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 we test
B Vitamins Panel
Active vitamin B12 is the biologically active form of vitamin B12 that is essential for many physiological processes in the body, including the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and nerve function.
Found naturally in food, such as green leafy vegetables. Folate (vitamin B9) plays a role in DNA creation and is important for the production of red blood cells.
Pyridoxal-5-phosphate - found in meat, poultry, fish, seafood dairy, lentils, beans, carrots, spinach, bananas, brown rice and whole-grains. Helps the body make neurotransmitters to carry signals between cells. Also important for controlling homocysteine levels, brain function, hormone and red cell production and the immune system.
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 blood 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.
You may also be interested in
Homocysteine Check
Vitamin B12 Check
MTHFR Check (cheek swab)
