Tag: B12 testing

Vitamin B12 deficiency is more prevalent than folate deficiency in many populations, yet these two nutrients are inextricably linked in the body's metabolic pathways. Their critical relationship means that assessing one without the other can lead to misdiagnosis and dangerous consequences.

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 3.6% of US adults may have a vitamin B12 deficiency, with insufficiency being even more prevalent. This essential nutrient, also known as cobalamin, is crucial for nerve function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. Learning how to know if I need B12 is the first step toward addressing a potentially serious health issue.

According to research, approximately 6% of people under 60 and 20% of those over 60 in the US and UK have a vitamin B12 deficiency. This essential nutrient is crucial for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production, making it vital to know how do I know if my vitamin B12 level is low before severe symptoms appear.

Globally, an estimated 3.6% of adults have a vitamin B12 deficiency, but standard total B12 blood tests can often fail to detect true deficiencies. Understanding what's the difference between B12 and active B12 is the key to an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.