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The importance of vitamin B12 (and how to test your levels)
Written byMedico Digital
Reviewed byJulie Cunningham
If your muscles feel weaker than usual, or you’re getting pins and needles often, you might have a vitamin B12 deficiency
Summary
1Why is vitamin B12 so important?
Vitamin B12 is one of eight B vitamins essential for keeping our bodies healthy. Each B vitamin has a different function in the body, but B12...
2What are the signs and symptoms of low B12 levels
The body can store vitamin B12 for around two to five years. It can take some time for the symptoms of low B12 levels to develop after any change...
3What is a blood test for B12 levels?
If you think you have low vitamin B12 levels, your GP would look to diagnose your symptoms using a blood test. These types of tests can be used...
Want to check whether you have a vitamin B12 deficiency? Well, you’re in the right place…
Here we discuss the symptoms of B12 deficiency, how you can test your B12 levels and what to do if they’re low.
Why is vitamin B12 so important?
Vitamin B12 is one of eight B vitamins essential for keeping our bodies healthy.2
Each B vitamin has a different function in the body, but B12 specifically supports the:3
- release of energy from food
- production of red blood cells
- maintenance of the nervous system
- processing and use of folate (vitamin B9)
The good news is that you should be able to get all the vitamin B12 you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.3
Sources of vitamin B12 are found in meat, fish and dairy foods as well as some fortified breakfast cereals.3
However, as vitamin B12 isn’t found naturally in foods like fruit, vegetables and grains, you might struggle to get this vital nutrient from food alone if you follow a plant-based or vegan diet.3 So, you may want to consider taking a vitamin B12 supplement to make sure you get plenty of this vitamin.
What are the signs and symptoms of low B12 levels?
The body can store vitamin B12 for around two to five years.4 So, it can take some time for the symptoms of low B12 levels to develop after any change in diet.4
As vitamin B12 is responsible for many important functions in the body, a deficiency can cause a wide range of problems, including:1,5
- extreme fatigue
- lack of energy
- weak muscles
- pins and needles
- a sore, red tongue
- ulcers in the mouth
- psychological problems, such as confusion or mild depression
- problems with understanding, judgement and memory
- changes in vision
Causes of low B12 levels
Several factors can contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency, including:4
- pernicious anaemia – an autoimmune condition where your body’s natural defence system attacks healthy cells by mistake. It affects the stomach, attacking the cells that make the protein that helps the body absorb vitamin B12
- diet – as we’ve said, you might develop a vitamin B12 deficiency by not getting enough from the food and drinks you have
- some stomach conditions or operations – having part of your stomach removed (a gastrectomy) can affect how your body absorbs vitamin B12, increasing your risk of low B12 levels
- some medicines – some medication types, such as medicines sometimes prescribed to treat indigestion called proton pump inhibitors, can decrease the amount of vitamin B12 in your body. This is because they prevent the production of stomach acid, which our bodies need to release vitamin B12 from the food we eat
- functional vitamin B12 deficiency – this happens when people have the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency, yet appear to have normal vitamin B12 levels in their blood. This can happen if there’s a problem with the proteins that your body uses to help carry vitamin B12 between your cells
What is a blood test for B12 levels?
If you think you have low vitamin B12 levels, your GP would look to diagnose your symptoms using a blood test.1,7
These types of tests can be used to check:7
- how much vitamin B12 is in your blood
- whether your red blood cells are larger than what’s considered to be normal
- if you have a lower-than-normal level of haemoglobin – a substance that helps to deliver oxygen around the body
Why use an at-home vitamin B12 blood test?
So, why would you want to test your vitamin B12 levels at home instead of going to the GP?
- No need to book time off for a doctor’s appointment
- Convenience — do it whenever’s best for you
- Speed and simplicity — get results fast in the comfort of home
- Specificity – choose exactly what you want to find out from your test
However, it’s important to keep in mind that these tests aren’t a substitute for seeing your doctor, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms. They’re for peace of mind to know whether you should look at increasing your intake of vitamin B12 but they won’t be able to officially diagnose, consult or provide any treatment.
But, if you just want peace of mind or to know if you should be increasing your intake of vitamin B12 (either through your diet or supplementation), an at-home test could be very useful. You could then let your doctor know your test results so they can advise whether to take any further action.
How to use an at-home vitamin B12 blood test
It’s easy! To use the new H&B&Me Vitamin B12 Blood Test, follow these steps:8
- register your test kit on the H&B&Me app
- use the finger prick test kit provided to take your blood sample
- send your sample back in the prepaid packaging provided
- within 48 hours, you’ll be able to view your results on the app
What happens if my B12 levels are low?
If your vitamin B12 levels are low, the first thing to do is book an appointment with your GP.1 There are a number of causes of low B12 levels, so a doctor will work with you to investigate which may be relevant to you.4 From there, they’ll be able to advise on treatments.1
For example, if your low B12 levels are caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in your diet, a doctor may recommend dietary changes, taking a B12 supplement or having an injection of hydroxocobalamin (a synthetic version of B12) on a basis that suits your level of deficiency.9
The final say
Vitamin B12 is an essential micronutrient.1,2 Deficiency can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe, which is why it’s so important to make sure you’re aware of your B12 levels and make the necessary changes if yours are low. 5,6
To do this, you can either visit your GP or use an at-home B12 blood test kit such as the H&B&Me Vitamin B12 Blood Test.1 If your levels are low, speak to your GP for personalised advice so they can explore the root cause with you.4
If you have low levels of B12, you can also consider taking a vitamin B12 supplement.
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
- NHS. Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 19]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/
- Ali MA, et al. Dietary vitamin B complex: Orchestration in human nutrition throughout life with sex differences. Nutrients. 2022;14(19):3940. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193940
- NHS. B vitamins and folic acid - Vitamins and minerals [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 17]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/
- NHS. Causes - Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 19]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/causes/
- NHS Inform. Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia symptoms and treatments [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 19]. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/
- NHS. Complications - Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 19]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/complications/
- NHS Choices. Diagnosis - Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 19]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/diagnosis/
- NHS. Treatment - Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 19]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/treatment/
- NHS. About hydroxocobalamin [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 19]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hydroxocobalamin/about-hydroxocobalamin/
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