Vitamin B12 Test Guide: High, Low, and Normal Levels

Vitamin B12 is crucial for different physiological functions related to brain health, nerve functions, and optimal blood cell production in the body. However, the deficiency can lead to numerous complications, which is where the routine Vitamin B12 test comes into play.

It is a routine blood test that analyzes Vitamin B12 in the bloodstream. The test can be alternatively done as a urine test, but blood tests are prevalent and provide more accurate results.

This article will explore more about the significance of the Vitamin B12 test, the normal and abnormal levels, and the treatment options associated with such complications.

What is the significance of doing a Vitamin B12 Test?

The Vitamin B12 test monitors the Vitamin B12 levels in the body. Since both high and low levels can impose severe complications, regulating the Vitamin B12 levels is crucial for the body's healthy functioning.

A doctor might prescribe a Vitamin B12 test for:

1. Possible Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in several countries like India, central and north America, Mexica, and parts of Africa. More or less, the occurrence of Vitamin B12 deficiency is an alarming concern worldwide.

So, if you present with typical symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency like lacking balance, nausea, confusion, fast heartbeat, memory loss, sore mouth, etc., your doctor might prescribe the Vitamin B12 test to clarify their suspects.

2. Pernicious Anemia diagnosis

Since vitamin B12 is associated with the production of blood cells in the body, lack of this vitamin can lead to pernicious anemia. The condition is common in patients who lack intrinsic factors in their stomachs.

Lack of intrinsic factors in the stomach is the primary contributing factor. Common symptoms for this condition include fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness, and unexplained weight loss.

3. Elevated Folate Levels

Patients complaining about neurological issues often have underlying and undiagnosed Vitamin B12 deficiency. Excess folic acid levels in the bloodstream masks the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency; hence getting a Vitamin B12 test can help ascertain the complications.

When will Your Doctor Prescribe a Vitamin B12 Test?

Besides the conditions mentioned above, your doctor will prescribe a Vitamin B12 test if you present with one or multiple of the following symptoms:

• Confusion
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Tachycardia
• Tingling sensation in the body’s extremities
• Balance-related issues
• Bleeding gums
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Pale skin

Depending on the symptoms, the patients will be prescribed all the associated diagnostic tests to rule out any disease that the doctor suspects.

Also, since Vitamin B12 is commonly found in animal food sources like meat, milk, eggs, cheese, etc., vegetarians and vegans need to get regular Vitamin B12 tests done to ensure they aren’t deficient.

Vitamin B12 Test Results – What is the Normal, Low, and High Range?

The vitamin b12 normal range in the body is 200 to 600 pg/mL. This is the standard reference level for blood tests.

If you are getting a urine examination done, the normal range is under 3.8 mcg/mC.

High Vitamin B12 levels

Vitamin B12 levels above 800 pg/mL are considered high. This is a sign of concern and can indicate complications like liver disease, renal dysfunction, or leukemia.

Naturally, high vitamin B12 often indicates signs of underlying dysfunction or disease in the body. So, the doctor can opt for further testing to rule out severe complications before further treatment.

Low Vitamin B12 levels

Vitamin B12 levels below 150 pg/mL are considered low. This can indicate underactive thyroid functions, pernicious anemia, or prevalent neurological symptoms.

Low levels require supplementation or injections to absorb the needed vitamins and minerals in the body efficiently. Therefore, individuals should only take the prescribed dosage of the supplements or injections.

How is the Vitamin B12 Test Done?

As mentioned before, a Vitamin B12 test can be done via two methods – a blood test or a urine test.

The blood test is a more standard and common testing method and is often done on an empty stomach for precise results. Therefore, you will be advised not to eat or drink anything 6-8 hours before the test.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might prescribe tests to check methylmalonic acid levels (MMA). These additional tests indicate the preliminary signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency in the patients.

What are the Side Effects of Vitamin B12 Test?

Vitamin B12 test is a routine blood test that doesn’t impose any severe risks or side effects. The maximum risk that one can experience is the pricking sensation when the lab assistant takes the blood sample.

In very rare cases, a patient might experience risks of hematoma or infection at the site from where the blood was drawn.

What is the Cost of Vitamin B12 Test in India?

The cost of the Vitamin B12 test in India typically starts from INR 1200. But, the rates can vary depending on the city and the laboratory the patient is getting the tests from.

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in our body, so abnormal levels of this micronutrient can be alarming. However, testing and timely diagnosis and treatment can overcome the complications and allow the individuals to live a comfortable life. People on a strict plant-based diet should get routine Vitamin B12 tests to rule out possibilities of deficiencies in the body.