JamunJar: Health & Wealth for a better tomorrow

🧪 What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neurological function. It is obtained from dietary sources, primarily animal products, and absorbed in the ileum with the help of intrinsic factor.

❓ Why is the Test Done?

To:

Diagnose Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause anemia and neurological symptoms
Evaluate causes of megaloblastic anemia
Investigate unexplained fatigue, neuropathy, or cognitive changes
Monitor supplementation therapy in deficient patients

📊 Normal Range

Vitamin B12 Level	Reference Range
Serum Vitamin B12	200 – 900 pg/mL (148 – 664 pmol/L)

📈 Interpretation of Results

Level	Clinical Significance
Low (<200 pg/mL)	Vitamin B12 deficiency; risk of anemia and neuropathy
Borderline (200–300 pg/mL)	Possible deficiency; further tests advised (e.g., methylmalonic acid)
Normal (>300 pg/mL)	Adequate Vitamin B12 status
High levels	Rare; may occur with supplementation or liver disease

🧠 Associated Conditions

Condition	Details
Pernicious anemia	Autoimmune destruction of intrinsic factor
Dietary deficiency	Vegan or malnutrition-related deficiency
Malabsorption syndromes	E.g., Crohn’s disease, celiac disease
Neurological disorders	Peripheral neuropathy, cognitive decline

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

Serum methylmalonic acid (MMA)
Homocysteine levels
Intrinsic factor antibody
Complete blood count (CBC)
Peripheral blood smear

✅ Fasting Required?

Test	Fasting Required
Vitamin B12	❌ No

📝 Summary Table

Parameter	Details
What	Measures serum Vitamin B12 level
Why	Diagnose deficiency causing anemia and neurological issues
Normal Range	200–900 pg/mL
Low Levels	Deficiency leading to anemia and neuropathy
Associated Conditions	Pernicious anemia, malnutrition, malabsorption
Follow-up Tests	MMA, homocysteine, intrinsic factor antibody, CBC
Fasting Required	❌ No

Vitamin B12

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