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Description
Vitamin B12 Blood Test
Vitamin B12 is a very important nutrient that is involved in producing red blood cells, maintaining a healthy nervous system, and converting food to energy. It also helps to control the immune system and mood.
Causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency
For the majority of people, the cause of their deficiency is dietary, especially if they are vegetarian or vegan. However, some people are unable to absorb Vitamin B12 from food and some take medications which can reduce the absorption of Vitamin B12 from the stomach, such as metformin (which is used for diabetes) or omeprazole (which is often prescribed for indigestion).
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency
As Vitamin B12 is essential for making red blood cells. Lack of this vitamin can cause anaemia which will give you the symptoms of tiredness, lack of energy, breathlessness, headaches and maybe even dizziness.
It is however possible to have low vitamin B12 without anaemia but may affect the nervous and immune systems which may cause symptoms such as pins and needles, altered vision, mouth ulcers or tongue soreness, forgetfulness and muscle weakness.
Foods rich in Vitamin B12
It is only naturally found in animal products including meat, eggs, fish, milk and dairy products.
Plants do not make B12 and so will not provide this vitamin. Foods richest in B12 include:
- Liver and organ meats
- Shellfish
- Clams
- Oysters
If you are not keen on seafood , B12 can also be found in:
- Lamb
- Beef
- Eggs
- Cheese
It is worth checking on cereal packets as some breakfast products are fortified with Vitamin B12.
Testing for Vitamin B12
The test can be performed using a small amount of blood from a finger prick which you can do yourself.
How often should I have a Vitamin B12 blood test?
We recommend checking your Vitamin B12 levels annually unless you experience any health changes or commence a weight loss programme which involves a restricted diet.
Other Questions
- Family history of Type 2 diabetes
- Overweight
- Obese
- Tiredness
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive need to urinate
- Genital itching
- Weight loss
This blood test is to check on:
- Active Vitamin B12
For best results (if medically suitable) it is advisable to fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test which needs to be taken first thing in the morning and posted on the same day on a Monday, Tuesday,or Wednesday.
Collection method: Finger prick
Results available: 2-5 days after the sample has reached the laboratory.
Active Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is needed in the production of red blood cells, for brain health and to keep nerves healthy, and aids in the making of DNA.
Low levels may indicate anaemia.
How it Works
1. Order a Test
Answer the Questions about why you’re taking the test.
Our nurse will contact you for dates, so they can take your blood sample at your home.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
2. Our laboratory team run the tests
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
3. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
4. Monitor your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
What’s In The Test?
Home to laboratory kit
- Blood Test
- A prepaid return envelope (UK & Ireland only)
- Two single-use lancets
- One blood collection tube
- One blood collection tube label
- One plastic blood collection tube case
- Two adhesive plasters
- A cleansing wipe
