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Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12, cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that the body needs for the production of red blood cells, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. The body cannot manufacture vitamin B12 itself, so we need to add B12 through diet or supplementation.

Health check B12 deficiency

Health check B12 deficiency

Investigation of B12 deficiency

1 195 kr

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Quick version

B12 is mainly found in foods such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs. Some groups have a harder time getting B12 through their diet, such as vegans and vegetarians, and therefore often need to add a dietary supplement to meet the body's needs and avoid the risk of developing a B12 deficiency.

Common symptoms of B12 deficiency

A deficiency of vitamin B12 can develop gradually and is often not immediately noticeable at the beginning of the process. However, as the level of B12 in the body decreases, several different symptoms can occur. Here are some common signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency:

  • Fatigue and lack of energy
  • Shortness of breath with exertion
  • Headache
  • Heart palpitations
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
  • Balance problems
  • Irritability, low mood or depression
  • Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
  • Red, smooth tongue or mouth ulcers

Some people also experience intestinal problems, such as diarrhea or loss of appetite.

B12 deficiency - risk groups

A common cause of B12 deficiency is that you get too little of the vitamin through food or because the body cannot absorb the vitamin properly. Factors that can cause difficulty absorbing B12 are:

  • You are older
  • You have a gastrointestinal disease such as celiac disease, gastritis or Crohn's disease
  • After gastric surgery
  • Long-term use of certain medications (e.g. metformin or antacids)
  • You have a strict vegetarian or vegan diet without supplements

Here you can learn more about how to how to help your body absorb more B12 .

Consequences of long-term B12 deficiency

Both the nervous system and blood formation are affected if you have a B12 deficiency for a long time. Furthermore, this can lead to:

  • Megaloblastic anemia (a type of anemia with large, immature red blood cells)
  • Nerve damage that causes numbness, poor reflexes and impaired sensation
  • Psychological symptoms such as depression, confusion or dementia-like conditions

To reduce possible permanent nerve damage, it is important to detect and treat B12 deficiency in time.

How to know if you have a B12 deficiency

A blood test can show if you have low levels of vitamin B12 . blood count (Hb) , homocysteine and methylmalonate (MMA) are also often checked, which can be elevated in B12 deficiency even if the B12 level is within the reference range.

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Health check B12 deficiency

Health check B12 deficiency

Investigation of B12 deficiency
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Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

  • Blood analysis for investigation of suspected B12 deficiency.
  • In-depth analysis to identify functional B12 deficiency.
  • Assessment of blood count and impact on red blood cells.
  • Recommendations for action and follow-up.

1 195 kr

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