Description
Vitamin B12 deficiency, also known as cobalamin deficiency, occurs when your body doesn't have enough vitamin B12 to produce healthy red blood cells. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fatigue, weakness, and neurological issues.
Symptoms
- Weakness, fatigue, or lack of energy
- Sore or red tongue, sometimes with mouth ulcers
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- Trouble walking or loss of coordination
- Headaches, indigestion, or diarrhea
- Vision problems
- Cognitive changes, such as confusion, forgetfulness, or memory loss
- Mood changes, such as depression or irritability
The following test are included:
Complete Count Blood (CBC)
Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)
Vitamin B12 and Folate
Fasting not required.
Additional information about each test is listed below:
A complete blood count (CBC) can help indicate if someone has a vitamin B12 deficiency. A CBC measures hemoglobin levels and can show if there is anemia, which is a common result of vitamin B12 deficiency.
A methylmalonic acid (MMA) blood test measures the amount of MMA in your blood to help determine if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency. The test can also help diagnose methylmalonic acidemia, a rare metabolic disorder.
Vitamin B12 and folate perform several important functions in the body, including keeping the nervous system healthy. A deficiency in either of these vitamins can cause a wide range of problems, including: extreme tiredness. a lack of energy.
