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Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12

Also referred as
Cyanocobalamin
Methylcobalamin
Cobalamin
23,441+ booked recently
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The Vitamin B12 test measures the level of vitamin B12 in the body. This vitamin is vital for brain health, nerve function, energy production, and red blood cell formation. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause a range of health problems, including tiredness, anemia, neurological problems, tingling in hands & feet, etc.

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Understanding Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, belongs to the B complex group of vitamins. Most vitamin B12 requirements can be fulfilled with a balanced diet comprising fish, meat, dairy, and cereal. However, in severe deficiency cases, supplementation may be needed.

The Vitamin B12 test is usually done if you experience deficiency symptoms, such as:

  • Weakness
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Appetite loss
  • Numbness
  • Muscle weakness, etc. 

It also helps determine the response to vitamin B12 therapy in conditions like anemia. Additionally, this test is a vital monitoring parameter to maintain a healthy pregnancy, as low vitamin B12 levels have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes like anemia, low birth weight, and growth retardation of the baby.

Usually, no special preparation is required for this test. Eat and drink as per the daily routine. However, let the doctor know about all the medications being taken, as some can affect the test results.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to the doctor about the specific test results. Narrate the complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help the doctor determine the medical condition, whether or not supplements will be required to manage the overall health, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, and formulate the treatment plan. 

Lifestyle Tips to Power Up Your Vitamin B12 Levels:

🥤Hydration: Stay hydrated! Drinking enough water supports vitamin B12 absorption in the body.  

🥗Eat (Diet): Eat B-12-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and fortified cereals if vegan or vegetarian.

🚴‍♀️Activity (Exercise): Regular moderate exercise training can help increase vitamin B12 levels.

😴 Lifestyle (Stress): Practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to support optimal vitamin B12 absorption. 

👨‍⚕️Talk to Your Doctor (Consult): Do not self-medicate and avoid taking high doses of vitamin B12 supplements.

🍺Habits (Alcohol & Smoking): These habits can impair vitamin B12 absorption.

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What does Vitamin B12 measure?

The Vitamin B12 test measures your vitamin B12 levels. This vitamin is essential for various health aspects, such as maintaining a healthy nervous system, making red blood cells, and creating the genetic material of our cells. Low vitamin B12 levels are more likely to occur in older adults, children, vegans, vegetarians, people with diabetes, individuals who underwent gastric bypass surgery, women who are breastfeeding, and in conditions like Crohn’s disease that impact the absorption of this vitamin. High vitamin B12 levels are seen in conditions like liver diseases and myeloproliferative disorders. Also, high levels of vitamin B12 are seen in individuals on vitamin supplementation, but this usually does not require treatment as the excess vitamin is flushed out through urine.

FAQs related to Vitamin B12 in Lucknow

The Vitamin B12 test is done to measure the level of vitamin B12 in the body, determine the response of vitamin B12 therapy in conditions like anemia, and monitor a pregnant woman.
The signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, vision problems, painful tongue, mouth ulcers, fast and irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, tingling or numbness, and pins and needles or burning sensation in feet, hands, arms, and legs. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Deficiency of vitamin B12 could be due to poor dietary intake, pernicious anemia (as it leads to poor absorption of vitamin B12), and certain types of stomach-related surgeries, such as weight loss surgery or any surgery of the intestines. Besides these, there are some medications that can also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and some disorders of the immune system (those that decrease our body’s natural immunity), such as Lupus or Graves’ disease. Consult your doctor if you have ever had any of these issues.
The risks associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are memory loss, confusional states, paranoia (especially in old age patients), infertility, heart diseases including heart failure (in severe cases of anemia), pregnancy complications and birth defects, and stomach cancer.
The body requires vitamin B12 for functions like the formation of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA, fatty acids, and amino acids. It is also a key player in the function and development of brain and nerve cells.
Yes, vitamin B12 deficiency may cause depression and other similar problems like anxiety, psychosis, dementia, and delirium. Vitamin B12 along with the other forms of vitamin B are extremely important in regulating chemicals that regulate our mood and behavior.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient, meaning the body cannot produce it, and you need to consume it via dietary sources. Consuming an adequate amount of this nutrient helps to produce red blood cells (RBCs), prevent anemia and birth defects, support bone health to prevent osteoporosis, reduce the risk of macular degeneration (eye disease), improve mood and symptoms of depression, benefit the brain by preventing the loss of neurons, and support healthy hair, nails, and skin.
Always consult your doctor if your vitamin B12 levels are lower than normal. However, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B12 such as meat, fish, milk, soy products, and fortified breakfast cereals can help raise your vitamin B12 levels naturally.
Pregnant women need adequate nutrition for the proper growth and development of the baby. Low vitamin B12 levels may cause anemia, low birth weight, and growth retardation in the unborn baby. The baby can also suffer from serious problems like spina bifida (improper development of the baby’s spine), incomplete brain development, and other brain-related issues. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive to know about any supplements you may need during pregnancy.
While most fruits don't contain significant amounts of vitamin B12, some fruits can contribute to your daily intake, such as bananas and strawberries.
The vitamin B12 normal range typically falls between 187 to 83 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) for females and 211 to 911 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) for males. However, different laboratories may have slightly different reference ranges. It’s important to consult your healthcare provider for interpretation of your test results.
Vegetarians may have a harder time getting enough vitamin B12, as it is primarily found in animal-based foods. However, vegetarian foods include fortified cereals, milk, cheese, nutritional yeast, beans, spinach, etc. include vitamin B12.
Non-vegetarian foods are some of the best vitamin B12 sources, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. For example, salmon, tuna, beef liver, and chicken are rich in vitamin B12.
The vitamin B12 test price can vary depending on the location and the laboratory.
If you are following a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can increase your vitamin B12 intake by consuming fortified foods such as plant-based products, breakfast cereals, and nutritional yeast. You might also consider taking a vitamin B12 supplement, such as multivitamin tablets, to meet your daily needs.
Content created by
Written by:
Shweta Prakash
MSc, BSc
Reviewed by:
Dr. Anupriya Nautiyal
MD Pathology, MBBS
Want to know moreRead our editorial policy
Last Updated5th Oct 2025

Vitamin B12 test price for other cities

Price inBangaloreRs. 679
Price inPuneRs. 679
Price inMumbaiRs. 680
Price inHyderabadRs. 359
Price inNew DelhiRs. 680

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Vitamin B12