Vitamin B12

WHAT?

At-home sample collection device for measuring your level of vitamin B12. Laboratory results are provided within 5 days.

WHY?

This test checks whether you are getting enough vitamin B12, which is essential for many body functions, including the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis and nerve function. However, since the body cannot produce vitamin B12 on its own, it must be obtained from animal-based foods or supplements. Dairy products, eggs, fish, meat and chicken are rich sources of vitamin B12. As a result, vegans and vegetarians often require vitamin B12 supplements.

WHO & WHEN?

If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, you could become anaemic. This can result in symptoms including:

• Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness
• Heart palpitations and shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• A smooth tongue
• Constipation, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, or flatulence
• Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking
• Vision loss
• Mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioural changes

As you age, your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases and heavy drinking can exacerbate this problem. Risk factors that may lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Atrophic gastritis, a condition in which your stomach lining is inflamed
• Pernicious anaemia, a type of anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency
• Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, causing inflammation of your intestine
• Immune system disorders eg. Graves’ disease or lupus
• Taking medications that interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12, including some heartburn medicines such as proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers and certain diabetes medicines

HOW?

This sample kit contains a finger-prick blood collection device, along with clear instructions. Samples collected at home are couriered to and tested at the BioSmart accredited pathology laboratory.

Blood is tested to determine vitamin B12 levels.

Your vitamin B12 health report will come in an easy-to-understand format, what the result means and your next steps.