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Vitamin B12 is important

Find out why vitamin B12 is so important.
And check your vitamin B12 level easily and conveniently from home.
Reliable results, digitally traceable.

Overview

Vitamin B12 is essential for our health and there is a wealth of literature on the subject.
You can find out how to recognize vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms and protect your nerves on NDR, for example.
The NHR also deals with the topic of vitamin B12 supply (English link).
In the following article, we show you why vitamin B12 is so important and how you can easily check your vitamin B12 levels.

What is vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin that plays an important role in the body.
It is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis and the proper functioning of the nervous system.
As the body cannot produce vitamin B12 itself, it must be obtained from food.

Why is vitamin B12 so important?

Vitamin B12 is crucial for many vital functions:

  • Blood formation: It helps with the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen in the body.
  • Nervous system: Vitamin B12 is necessary for myelin formation, which protects the nerves and supports their function.
  • DNA synthesis: It plays a central role in the formation and repair of DNA, the genetic material of all cells.

When is a vitamin B12 deficiency to be feared?

A vitamin B12 deficiency can occur in the following situations in particular:

  • Vegetarian or vegan diet: Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products, so people who eat a plant-based diet have a higher risk of a deficiency.
  • Age: With increasing age, the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food can decrease.
  • Certain diseases: Diseases such as pernicious anemia or conditions that impair the absorption of nutrients can lead to a deficiency.

Negative consequences of a vitamin B12 deficiency

A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause serious health problems, including

Anemia:

A lack of red blood cells leads to tiredness, weakness and paleness.

Neurological problems:

Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause nerve damage, which can lead to tingling, numbness and difficulty walking.

Cognitive impairments:

A deficiency can also lead to memory loss, confusion and dementia.

Overdose of vitamin B12

An overdose of vitamin B12 is rare as excess vitamin B12 is normally excreted in the urine.
Nevertheless, it is important to monitor the intake and ensure that the dosage is appropriate.

How is vitamin B12 determined and what are the reference values?

Vitamin B12 levels are usually determined by a blood test in which the concentration of total vitamin B12 in the blood is measured.
In some cases, holotranscobalamin, the active form of vitamin B12, is also measured to obtain a more accurate picture of B12 status.

Reference values for vitamin B12:
Deficiency:< 200 pg/ml
Limit value:200-300 pg/ml
Sufficient:> 300 pg/ml
These values may vary slightly depending on the source and laboratory, but they provide a general guideline for interpreting your results.

How can I check my vitamin B12 level with Probatix?

Probatix makes it easy to check your vitamin D level.
Our service offers you the opportunity to carry out a vitamin D test from the comfort of your own home.
This is how it works:

1. order test:

Visit our website and order the vitamin B12 test.

2. sampling:

Choose between one of our partners in your area or a practical home test kit. If you take the test yourself, you will receive a kit containing everything you need to take a small blood sample safely and painlessly.

3. send in the sample:

Send your blood sample to our certified laboratory. We will take care of the rest.

4. receive results digitally:

Receive your test results digitally and traceably. Simply log in to your Probatix account and check your values.

Advantages of digital tracking of your values

Digital tracking of your vitamin B12 levels offers numerous advantages:

  • Clarity: All test results are collected in one place and can be called up at any time.
  • Traceability: You can monitor your values over a longer period of time and thus recognize trends.
  • Simplicity: Clear presentation of results helps you to better understand and monitor your health.
  • Security: Your data is protected and only accessible to you.

What now?

Take your health into your own hands and ensure that your body is optimally supplied with vitamin B12.
Order your vitamin B12 test from Probatix today and get reliable results from the comfort of your own home.

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