{"id":8642,"date":"2025-01-25T04:47:45","date_gmt":"2025-01-25T02:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/?p=8642"},"modified":"2026-06-01T20:03:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T17:03:54","slug":"vitamin-b12-deficiency-is-a-must-to-check-what-it-means-to-have-a-balanced-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/vitamin-b12-deficiency-is-a-must-to-check-what-it-means-to-have-a-balanced-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"Vitamin B12 levels: why check, what deviations mean and how to restore balance"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 data-start=\"96\" data-end=\"148\"><strong data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"146\">Why it&#039;s important to monitor your vitamin B12 levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"150\" data-end=\"500\">Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is a vital trace element that affects the functioning of the nervous system, blood formation, metabolism, and even mood. Although the body needs it in relatively small quantities, a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to serious disorders - from chronic fatigue to anemia and neurological disorders.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"502\" data-end=\"782\">It is especially important to monitor B12 levels in people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, have gastrointestinal problems, and in elderly patients. <a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/which-vitamins-are-converted-during-pregnancy-are-understandable-for-future-mothers\/\">Determining vitamin B12 levels<\/a> in the blood allows you to detect deficiency in time and prevent its complications.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"836\"><strong data-start=\"787\" data-end=\"834\">What functions does vitamin B12 perform in the body?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"838\" data-end=\"1226\">\n<li data-start=\"838\" data-end=\"933\"><strong data-start=\"840\" data-end=\"874\">Stimulates the formation of red blood cells<\/strong> \u2013 participates in DNA synthesis in bone marrow cells.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"934\" data-end=\"1043\"><strong data-start=\"936\" data-end=\"975\">Supports nervous system health<\/strong> \u2013 necessary for the formation of the myelin sheath of nerve fibers.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1044\" data-end=\"1127\"><strong data-start=\"1046\" data-end=\"1068\">Regulates metabolism<\/strong> \u2013 participates in the conversion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1226\"><strong data-start=\"1130\" data-end=\"1163\">Supports psycho-emotional state<\/strong> \u2013 affects the production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8644\" src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/themes\/woodmart\/images\/lazy.svg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/with-closed-eyes-young-ill-man-putting-pills-mouth-isolated-pink-background.jpg\" alt=\"Products with vitamin B12\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/with-closed-eyes-young-ill-man-putting-pills-mouth-isolated-pink-background.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/with-closed-eyes-young-ill-man-putting-pills-mouth-isolated-pink-background-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/with-closed-eyes-young-ill-man-putting-pills-mouth-isolated-pink-background-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/with-closed-eyes-young-ill-man-putting-pills-mouth-isolated-pink-background-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/with-closed-eyes-young-ill-man-putting-pills-mouth-isolated-pink-background-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/with-closed-eyes-young-ill-man-putting-pills-mouth-isolated-pink-background-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1277\"><strong data-start=\"1231\" data-end=\"1275\">When should you check your vitamin B12 levels?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1279\" data-end=\"1362\">The doctor may recommend<a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis\/biochemical-blood-tests\/vitamins\/vitamin-v12-cyanocobalamin\/\"> blood test for B12<\/a>, if the following symptoms are observed:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1363\" data-end=\"1677\">\n<li data-start=\"1363\" data-end=\"1417\">Chronic fatigue, weakness, decreased performance<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1418\" data-end=\"1457\">Dizziness, numbness of the hands or feet<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1458\" data-end=\"1512\">Impaired memory, concentration, depression<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1513\" data-end=\"1554\">Pale skin, rapid heartbeat<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1555\" data-end=\"1592\">Soreness or redness of the tongue<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1593\" data-end=\"1615\">Frequent headaches<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1616\" data-end=\"1641\">Impaired coordination<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1642\" data-end=\"1677\">Anemia of unknown origin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1679\" data-end=\"1914\">The analysis is also indicated for people at risk of developing a deficiency \u2013 vegans, people with chronic gastrointestinal diseases, after stomach or intestinal surgery, patients with diabetes (due to taking metformin), as well as the elderly.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1916\" data-end=\"1951\"><strong data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"1949\">Vitamin B12 blood levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"overflow-x-auto contain-inline-size\">\n<table data-start=\"1953\" data-end=\"2327\">\n<thead data-start=\"1953\" data-end=\"2018\">\n<tr data-start=\"1953\" data-end=\"2018\">\n<th data-start=\"1953\" data-end=\"1981\"><strong data-start=\"1955\" data-end=\"1968\">Category<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"1981\" data-end=\"2018\"><strong data-start=\"1983\" data-end=\"2014\">Vitamin B12 level (pg\/ml)<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"2080\" data-end=\"2327\">\n<tr data-start=\"2080\" data-end=\"2141\">\n<td>Norm<\/td>\n<td>200\u2013900<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2142\" data-end=\"2203\">\n<td>Hidden deficit<\/td>\n<td>150\u2013200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2204\" data-end=\"2265\">\n<td>Severe deficiency<\/td>\n<td>&lt;150<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2266\" data-end=\"2327\">\n<td>Excess<\/td>\n<td>&gt;900<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"2329\" data-end=\"2481\">Please note: levels between 200\u2013300 pg\/mL may not be accompanied by symptoms, but with prolonged decreases, subclinical deficiency may develop.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2483\" data-end=\"2519\"><strong data-start=\"2486\" data-end=\"2517\">Causes of low B12 levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"2521\" data-end=\"2905\">\n<li data-start=\"2521\" data-end=\"2579\">Insufficient dietary intake (veganism, strict diets)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2580\" data-end=\"2672\">Malabsorption in the stomach or intestine (gastritis, celiac disease, resection of part of the gastrointestinal tract)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2673\" data-end=\"2707\">Age-related changes in the gastric mucosa<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2708\" data-end=\"2785\">Reduced secretion of Castle&#039;s intrinsic factor (needed for B12 absorption)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2786\" data-end=\"2859\">Taking certain medications (metformin, proton pump inhibitors, antacids)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2860\" data-end=\"2905\">Alcoholism, chronic liver disease<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"2907\" data-end=\"2945\"><strong data-start=\"2910\" data-end=\"2943\">Causes of elevated B12 levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2947\" data-end=\"3024\">Elevated levels of this vitamin are less common, but may indicate:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3025\" data-end=\"3205\">\n<li data-start=\"3025\" data-end=\"3069\">Acute or chronic liver disease<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3070\" data-end=\"3098\">Oncological diseases<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3099\" data-end=\"3144\">Hyperproliferation of blood cells (leukemia)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3145\" data-end=\"3205\">Excessive vitamin intake in the form of injections or supplements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"3207\" data-end=\"3250\"><strong data-start=\"3210\" data-end=\"3248\">How to prepare for a B12 test<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3252\" data-end=\"3606\">\n<li data-start=\"3252\" data-end=\"3362\">The analysis seems <strong data-start=\"3270\" data-end=\"3284\">on an empty stomach<\/strong> \u2013 the last meal should be no later than 8\u201310 hours before blood donation.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3363\" data-end=\"3420\">The day before should <strong data-start=\"3382\" data-end=\"3417\">exclude alcohol and fatty foods<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3421\" data-end=\"3532\">You should not take vitamin supplements for at least <strong data-start=\"3470\" data-end=\"3500\">48 hours before the study<\/strong> (unless prescribed by a doctor).<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3533\" data-end=\"3606\">If possible, limit physical and emotional stress before the test.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"3608\" data-end=\"3649\"><strong data-start=\"3611\" data-end=\"3647\">How to restore vitamin B12 levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"3651\" data-end=\"3680\"><strong data-start=\"3655\" data-end=\"3678\">1. Diet correction<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3682\" data-end=\"3750\">Vitamin B12 is found mainly in animal products:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3751\" data-end=\"3858\">\n<li data-start=\"3751\" data-end=\"3781\">meat (beef, liver)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3782\" data-end=\"3790\">eggs<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3791\" data-end=\"3815\">fish and seafood<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3816\" data-end=\"3858\">dairy products (cheese, yogurt, milk)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3860\" data-end=\"3982\">For vegetarians and vegans, a possible source is fortified products: plant-based milk, cereal mixtures, and special yeast.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3984\" data-end=\"4022\"><strong data-start=\"3988\" data-end=\"4020\">2. Taking vitamin supplements<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4024\" data-end=\"4103\">In cases of severe deficiency or malabsorption of B12, the following are prescribed:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4104\" data-end=\"4228\">\n<li data-start=\"4104\" data-end=\"4142\">oral supplements (tablets, drops)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4143\" data-end=\"4228\">injectable forms (intramuscularly) \u2013 especially effective in severe deficiency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4230\" data-end=\"4302\">The dosage regimen is determined by the doctor after <a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/general-blood-test\/\" title=\"Complete blood count: interpretation, norms, tables and what deviations mean\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"544\">analysis and evaluation of the general<\/a> state.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4230\" data-end=\"4302\">The level of vitamin B12 in the blood is an important health indicator that should be paid attention to if you experience symptoms of fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or anemia. Timely diagnosis and correction of the deficiency can avoid complications and significantly improve the quality of life.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why is it important to monitor vitamin B12 levels? Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is a vital trace element that affects the functioning of the nervous system,<\/p>","protected":false},"author":627,"featured_media":8643,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8642","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8642","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/627"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8642"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8642\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8643"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8642"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8642"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8642"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}