Functional B12 Assessment
B vitamins are a class of water-soluble vitamins which play important roles in cell metabolism, converting food into fuel and metabolising fats and proteins. They are important for the nervous system and brain function as well as a healthy liver, hair, skin and eyes, and they also strengthens the immune system.
Understanding your B vitamin levels are especially important if you have elevated homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is a multifactorial condition with genetic and environmental factors involved, and can often be managed providing there are sufficient B vitamins.
What's included
This blood test helps identify nutritional deficiencies or absorption issues that may contribute to anaemia, fatigue or cognitive changes.
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin found in meat products and certain algae such as seaweed. It helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Both high and low vitamin B12 blood test levels may indicate an underlying problem. Low levels can suggest anaemia, a parasite or hyperthyroidism, whilst high levels can be a sign of liver disease, diabetes or kidney failure.
Homocysteine is an amino acid that’s regulated by the body’s methylation process, which supports detoxification, energy production, and nervous system health. If methylation is not functioning efficiently, homocysteine can build up, which may raise the risk of heart and and neurological issues.
Test instructions
The best time to do this test is first thing in the morning.
Fast from all food and drink (other than water) for at least 8 hours, and no more than 12 hours prior to your test.
Download and print your pathology form from your i-screen dashboard.
Take your form to one of our affiliated collection centres to have your sample taken.
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