Tag: Fasting for blood tests

Medical fasting, as distinct from dietary trends or religious practices, is a medically-supervised regimen for specific diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It involves abstaining from food and sometimes specific drinks for a set period to ensure accurate test results or to manage certain health conditions under professional guidance.

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B12 deficiency affects approximately 6% of adults under 60 in the United States, highlighting the need for accurate testing. To get a precise result, you may need to fast for a vitamin B blood test, but the exact requirements depend on which specific B vitamins are being measured.

According to health professionals, you may need to fast for six to eight hours before a vitamin B12 test. A standard B12 blood test measures the level of cobalamin in your blood and is often ordered by a doctor to diagnose a deficiency.

According to the World Health Organization, maintaining a healthy diet is a key factor in preventing various noncommunicable diseases, and this starts with understanding how to fuel your body correctly, especially when preparing for a health assessment. Knowing what to eat before a health assessment can significantly impact the accuracy of your test results and provide your doctor with the clearest possible picture of your health.

Eating or fasting incorrectly can skew lab results by as much as 50%. Understanding **what should I eat before going to the doctor** is therefore crucial to ensure your appointment provides the most accurate and reliable health information, preventing unnecessary repeat tests.