Questions about vitamin B12:

• Why should I test my vitamin B12 level?

  Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that is essential for forming blood cells and protecting nerve cells. If you lack vitamin B12, you will likely not notice it immediately. It takes years for the vitamin reserves in the body to be depleted. When this happens, however, serious health consequences can occur.It is therefore recommended to monitor your vitamin B12 level regularly to avoid deficiency, especially for the followingrisk groups for vitamin B12: Vegetarians and vegans, pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, among others.

• How does the vitamin B12 test work?

  For the Vitamin B12 test,a lancet is used to take a small blood sample from your fingertip. A few drops of blood are applied to a dry blood card, which is then sent by prepaid return envelope to a certified lab. The laboratory then analyzes the concentration of holotranscobalamine (holo-TC), the active vitamin B12, in your blood.

• What does the result of the vitamin B12 test tell me?

  With your detailed result report, you will be able to see your holotranscobalamine active vitamin B12 levels. The report will also let you see if your level falls within the normal range, or if you should improve it through diet or supplements.

• What are the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency?

  Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver for up to three years. The body can also draw on these reserves if there is a lack of vitamin B12 intake. In the meantime, a vitamin B12 deficiency usually only presents with general symptoms, such as:
  - impaired mental and physical performance
  - fatigue and exhaustion
  - headaches and difficulty concentrating
  - digestive problems
  
  Over time, however, a vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious health problems. According to studies it may likely increase your risk for the following diseases:
  - anemia
  - nervous disorders and depression
  - dementia
  - cardiovascular diseases

• What is vitamin B12?

  vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also called cobalamin. It is an essential vitamin, i.e. your body cannot produce it by itself and must get it from food. Vitamin B12 is the only water-soluble vitamin that the human body can store for long periods of time and occurs in various forms. The active forms that work in the body are methylcobalamin and 5-adenosylcobalamin.

• Why do I need vitamin B12?

  In the body, vitamin B12 is involved in the metabolism of folic acid, among other things. Folic acid is a B vitamin that works together with vitamin B12 in many places.
  
  Vitamin B12 also plays a role in numerous other metabolic processes. Among other things it contributes to the following central processes in the body:
  - formation of blood cells
  - cell division
  - protection of nerve cells
  - formation of DNA
  - detoxification

• Where do I get vitamin B12?

  vitamin B12 is almost exclusively contained in certain animal products, especially in offal, but also in other meats, fish, and dairy products as well as eggs. For example you can reach your daily requirement with 100 grams of tuna, 100 grams of lamb, 100 grams of natural yoghurt or two eggs.
  
  Researchers are currently investigating whether vegetable foods can also serve as a source of vitamin B12. So far, however, they have only found the vitamin in so-called nori algae - and in a form that the human gastrointestinal tract cannot absorb. Thus, people who eat a vegan diet are currently only able to cover their requirements with vitamin B12 preparations.

• How much vitamin B12 do I need?

  The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 varies considerably by country. In January 2019, the German Nutrition Society increased its recommendations and now advises adults to consume 4.0 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day. The US National Institutes of Health on the other hand, recommends only 2.4 micrograms. However, people's requirement differ depending on age and lifestyle.
  
  Food supplements need to be taken in higher doses—because your body is only able to absorb and process part of the vitamin. The general recommendation is 500 micrograms a day to correct a deficiency. In the case of a severe deficiency significantly higher doses may be recommended, which are sometimes administered by physicians via injection.