TESTING FOR VITAMIN B12

If you or your healthcare provider suspect a vitamin B12 deficiency, there are some  blood tests to confirm if a deficiency is present.

Blood tests for vitamin B12

1.    Vitamin B12 level: low Vitamin B12 levels can show a deficiency, but they may not show up until later, when symptoms are already present.

2.     Methlymalonic Acid (MMA) test: MMA levels are usually high when B12 levels are low which could indicate a deficiency. However, high MMA levels can also indicate the presence of kidney disease or pregnancy. In order to determine what the MMA levels mean, doctor's will usually do another test to confirm whether a vitamin B12 deficiency is present.

3.     Homocyteine test: homocysteine is an amino acid that needs B12 for its metabolism. If homocysteine levels are high, this is a more precise indicator that B12 levels are low. Testing homocysteine levels after and MMA test helps confirm that there may be a B12 deficiency present

4.     Folate levels: Folate deficiency can be confused with B12 deficiency. And it's more common in those taking certain medicines