What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in several important bodily functions. Here’s a quick overview:

Function: It’s essential for the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and proper functioning of the nervous system.
Sources: Found naturally in animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. It’s not present in plant foods unless they’re fortified.
Deficiency: Can cause anaemia (specifically megaloblastic anaemia), neurological problems like numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, fatigue, weakness, and cognitive difficulties.
Absorption: Requires a protein called intrinsic factor, produced in the stomach, to be absorbed efficiently in the small intestine

What does Vitamin B12 do for the body?

Vitamin B12 is essential to every cell in the body because it plays a role in making and repairing DNA. It’s also needed to make healthy red blood cells which carry oxygen around your body, and it ensures the normal functioning of your nervous system. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in several important bodily functions.

SUMMARISED:

Produces red blood cells
Keeps the nervous system healthy
Releases energy from food
Creates DNA and RNA (the building blocks of every cell in the body)

It is advised by the NHS that adults consume 1.5 micrograms (mcg) per day. Therefore, not much vitamin B12 is needed to keep your B12 levels in check!

What symptoms signal a Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Over time, a lack of B12 can lead to a type of anaemia where red blood cells become unusually large and can’t carry enough oxygen. Deficiency can also lead to neurological problems like short-term memory loss and difficulties with balance and speech.

Other symptoms of B12 deficiency can include:

Feeling short of breath
An inflamed tongue
Pins and needles (a tingling sensation)
Blurred vision
Unexplained fatigue that doesn’t get better with sleep
Temporary infertility
Muscle weakness

Did you know?

Over 1 in 5 samples tested by Randox Health are from clients that have a possible Vitamin B12 deficiency according to NICE guidelines.

1 in 3 samples tested by Randox Health from female clients aged 18 to 29 have possible or confirmed vitamin B12 deficiency according to NICE guidelines.

1 in 3 samples tested by Randox Health from male clients aged over 60 have possible or confirmed vitamin B12 deficiency according to NICE guidelines.

What does this mean?

Vitamin B12 deficiencies are becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s society.

Studies carried out by Randox Health have found that those who are most at risk of a possible or confirmed B12 deficiency are females aged 18-29 (1 in 3) and males over 60 (1 in 3). Therefore, if you fall within this age and gender category and feel you are displaying any signs associated with a B12 deficiency, it may be extremely beneficial to get tested.

Why should I try a Vitamin B12 test?

A Randox Health Vitamin B12 home test is a good idea if:

You’re experiencing fatigue or neurological symptoms without a clear cause
You follow a restrictive diet
Are over age 50
You’ve had gastrointestinal surgery (like gastric bypass)
You want a baseline as part of a broader health optimization plan
You seek convenient, private testing
You would like the option of additional insights into other potential health deficiencies such as folate, iron, thyroid, or liver health

Should I supplement Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 can be found primarily in a wide range of protein-based foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. However, some foods such as breakfast cereals, breads and non-dairy products have added vitamin B12.

It is possible for most people to obtain the required level of B12 needed through diet alone, if a healthy, balanced approach to nutrition is taken.

However, for some people, particularly vegetarians/vegans or lactose intolerants, reaching adequate levels of B12 through diet alone is harder to obtain due to the restrictive nature of the diet.

In any case where B12 levels are not satisfied through diet alone, then a B12 supplement would be useful.

How can I get tested?

Our Vitamin B12 Blood Test can be delivered to your door with results returned to you within 3 days of arrival in our lab.

If you would like a more extended vitamin and mineral based health check, our in-clinic Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency Test might be suited to you.

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Vitamin B12: Knowing the signs of a deficiency and when to test

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