Vitamin B12 Check

Vitamin B12 is involved in a variety of metabolic processes in your body, including the breakdown of fatty acids, cell division, and nerve function. Its central role in the metabolism of the vitamin folate (folic acid) also makes it important for blood formation. It can be produced neither by humans, nor by animals or plants. Only microorganisms are capable of producing it. This means that a strict vegan diet can more easily lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Insufficient vitamin B12 can in many cases be avoided through the regular consumption of animal products. However, even if you pay attention to a diet rich in vitamin B12, a targeted supplementation of vitamin B12 may be necessary if certain risk factors are present (e.g. older age, underlying conditions).

For vitamin B12 to be utilised by the body, the so-called "intrinsic factor" is required. This is produced by the gastric mucosa. For this reason, chronic inflammation of the stomach can contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency. In older people too, changes to the gastric mucosa can more readily lead to insufficient vitamin B12. A deficiency can also arise as a result of certain conditions such as various gastrointestinal diseases including Crohn's disease, or following a gastrectomy (removal of the stomach).

The symptoms that can develop as a result of vitamin B12 deficiency are diverse and largely non-specific. It is therefore all too common for a deficiency to be recognised only at a late stage. Symptoms include, for example, fatigue, weakness, hair loss, and difficulties with concentration. Numbness, unsteady gait, and anaemia are also possible symptoms. If a pronounced vitamin B12 deficiency remains untreated for an extended period, it can cause permanent damage, particularly to the brain and nervous system. By contrast, no dangerous (toxic) effects are known at high doses.

If you would like to find out more about vitamin B12, simply book an appointment at one of our avi practices and discuss this with our medical team. Together you can decide whether a vitamin B12 test is appropriate for you.

Good to know: At present, laboratory testing is only covered by statutory health insurance when there is a specific medical indication, and not preventively (e.g. for vegan/vegetarian diets or for general complaints).