Vitamin B12

Why have a Vitamin B12 blood test?

Do you often find yourself feeling fatigued or lacking the energy to get through the day? Vitamin B12 is known for its role in energy production within our bodies. By measuring your Vitamin B12 levels, you'll gain valuable insights into your energy status and can take appropriate measures to naturally boost your energy levels.

What is vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining our energy levels, brain function, and overall health. A deficiency in Vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue, weakness, mood swings, and even more serious health complications.

Who may be at risk?

Individuals at risk of low Vitamin B12 levels include older adults, vegetarians and vegans, those with digestive disorders (like Crohn's disease or celiac disease), individuals who've had gastrointestinal surgery, and people taking certain medications that affect B12 absorption, such as metformin or proton pump inhibitors.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of low Vitamin B12 levels include fatigue, weakness, pale or jaundiced skin, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, difficulty walking, memory problems, and mood changes. Long-term deficiency can lead to nerve damage and anemia.

How does the blood test work and what does my result mean?

The blood test will measure your B12 levels in order to identify deficiencies and provide an opportunity for personalised nutritional guidance. Generally, levels below 200-300 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) are considered low and may indicate a deficiency. By assessing your results, healthcare professionals can offer tailored advice on dietary changes, supplementation, and lifestyle modifications to optimise your vitamin B12 intake.

Having a vitamin B12 blood test is a key step in taking control of your health and improving energy levels and brain function.

Click below to download a PDF booklet with information on all of the health tests we offer: