Blood test

Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is found in virtually all meat products and certain algae such as seaweed. It helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells.

Around 70% of the vitamin B12 in our blood is inactive - this test measures levels of the biologically-active component of vitamin B12, thought to be the best early indicator of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Acid in the stomach releases vitamin B12 from protein during digestion. Once released, it combines with a substance called intrinsic factor before it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Pernicious Anaemia (an autoimmune condition) prevents absorption by stopping the production of intrinsic factor and is the leading cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

The human body stores several years' worth of vitamin B12 - nutritional deficiency is most commonly seen in vegans and some vegetarians as well as the elderly who are more likely to suffer from absorption problems. 

30min | £83