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Vitamin B12 Test

Test Overview

A vitamin B12 test measures the amount of vitamin B12, Opens dialog in the blood. The body needs this B vitamin to make blood cells and to maintain a healthy nervous system, Opens dialog.

Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese, and eggs. Most people who eat animal products are not likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, Opens dialog unless their bodies can't absorb it from food. Strict vegetarians (vegans) who do not eat animal products and babies of mothers who are strict vegetarians are at increased risk for developing anemia and should take a supplement containing vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver for a year or more, which reduces a person's risk of anemia.

Vitamin B12 is usually measured at the same time as a folic acid, Opens dialog test, because a lack of either one or both can lead to a form of anemia called megaloblastic anemia, Opens dialog. Lack of vitamin B12 also affects the nervous system.

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Current as of: October 7, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 

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