Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) – when to do the test, deficiency symptoms

Proven content

Vitamin B12 is essential in the synthesis of nucleic acids. It is also necessary for the formation of the myelin sheath of neurons and the production of neurotransmitters. In addition, it is involved in the transformation of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Vitamin B12 testing is performed, among others, in the diagnosis of macrocytic anemia.

Vitamin B12 – characteristics

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble organic compound necessary for DNA synthesis of the genetic material of our body’s cells. Cyanocobalamin is needed for the formation of the myelin sheath of neurons and the production of neurotransmitters. It also takes part in the transformation of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. In addition, it participates in the production of red blood cells and regulates the synthesis of homocysteine, which is involved in the formation of atherosclerosis. Another important function of vitamin B12 is to improve memory, concentration and learning. It improves the appetite and facilitates the metabolism of iron.

Vitamin B12 is produced by bacteria found in the digestive tract of mammals. In humans, it is produced in the large intestine and vitamin B is absorbed₁₂ it depends on the presence Castle factor, produced in the main cells of the stomach. Vitamin B in the serum₁₂ it occurs in combination with proteins – transcobalamin I and II, with which it passes from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver, where it is stored, and to the bone marrow, where it is used in the process of maturation of blood cells. The deficiency of this vitamin has very serious consequences for health, therefore it is necessary to regularly check its level. It is an increasingly frequent laboratory test.

If the level of vitamin B12 in your body is too low, it is worth considering supplementing with B vitamins, e.g. using Vitamin B Complex Health Labs – a complex of B vitamins.

The daily requirement for vitamin B12 is 2 µg / day

You can find vitamin B12 in:

1. eggs,
2. serach,
3. fish,
4. milk,
5. crustaceans,
6. legumes.

You can also supplement it, e.g. with the SOLHERBS Vitamin B12 preparation, which you can find at Medonet Market. We also recommend Vitamin B12 methylcobalamin 500 mcg Terranova available at a reduced price. You can also order High Five B-Complex Viridian, which comes in packs of 30 or 120 capsules.

When do we perform the vitamin B12 test?

Indications for the study of vitamin B12.

1. Diagnostics of macrocytic and megaloblastic anemia.

2. Condition after gastrectomy.

3. Neurological symptoms – disorders of the posterior cords, paresthesias, visual impairment coexisting with anemia and glossitis – characteristic of vitamin B12 deficiency.

4. Suspicion of tapeworm infection – broad knotworm.

5. Prophylaxis for vegans and vegetarians.

6. The occurrence of malabsorption syndrome.

7. Alcoholism.

Material for the study of vitamin B12: serum.

Preparation for the test: on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours).

The course of vitamin B12 research: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm.

Time to wait for the result: 1 Day.

Standard: 103-517 pmol/l (140-700 pg/ml).

Comments: Infection with broad knotworm can cause vitamin B deficiency₁₂because the tapeworm consumes the body’s vitamin reserves. Symptoms of vitamin B deficiency₁₂ they manifest clinically only after a few years of reduced supply, when its resources accumulated in the liver are exhausted. The presence of antibodies to Castle’s factor determines the symptoms of vitamin B deficiency₁₂ in the course of Addison-Biermer pernicious anemia. A test result suggesting lowering the level of vitamin B12 always requires consulting a doctor, because the effects of its deficiency are dangerous to health.

The B12 level test can be performed privately and it costs about PLN 22-28.

When a decreased level of vitamin B12 is detected, a morphology should be performed and vice versa – when the morphology shows decreased erythrocytes and increased MCV, it is necessary to determine the level of vitamin B12. Other tests performed with vitamin B12 deficiency are homocysteine ​​and methylmalonic acid.

In the case of vitamin B12 deficiency, it is worth considering its supplementation. Vegan Health Daily Oral Spray for vegans and vegetarians contains not only vitamin B12, but also iodine, iron and vitamin D3. Thanks to the spray form, it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, which facilitates the absorption of active substances.

Vitamin B12 deficiency – symptoms

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency may appear even after 6 years of vitamin B12 deficiency in the body. It is associated with its deposition in the liver and kidneys. The first and main symptom of deficiency is anemia. Its cause is usually an inadequate diet with small amounts of vitamin. BXNUMX and malabsorption and insufficient production of red blood cells.

Other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

1. dry and brittle hair,
2. browning and yellowing of the skin,
3. splitting and breaking nails,
4. numbness in the limbs,
5. gastrointestinal disorders,
6. depression,
7. problems with maintaining balance,
8. bow,
9. trouble concentrating,
10. worsening of dementia,
11. stammer,
12. irritability,
13. fatigue,
14. inflammation of the oral mucosa,
15. menstrual disorders.

The more time elapses from the onset of neurological symptoms to the initiation of treatment, the less likely they are to resolve. Symptoms that persist for more than six months are unlikely to regress, so it is very important to check your vitamin B12 level immediately when symptoms appear.

Vitamin B12 deficiency helps the body to make up for proper supplementation. Do.Best offers a high-quality dietary supplement Do! Active, which helps to provide a daily dose of B vitamins. You can buy the product at an attractive price today at medonetmarket.pl. An excellent choice is also DO! Active DO! Active – a daily dose of B vitamins, which provides 2 months of supplementation.

Cyanocobalamin is available in various preparations, including prescription vitamin complexes such as Neurovit, Neiraxin B or Milgamma N.

Vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia

Pernicious anemia, also known as megaloblastic anemia, is an ailment discovered in the 12th century. It is characterized by an inhibition of the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow (and sometimes also thrombocytes and leukocytes) with normal or more hemoglobin. The cause of pernicious anemia is a chronic vitamin B12 deficiency caused by both external and internal factors. External factors are the lack of vitamin B12 in the diet, which occurs in alcoholics or anorexics. It is also a common problem for people who regularly eat fast food. Another factor is the condition after gastrectomy, where the production of Castle’s factor, which is needed for proper food absorption, is disturbed. The problem with vitamin BXNUMX deficiency also occurs in people treated with certain medications, e.g. methotrexate.

To support your body and provide it with an adequate level of vitamin B12, order XeniVIT Vitamin B12 Active Xenico available at a promotional price on Medonet Market. One package of the supplement is enough for 3 months of treatment.

In order to determine your vitamin B12 absorption capacity, perform Vitamin B12 metabolism – a genetic test. If the result is incorrect, you will be able to take appropriate action quickly.

Increased vitamin B12

Increased vitamin B12 levels are most common in people treated for anemia with vitamin B12 injections. Its elevated values ​​in the study are not diagnostic, because this vitamin is not toxic, even in large amounts.

Vitamin B12 – read more