Description

B12 is a vitamin that is necessary for normal red blood cell (RBC) formation, neurologic function, and DNA production. B12 must be supplied by the diet or supplementation because the body is not able to produce it.

People who are deficient in Vitamin B12 may not have any symptoms or may present with symptoms of anemia or nerve damage. General symptoms related to anemia and nerve damage include fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, depression, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, headaches, moodiness, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Some people may not have all or any of these symptoms but still have deficiency. Early detection is important to prevent irreversible damage over time, especially to the nervous system.

Generally, people who are likely to have a B12 deficiency have:

• Problems absorbing the vitamin
• Poor or restricted nutritional intake
• Interference from a medication they are taking
• Increased energy requirements (eg, pregnancy)

This test may be appropriate for you if you are:

• A pregnant woman or a nursing mother
• 65 years and older
• A strict vegetarian or vegan
• An individual at risk for gastrointestinal absorption problems such as Celiac disease, Crohn disease, partial bowel removal, pernicious anemia, atrophic gastritis
• A recent alcohol abuser
• Taking certain medications: long term use of antacid drugs (proton pump inhibitor and H2 blockers), metformin (a diabetes medication) and chloramphenicol (an antibiotic)

Your Result

Once the lab has evaluated your results you will receive an email and your results will be displayed in your dashboard like this.

How It Works

How It Works

Step 1

Select your test

Step 2

Purchase with a credit card

Step 3

Visit a Quest Blood Lab Near You and bring your Order Confirmation

Step 4

Access your results online via our client portal

Find A Quest Location

Shipping

You will receive your order confirmation via email which you take into a Quest Blood Lab so there is nothing to ship! Once your results are ready you will get an email with your lab results.