Vitamin B12 test measures the levels of Vitamin B12 in blood. It plays an important role in the formation of healthy red blood cells, smooth functioning of the brain, and metabolism (processing) of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the food. Vitamin B12 is said to be a micronutrient which means it is needed in very small amounts. Reference: https://www.1mg.com/labs/test/vitamin-b12-1388

1. Vitamin B12 Test
Vitamin B12 Test

3. What is Vitamin B12 test?
● Vitamin B12 test measures the levels of Vitamin B12 in blood
● Vitamin B12 plays an important role in our body for
○ Formation of healthy red blood cells
○ Smooth functioning of nervous system, and
○ Metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the food

4. Why is Vitamin B12 test done?
● To identify the cause of anemia
● In patients with complains of
○ Tiredness
○ Muscle cramps
○ Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
● In patients taking medicines like metformin and acid lowering
agents like proton pump inhibitors. These medicines can affect
the absorption of Vitamin B12 and lower its levels

5. How is Vitamin B12 test done?
● Vitamin B12 test is done on a
blood sample
● A syringe attached to a fine
needle is used to withdraw the
blood from a vein of your arm

6. What does abnormal values of Vitamin B12 test
mean?

7. ● Anemia which could be
○ Megaloblastic anemia or
○ Pernicious anemia
● Hyperthyroidism
● Worm infections
Low levels are also seen in patients taking medicines like
metformin and acid lowering agents like proton pump inhibitors
Low levels of Vitamin B12 are seen in patients with

8. High levels of Vitamin B12 are seen in patients of
● Kidney failure
● Diabetes
● Liver disease

9. For more information, visit:
https://www.1mg.com/labs/test/vitamin-b12-1388

10. For more information, visit:
https://www.1mg.com/labs/test/vitamin-b12-1388