Vitamin B12

WHAT?

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

WHY?

This test checks if you are getting enough Vitamin B12.  Vitamin B12 is important for many body functions including helping make red blood cells, DNA and nerve function, but because your body doesn’t make vitamin B12, you have to get it from animal-based foods (or supplements). Foods rich in vitamin B12 include dairy, eggs, fish, meat and chicken so vegans and vegetarians often need to take vitamin B12 supplements.

WHO & WHEN?

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

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

With age, your ability to absorb vitamin B12 reduces, which can be made worse by heavy drinking. Risk factors for a vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Atrophic gastritis, a condition in which your stomach lining is inflamed
• Pernicious anemia, which is a type of anemia 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 B12. These include some heartburn medicines including 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 for:

• Vitamin B12

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