About B12 total serum
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in brain function, nervous system health, and the production of red blood cells. B12 impacts DNA synthesis and repair and is crucial for the breakdown of certain amino acids and fatty acids. It is primarily obtained from dietary sources, particularly animal-derived foods.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
500.0 - 800.0 pg/mL
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate liver disease, leukemia, or other blood disorders and can sometimes result from vitamin supplementation.
Low
Low levels may be associated with pernicious anemia, impaired absorption due to gastrointestinal disorders, or a vegetarian diet lacking sufficient B12.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, palpitations, jaundice, and skin rashes among others.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, tingling in the extremities, and mood changes.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- Green, R., Allen, L. H., Bjørke-Monsen, A. L., Brito, A., Guéant, J. L., Miller, J. W., ... & Vogiatzoglou, A. (2017). Vitamin B12 deficiency. *Nature Reviews Disease Primers*, 3, 17040.
- Obeid, R., Fedosov, S. N., & Nexo, E. (2015). Cobalamin coenzyme forms are not likely to be superior to cyano- and hydroxyl-cobalamin in prevention or treatment of cobalamin deficiency. *Molecular Aspects of Medicine*, 41, 61-72.
- Stabler, S. P. (2013). Vitamin B12 deficiency. *The New England Journal of Medicine*, 368(2), 149-160.
- National Institutes of Health. (2021). Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- Devalia, V., Hamilton, M. S., & Molloy, A. M. (2014). Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of cobalamin and folate disorders. *British Journal of Haematology*, 166(4), 496-513.