic acid, a form of vitamin B9, plays a significant role in preventing neural tube defects during pregnancy, and combining it with vitamin B12 supplements can enhance their effectiveness.