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Serum vitamin B 12 is a medical laboratory test that measure vitamin B 12 only in the blood binding to both transcobalamins. [1] Most of the time, 80–94% of vitamin B 12 in the blood binds to haptocorrin , while only 6–20% is binds to transcobalamin ll. [ 2 ] Only transcobalamin ll is "active" and can be used by the body. [ 1 ]
Therefore, serum B 12 values above the cut-off point of deficiency do not necessarily confirm adequate B 12 status. [2] For this reason, elevated serum homocysteine over 15 micromol/L and methylmalonic acid (MMA) over 0.271 micromol/L are considered better indicators of B 12 deficiency, rather than relying only on the concentration of B 12 in ...
Deficiencies of vitamins B 6, B 9 and B 12 can lead to high homocysteine levels. [2] Vitamin B 12 acts as a cofactor for the enzyme methionine synthase (which forms part of the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) biosynthesis and regeneration cycle). Vitamin B 12 deficiency prevents the 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) form of folate from being ...
Homocysteine levels typically are higher in men than women, and increase with age. [15] [16] Common levels in Western populations are 10 to 12 μmol/L, and levels of 20 μmol/L are found in populations with low B-vitamin intakes or in the elderly (e.g., Rotterdam, Framingham). [17] [18]
Hypervitaminosis is a condition of abnormally high storage levels of vitamins, which can lead to various symptoms as over excitement, irritability, or even toxicity. Specific medical names of the different conditions are derived from the given vitamin involved: an excess of vitamin A , for example, is called hypervitaminosis A .
Over time, a deficiency of B12 can cause problems with balance, confusion, depression, poor memory and possibly dementia, and it can even cause permanent damage to the nervous system, Somers says.
Blood tests may show low levels of vitamin B 12, elevated levels of methylmalonic acid or homocysteine, and a routine complete blood counts may shows anemia with an elevated mean cell volume. [141] The presence of antibodies to gastric parietal cells and intrinsic factor may indicate pernicious anemia .
Shown is 500 mcg B-12 (as 1/2 cc) drawn up in a 0.5-cc U-100 27 gauge x 1/2" insulin syringe, as prepared for subcutaneous injection. Pernicious anemia is usually easily treated by providing the necessary level of vitamin B 12 supplementation. [63] Pernicious anemia can be treated with intramuscular injections of vitamin B 12. [64]