Vitamin B12 Screening
What is a B12 blood test for?
A vitamin B12 blood test is used to measure the level of vitamin B12 in your blood. Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin because it is involved in many of your basic bodily functions (for example, blood cell production, brain health and proper nerve functioning). Low B12 levels can cause deteriorating brain function and serious nerve damage.
Your IPSA clinic B12 test
At your IPSA clinic, your IPSA physician might recommend that you have a B12 test if you present with symptoms such as:
- A racing heart
- Balance problems
- Tingling in your feet/hands
- Dementia
- Confusion
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
Why might I need a B12 test?
If you are vegetarian or vegan, then you have a much higher risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency because the major vitamin B12 food sources are from animal products such as fish, meat, dairy and eggs.
You might also require a B12 test if you are taking certain medications for acid reflux or diabetes as they can interfere with your vitamin B12 levels.
Results from your IPSA test
Your IPSA physician will explain the results of your vitamin B12 test to you. Both low and high vitamin B12 levels can be problematic.
High vitamin B12 levels might be due to diabetes, liver disease or certain types of leukaemia. If you eat excessive amounts of meat and/or are obese, then your vitamin B12 levels might also be quite high.
Low B12 levels might suggest an internal parasite, a folic acid deficiency (anaemia), a B12 deficiency (anaemia), or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).
IPSA’s B12 treatment
Your IPSA physician can give you vitamin B12 injections either as one single injection or as a course of injections if your vitamin B12 level in your bloodstream is found to be low following your test. Your IPSA clinician will also advise repeating these vitamin B12 blood tests at set intervals to ensure that your optimum vitamin B12 levels are achieved and maintained.
Preventing B12 deficiency
Many vitamin B12 deficiency cases are due to underlying health problems, and these do need to be treated. However, a vitamin B12 deficiency can be avoided by taking certain preventative measures such as paying attention to your diet (and this is especially the case if you are vegan or vegetarian). You should eat plenty food-based vitamin B12 sources like meat, eggs, fish, milk and poultry.
If you suspect that your vitamin B12 level might be an issue, then call your nearest IPSA clinic today for a same-day B12 test, or simply book online.
