Contents of the home test kit

The test kit you receive at home contains everything you need to easily collect a small blood sample.

Step-by-step guide for the vitamin B12 test

With the vitamin B12 test from Labtest.nl, you can have your blood reliably analysed from the comfort of your own home.

1. Activate your test online using the codes included in your test kit.
2. Follow the instructions to collect your blood sample correctly, step by step.
3. Send the sample free of charge to our accredited laboratory using the included return label.

You will usually receive your result within one day after your sample has been received by the laboratory, via your personal online dashboard. This way, you quickly know where you stand and can take the appropriate next steps for your health if necessary.

How can you recognise a vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 is essential for many important functions in your body. If you do not get enough of it or your body does not absorb it properly, symptoms can develop. A deficiency can develop gradually and cause a wide range of symptoms. The most common signs include:

• Fatigue or a persistent feeling of weakness
• Dizziness or feeling light-headed
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Palpitations or breathing difficulties
• Changes in the mouth, such as a smooth or painful tongue
• Digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence or reduced appetite
• Blurred or reduced vision
• Tingling or numbness in the hands, feet or legs
• Muscle weakness or difficulty with coordination and walking
• Memory problems, low mood or mood swings

Do you recognise one or more of these symptoms? Then it may be worth taking a vitamin B12 home test. A deficiency can have serious consequences if it is not detected and treated in time.

How does a vitamin B12 deficiency develop?

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that your body cannot produce itself. You therefore need to get it through your diet. Most people build up a supply over time, which means a deficiency often develops only after months or even years. Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Vegetarians and vegans are therefore particularly at risk of deficiency unless they consume fortified products or take supplements.

Stomach and intestinal problems

Certain conditions can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12. These include:

• Crohn’s disease
• Coeliac disease (gluten intolerance)
• Chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)

These conditions can damage the part of the digestive tract where vitamin B12 is absorbed, meaning your body may not be able to use enough of the vitamin even if you consume sufficient amounts.

Pernicious anaemia: an autoimmune condition

Pernicious anaemia is a common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. With this autoimmune condition, your body produces little or no intrinsic factor, a substance in the stomach that is needed to absorb vitamin B12. Without sufficient intrinsic factor, the body cannot properly absorb B12 from food, which can eventually lead to anaemia and neurological symptoms.

The effect of medication

Certain medications can also lower your vitamin B12 level. Examples include:

• Acid-reducing medications (such as omeprazole)
• Metformin (for type 2 diabetes)
• Some antibiotics or epilepsy medications

If you use one of these medications for a long time, discuss with your doctor whether it is necessary to monitor your B12 levels.

The importance of vitamin B12 for your health

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient needed for the production of red blood cells, DNA formation and the proper functioning of the nervous system. Because your body cannot produce this vitamin itself, you need to get B12 through your diet or supplements. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy. People who eat few or no animal products, such as vegetarians and vegans, have a higher risk of deficiency. A long-term vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anaemia, fatigue and neurological symptoms. Common symptoms include tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, memory problems and difficulty with coordination. By checking your B12 level in time, you can help prevent symptoms and support your overall health.

What do your vitamin B12 test results mean?

You have had your blood tested for vitamin B12. What happens next? Below, we explain what your results may mean and what you can potentially do based on the outcome. Test results provide a snapshot in time and can be influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, medication and the time of sample collection. Abnormal values do not automatically mean that you have a medical condition.

Vitamin B12 level too low < 145 pmol/L

A level below 145 pmol/L indicates a vitamin B12 deficiency. This can have various causes, such as a diet low in animal products, reduced absorption in the intestines or the use of certain medications.

If you have a deficiency, it is advisable to contact your doctor. Possible treatments include:

• Taking B12 supplements
• Adjusting your diet or, in some cases, receiving B12 injections
• Foods rich in vitamin B12 include:
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Beef, chicken and liver
• Milk, yoghurt and cheese
• Eggs
• Fish and shellfish

Normal vitamin B12 level 145–569 pmol/L

Your B12 level is within the normal range. This means that you currently have sufficient vitamin B12 in your blood. However, continue to maintain a varied and balanced diet, especially if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Elevated vitamin B12 level > 569 pmol/L

A high B12 level is usually harmless because your body excretes excess B12 through the urine. However, an elevated level can sometimes indicate an underlying condition, such as:

• Kidney problems
• Liver conditions (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis)
• Excessive use of supplements
• Certain blood disorders
• Diabetes

If your level is unusually high, it is advisable to discuss this with your doctor, especially if you do not take supplements.

When will I receive my results?

Once your blood sample has been received by the laboratory, your results are usually available within one working day. Your results are shared via your personal online dashboard, with a secure link sent to you by email.