Advertisement
Diagnosing Vitamin B12 Deficiency
If you suspect you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency based on the symptoms described above, it’s important to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can perform tests to determine your B12 levels and diagnose a deficiency.
Blood Tests
The most common way to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency is through blood tests. These tests measure the level of B12 in your blood, as well as other markers such as:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test can detect anemia and other abnormalities in your red blood cells that may indicate a B12 deficiency.
- Serum B12 Level: This test measures the amount of vitamin B12 in your blood. Low levels may indicate a deficiency.
- Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) Test: Elevated levels of MMA in the blood or urine can indicate a B12 deficiency, as MMA levels increase when B12 is lacking.
- Homocysteine Level: High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, can also suggest a B12 deficiency, as B12 is needed to convert homocysteine into other substances.
Additional Tests
In some cases, additional tests may be needed to determine the cause of the deficiency, especially if malabsorption is suspected. These tests may include:
- Intrinsic Factor Antibody Test: This test checks for antibodies that attack intrinsic factor, a protein needed for B12 absorption. The presence of these antibodies may indicate pernicious anemia.
- Schilling Test: This test is used to determine whether your body is absorbing vitamin B12 properly. It involves taking a small amount of radioactive B12 and measuring how much of it is absorbed and excreted in your urine.
