Vitamin B12 & Folate Test

Vitamin B₁₂

Vitamin B₁₂ is absorbed in the small intestine and then makes its way to the blood and cells. The body also stores vitamin B₁₂ in the liver for future use. Vitamin B₁₂ is essential in supporting the nervous system, making red blood cells, and creating DNA (the genetic material present in our cells). Vitamin B₁₂ must be supplied by the diet or supplementation because the body is not able to produce it independently. It is naturally found in animal proteins, such as red meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Plant foods have no vitamin B₁₂ unless they are fortified.

Low levels of vitamin B₁₂ may occur if you do not consume enough vitamin B₁₂ or the body does not store or absorb enough of the vitamin. People who are deficient in vitamin B₁₂ may or may not have any symptoms of anemia (a condition in which your body does not have enough healthy red cells to carry oxygen to your body’s tissues) or nerve damage. Early detection is important to prevent irreversible damage over time, especially to the nervous system.

Folate

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is necessary for red and white blood cell development; tissue growth; cell function; the breakdown, usage, and creation of proteins; and the production of DNA. This vitamin is essential during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects and congenital disabilities of the brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida). Folate enables the proper growth of fetal tissues and cells. Folate must be supplied by the diet or through supplementation because the body is not able to produce it independently. Folate is naturally found in beans and peas, citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and yeast. Folic acid is the manufactured (synthetic) version of folate, which is found in supplements and fortified foods.

Low levels of folate may occur if people do not consume enough folate or the body does not store or absorb enough of the vitamin. People who are deficient in folate may not have any symptoms or may present with symptoms of anemia (a condition in which your body does not have enough healthy red cells to carry oxygen to your body’s tissues) or nerve damage. Early detection is important to prevent irreversible damage over time, especially to the nervous system.

People with low levels of vitamin B₁₂ or folate may not have any symptoms or may have symptoms of anemia or nerve damage. General symptoms related to anemia and nerve damage include fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, depression, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, headaches, moodiness, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Some people may not have all or any of these symptoms but still have a deficiency.

Symptoms:

• Extreme, persistent fatigue
• Pale or yellow skin color
• Pounding sound in ears
• Easy bruising
• Impaired ability to do activities requiring physical exertion (exercise intolerance)
• Frequent infections
• Headaches
• Muscle weakness
• Constipation
• Unintentional weight loss
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Heart flutters
• Abnormally rapid heartbeat
• Foggy thinking, poor memory
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty walking, unsteady gait
• Problems with balance
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• An intense craving to chew and eat ice, eat non-food items, or both (pica)
• Changes to mood or sleep (depression, irritability, panic attacks, insomnia)

If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as abnormal heartbeat, heart flutters, fainting, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, unsteady gait, or severe bruising, or if you are experiencing infertility issues, speak with your healthcare provider before purchasing this test.

This panel does not require fasting. Dietary supplements containing biotin may interfere with this panel, causing results to be either falsely high or falsely low. We recommend pausing biotin-containing supplements 72 hours prior to being tested.