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Dietary sources of vitamin B12 come mainly from animal based foods, for examply meat, fish, poultry and eggs. Strict vegetarians, especially vegans are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Some people with bowel problems may be more prone to deficiency.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia occurs when a lack of vitamin B12 or folate causes the body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that cannot function properly.Vitamin B12 performs several important functions in the body, including keeping the nervous system healthy.

A deficiency can cause a wide range of problems, including:

  • Extreme tiredness

  • Lack of energy

  • Muscle weakness

  • Disturbed vision

  • Problems with memory 

  • Pins and needles 

 

It's important for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.This is because although many of the symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible.  Most cases of vitamin B12 deficiency can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins.

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About Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 as well as other vitamins such as folate perform several important functions in the body, including keeping the nervous system healthy and the production of healthy red blood cells.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency
A deficiency of Vitamin B12 can cause a wide range of problems, including:

• extreme tiredness and a lack of energy
• a sore and red tongue and mouth ulcers
• muscle weakness and a feeling of pins and needles (paraesthesia)
• disturbed vision
• psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion, problems with memory, understanding and judgement
How do I become deficient in vitamin B12?
A lack of vitamin B12 in your diet – this is uncommon, but can happen if you have a vegan diet, follow a fad diet or have a generally poor diet for a long time

Pernicious anaemia – where your immune system attacks healthy cells in your stomach, preventing your body absorbing vitamin B12 from the food you eat; this is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK

Medicine – certain medicines, including anticonvulsants and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can affect how much of these vitamins your body absorbs
Why are vegans susceptible to Vitamin B12 deficiencies?
Vitamin B12 is found in foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products
How accurate is the test?
We use one of the country's leading labs (also used by primary care providers, hospitals and government programs) to process your results.
How do I collect my sample?
Please follow the sample collection advice in the packaging to maximise the accuracy of your results. To reduce the return transit time, please do not collect or return samples on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
When will I get my results?
The lab processing time is slightly different from test to test, but you’ll usually have your test results back with you 2 days after we receive your sample.
Pick your test
Pick the right test for you and we'll deliver it straight to your door, all in a handy letterbox sized package.
Collect sample
The test kit will guide you through how and the best time to perform a finger prick blood test. Simply collect your sample and used the pre-paid box to send back to our laboratory for testing.
See your results
Our accredited lab will perform the test, and upload your results to your dashboard, with expert advice on then best next steps. Usually within 2 days or receiving your sample.
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