Vitamin B12

Test description

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for the proper production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and the formation of myelin sheaths that protect nerve fibres. The body cannot produce it on its own – we obtain it exclusively from animal products or supplementation. B12 deficiency develops slowly and can be mistaken for stress or overwork. Typical symptoms include chronic fatigue, pallor, exertional dyspnoea, heart palpitations, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, balance disorders, memory and concentration problems, irritability, burning tongue, and mouth ulcers. Untreated deficiency leads to megaloblastic anaemia and permanent neurological damage. Vegans and vegetarians, seniors, patients after bariatric surgery, individuals with coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, atrophic gastritis, and those taking metformin or proton pump inhibitors are particularly at risk of deficiency. It is worth combining this test with a full blood count, ferritin, and folic acid to fully assess the cause of anaemia.

Biomarkers measured