Vitamin B12

Vitamins & NutrientsNutrientsBlood

Vitamin B12 performs several important functions in the body, including keeping the nervous system healthy.

Why it matters: A lack of vitamin B12 causes the body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that do not work properly. This can bring fatigue, pins and needles, a sore tongue, mouth ulcers, muscle weakness and vision problems.

Source · NHS — what it is, why it matters

Source · NHS — what moves it

Reference Range
148.0 – 616.0pmol/L
148
616LowNormalHigh
What Moves It

May decrease with:

Pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune condition affecting the stomach
A diet without meat, fish or dairy and without fortified foods or supplements
Stomach or intestinal conditions such as gastrectomy or Crohn's disease
Some medicines
Related Markers
HemoglobinMCVfolateHomocysteine
Common questions

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 performs several important functions in the body, including keeping the nervous system healthy.

What might a high or low Vitamin B12 mean?

A lack of vitamin B12 causes the body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that do not work properly. This can bring fatigue, pins and needles, a sore tongue, mouth ulcers, muscle weakness and vision problems.

What is the typical reference range for Vitamin B12?

The general-population reference range shown here is 148 – 616 pmol/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect Vitamin B12?

It may be lower with: Pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune condition affecting the stomach, A diet without meat, fish or dairy and without fortified foods or supplements, Stomach or intestinal conditions such as gastrectomy or Crohn's disease, Some medicines.

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