In vitro analysis of vitamin B12 content. Vitamin B12 blood test: normal blood levels, minimum standards, how to take the test. What foods contain vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is one of the most important vitamins, without which the processes of hematopoiesis or DNA synthesis are impossible. Without vitamin B12, the nervous system cannot function normally. The human body obtains this organism mainly through food, consuming animal products, although small amounts of cobalamin are synthesized by intestinal microflora.

After entering the human body, cobalamin binds to a special protein - intrinsic factor of Castle, synthesized in the gastric mucosa, after which it enters the small intestine, where it is further absorbed and bound by another protein - transcobalamin, which transports vitamin B12 throughout the body, delivering it to the liver and other organs.

Although vitamin B12 is water soluble, unlike others water-soluble vitamins, it is not immediately excreted in the urine, but accumulates in the body and is stored in the liver, kidneys and other tissues of the body. Therefore, colabamine deficiency does not affect health so quickly and appears only 5 or 6 years after switching to a diet poor in this vitamin.

Together with folic acid Vitamin B12 takes part in the synthesis of DNA and red blood cells. He also plays vitally important role in maintaining the health of the environment nerve cells myelin sheath. A classic example of vitamin B12 (colabamine) deficiency in the body is pernicious anemia or Addison-Birmer disease, characterized by the presence of a large number of immature red blood cells in the blood.

On the jelly itself, the body requires a very small amount of vitamin B12, approximately 2 micrograms daily. Unfortunately, its absorption in the body is rather weak, so you need to consume significantly more of it with food every day. large quantities. The foods richest in vitamin B12 (colabamine) include liver, kidneys, eggs and cheeses. Vegetables and fruits contain this vitamin in very small quantities, so vegetarians usually suffer from a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body.

Vitamin B (colabamine) is normal. Explanation of the result (table)

A blood test for vitamin B12 (colabamine) is usually done with a simultaneous determination of folic acid levels. This helps in diagnosing some anemias, particularly pernicious anemia.

In addition, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels are measured to assess the health of patients with signs of malnutrition or symptoms of dietary malabsorption, such as alcoholism, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease or stomach cancer. A blood test for vitamin B12 levels helps assess the health of patients with altered mental status or behavioral problems, especially in old age. Vitamin B12 levels should be checked regularly to monitor the effectiveness of prescribed treatment, especially in cases where the patient cannot absorb this vitamin and requires ongoing, and sometimes lifelong, treatment.

Appropriate testing may be appropriate if the patient has symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in the body, such as:

  • diarrhea,
  • dizziness,
  • fatigue and muscle weakness,
  • lack of appetite,
  • pale skin
  • increase or disturbance heart rate,
  • shortness of breath,
  • tongue soreness and oral cavity,
  • tingling, numbness and burning in the legs and arms,
  • absent-mindedness and forgetfulness,
  • paranoia.

Who needs to monitor the level of vitamin B12 in the body:

  • To old people
  • children
  • vegans and strict vegetarians,
  • diabetics,
  • for those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) levels also need to be monitored in breastfeeding mothers, especially if they are in one of the risk groups. If a nursing mother has low B12 levels, her baby is at risk increased risk neurological and problems with general development.

Blood is drawn from a vein, in the morning, on an empty stomach. The normal level of vitamin B12 (colabamine) in the blood ordinary people and pregnant women:


If vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is elevated – what does this mean?

Increased level vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the blood may be a sign the following pathologies:

In addition, increased levels of vitamin B12 increase the risk of developing malignant oncological diseases.

Uncontrolled use of drugs containing this vitamin can lead to an increase in the level of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the body.

If vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is low - what does this mean?

Typically, low levels of vitamin B12 are associated with insufficient income along with food, especially for those people who adhere to a strict vegetarian diet. However, if the patient’s diet is balanced, then a deficiency of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the body suggests the following pathologies:

Occurs during pregnancy increased need the body in vitamin B12 and folic acid, as a result of which their concentration in the blood may decrease. Also, taking certain foods can lead to a decrease in vitamin B12 levels. medicines, such as metmorphine, omeprazole, mototrexate, phenytoin, etc.

A blood test for vitamin B12 is often prescribed to patients by doctors in various medical institutions. First, let's find out what a blood test is and why it needs to be done? Checking and examining a person’s blood, that is, doing an analysis, is very important for diagnosing diseases. Thanks to this analysis You can easily find out all kinds of disorders in the body of each person.

Moreover, thanks to a blood test, it is possible to assess the condition of a person, his body and internal organs. When diagnosing a particular disease, a blood test is the main and main argument.

A specialist, looking at the test results provided to him, can easily establish a diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

When should a blood test be performed?

If a person is completely healthy, then the cellular composition of his blood is almost constant. When a person falls ill with something, certain changes occur in his blood, which, in turn, are detected during diagnosis.

Do not despair, because some changes in a person’s blood can occur not only due to illness, but even due to some physiological conditions body. Such disruptions in the composition of the blood can occur, for example, during pregnancy or during menstruation.

Minor fluctuations may occur throughout the day. To ensure that none of the above factors affect general research blood, it must be donated in the morning. During repeated tests, the time should also not differ.

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What are the normal blood test results?

Most often, after all the biomaterials have been studied in the laboratory, the standard is indicated on the form along with the result of the study. Although it is worth remembering that norms can be prescribed only for adults.

So if a child’s blood is tested, then the norms prescribed in the form are completely inappropriate. The norms for children differ significantly from what is typical for adults. Also, pregnant women should not pay attention to these norms.

How is a blood test interpreted? Decipher general analysis Only doctors can accurately and correctly. Whether it is an adult, a child or a pregnant woman, only a doctor can determine your norm and establish a diagnosis or confirm its absence.

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What is vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 can hardly be called simply useful, because it is considered vital for absolutely every person. Why is it so important for the human body? The answer to this question is quite simple. Only it contains cobalt, which, in turn, is a very important trace element for maintaining human health.

Vitamin B12, like many others, can be found in various forms. A small amount of this substance passes through the intestines. Moreover, he falls into human body together with food products of animal origin.

Even though B12 is a water-soluble substance, it can accumulate in significant quantities in a healthy liver.

Enough interesting fact is what's up today no biochemist can artificially recreate a molecule of this vitamin, since it is very complex in its structure.

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Why does a person need vitamin B12?

In medicine it is called cyanocobalamin. It is he who performs a large number of vital important functions in the human body, namely:

  • B12 takes a very active part in cell division human body;
  • very often its deficiency in the body is called pernicious anemia, since it takes an active part in the formation of so-called red blood cells;
  • no less active in the construction of all nerve cells;
  • is a good obstacle to the accumulation of fat throughout the body and liver;
  • able to take an active part in strengthening immune system;
  • actively interacts with vitamin C, as well as some acids;
  • takes part in protein and, of course, carbon metabolism.

Based on all of the above, we can conclude that vitamin B12 contributes to:

  • increasing appetite in children;
  • quite intense and good growth child;
  • does a great job of keeping things running nervous system person;
  • significantly reduces irritability;
  • significantly improves concentration as well as memory of any person.

Moreover, it is very beneficial for human hair and bones. The fact is that this substance helps to strengthen them.

And now about the blood test itself for vitamin B12. From all of the above, you can see what is very important for the body of both adults and children. Moreover, it is vital for the normal, natural formation and, of course, maturation of red blood cells.

Indications for which a blood test for vitamin B12 is necessary:

  • diagnosis of anemia;
  • at congenital forms ah deficiency of this vitamin in the body;
  • in the process of certain chronic inflammatory diseases and even with anatomical defects small intestine person;
  • if the patient is diagnosed with atrophic gastritis.

It is important to remember and know that blood must be donated on an empty stomach. Between eating and donating blood for analysis, 8 to 12 hours should pass (the result will be more accurate). Drinking water is not prohibited.
The norm of vitamin B12 should be from 208 to 963.5 units/ml.

Why and when does the concentration of vitamin B12 in the human body increase?

Conditions for this:

  • all kinds of liver diseases;
  • leukemia;
  • chronic renal failure;
  • increased transcobalamin levels.

The concentration of vitamin B12 in the human body decreases under the following conditions:

From all of the above, only one conclusion follows. Blood tests must be taken at the same time, and on an empty stomach. Moreover, you should never try to understand the rules yourself; only a specialist can do this. Be healthy, don't get sick and never put off visiting a doctor.

Vitamin B12 is essential for the human body. This vitamin is released special structure: It contains a cobalt atom, which is not used anywhere else in the human body. Therefore, vitamin B 12 is also called cyanocobalamin. A blood test for vitamin B12 is performed when various indications and allows you to obtain a lot of information about the human condition.

Functions of vitamin B 12 in the human body

This vitamin is vital for humans necessary substance, which is involved in many processes in the body and performs the following functions:

Complete formation of blood cells;

Regulation of the hematopoietic system;

Ensuring proper transport of oxygen in the body;

Activation of oxidation processes that prevent fatty liver;

Maintaining heart and vascular health;

Reducing the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood;

Participates in the formation of the memory mechanism;

Neutralization of toxins in the blood;

Maintaining proper DNA and RNA synthesis;

Prevention of the development of vascular sclerosis;

Maintaining immunity;

Strengthening the nervous system - the vitamin allows it to endure stress more easily and recover from it more quickly;

Active participation in amino acid metabolism.

Due to the variety of actions of a substance, when there is a deficiency or excess, severe violations in the human condition.

Norm (reference values) concentration of vitamin B 12

It is determined whether the vitamin B12 norm is increased or decreased based on internationally accepted indicators. The table below shows the norm of vitamin B12 by age.

There are other interpretations, for example, in adults the vitamin level should not exceed 187-883 pg/ml (“Invitro”).

Indications for analysis

A blood test for vitamin B12 is carried out according to medical indications in the following cases:

age over 60 years;

Vegan for a few months;

Vegetarianism for several years (remember, vegans adhere to more strict diet eating only food plant origin. Vegans do not drink milk, kefir, or eat cottage cheese, cheese, yogurt, etc. based cow's milk, do not eat eggs). Therefore, their risk of hypovitaminosis is higher than that of vegetarians.

Gastritis (atrophic);

Chronic infectious lesions;

Alcoholism in chronic form;

Irregularities in the results;

Neuropsychiatric disorders;

V differential diagnosis macrocytic anemias.

Blood tests can also be carried out when general deterioration human conditions associated with exhaustion and anemia.

How does vitamin deficiency manifest itself?

When there is a deficiency of the substance, a person develops characteristic symptoms, which is a signal for taking a blood test. The following symptoms suggest you suspect B12 deficiency:

Excessive fatigue;

Frequent headaches;

Frequent dizziness;

Sleep disorders - in some people it manifests itself as excessive sleepiness, and in others - insomnia;

Absent-mindedness, which is often noticed by the patient himself;

Cardiopalmus;

Shortness of breath, even with slight exertion;

Specific neurological disorders: gait disorders, especially in the dark, when you cannot see your legs. This is called sensory ataxia. The reason is damage to the rear pillars spinal cord, carrying joint and muscle sensitivity. The performance of purposeful movements worsens, and pain may appear.

The analysis reveals how low the vitamin level is and suggests the main cause of the pathology. Next they carry out additional examination for final diagnosis and treatment.

Reasons for the low level

Vitamin B12 in the blood is reduced in most cases following reasons:

long-term use predominantly plant foods;

Anorexia of nervous nature;

Extreme, predominantly plant-based or starvation diets;

Lack of cobalamin in breast milk– causes disturbances in the child;

Violations of vitamin absorption in the intestine;

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome;

Imerslund-Gresbeck syndrome;

Low stomach acidity, which interferes with the digestion process;

Excessive amounts of bacteria in the intestines;

Crohn's disease;

Bacterial lesions of the intestines;

Removal thin section intestines;

Congenital genetic disorders.

Regardless of the cause, deficiency should be treated by using injections, if normal absorption of the substance is impossible, to normalize the content of vitamin B12 in the blood.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin, cobalamin, Cobalamin)

Vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, hematopoiesis and normal functioning nervous system.

Vitamin B12 contains in its structure cobalt and cyano group, forming a coordination complex. In tissues various shapes cobalamin performs the functions of coenzymes. B12 is not synthesized in the human body. The source is intestinal microflora, as well as products of animal origin. Human milk contains B12 in the form of methylcobalamin (the main form of the vitamin in the human body). During digestion in the stomach, cyanocobalamin binds to intrinsic Castle factor, a protein synthesized by the cells of the gastric mucosa. This complex is absorbed into small intestine; in mucosal cells, vitamin B12 is released and binds to a protein - transcobalamin, which delivers cyanocobalamin to the liver and other tissues. The main place of deposition of vitamin B12 is the liver. A large number of it is also absorbed by the spleen and kidneys, and somewhat less by the muscles. The total reserves of cobalamin in the adult human body are about 2-5 mg. Metabolism of the vitamin occurs very slowly. Vitamin B12 is excreted in bile; in the intestine, the bulk of it is reabsorbed. For the development of vitamin deficiency with a reduced intake of it in the body, it is necessary long time: about 5-6 years. This condition occurs due to certain types of pathology gastrointestinal tract or dietary features.

Why is it important to take vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12, closely related in its mechanisms of action to folic acid, plays an important role in metabolic processes, is involved in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. With its deficiency, the most pronounced changes observed in rapidly proliferating cells, e.g. bone marrow, oral cavity, tongue and gastrointestinal tract, which leads to impaired hematopoiesis, the appearance of glossitis, stomatitis and intestinal malabsorption. With a deficiency of vitamin B12, megalobular anemia develops, a defect in DNA synthesis is observed, affecting all cell lines of hematopoiesis: the division and maturation of erythrocytes is impaired, the number of erythrocytes in the blood decreases, the average volume of erythrocytes increases, neutrophils are also changed - hypersegmented, pancytopenia is often observed.

Vitamin B12 is a cofactor for the enzyme homocysteine ​​methyltransferase, which is involved in the conversion of homocysteine ​​to methionine. Methionine is important for the synthesis of phospholipids and the myelin sheath of neurons, so vitamin B12 deficiency is accompanied by neurological symptoms(mental disorders, polyneuritis, funicular myelosis - spinal cord damage). Cyanocobalamin deficiency often develops in older people, manifesting itself with neurological disorders. The accumulation of homocysteine ​​is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic changes. Cyanocobalamin, participating in the synthesis of choline and methionine, has beneficial effect on the liver, prevents the development of fatty hepatosis.

Adenosylcobalamin, one of the B12 compounds, is a coenzyme of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of methylmalonic acid to succinic acid associated with metabolism fatty acids. Inhibition of this reaction leads to the development of a rare, life-threatening condition - methylmalonic aciduria.

Infants suffering from a genetic defect in the enzymes needed to convert vitamin B12 into coenzyme, or low levels of plasma carrier protein, develop megalobpastic anemia, which manifests itself in the first weeks or months of life and is characterized by normal or slightly reduced levels of vitamin B12 in the blood. In contrast, with anemia that develops as a result of malabsorption, low levels of vitamin B12 are always detected.

For what diseases is Vitamin B12 taken?

Indications for the purpose of analysis:

    Differential diagnosis of macrocytic anemia.

    Chronic inflammatory diseases and anatomical defects of the small intestine, atrophic gastritis. Diagnosis of congenital forms of vitamin B12 deficiency.

    Monitoring your condition with a strict vegetarian diet.

How to prepare for taking vitamin B12?

Preferably on an empty stomach, no earlier than 6 hours after the last meal.

Material for donating vitamin B12

Blood serum.

Vitamin B12 due date

1 working day.

Increases in the norm are observed in the following diseases of vitamin B12

Increasing values:

    Chronic renal failure.

    Severe congestive heart failure.

  • Liver diseases (acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatocellular encephalopathy, in which the level can exceed the norm by 30-40 times).

    Erythroleukemia.

    Metastases malignant tumors to the liver.

    Elevated transcobalamin levels (despite possible exhaustion vitamin reserves in the liver).

    Acute and chronic myeloid leukemia, monocytic leukemia.

Decreases in the norm are observed in the following diseases of vitamin B12

Reducing values:

Insufficient intake of vitamin B12 in the body:

    Strict vegetarian diet.

    Alcoholism.

    For infants - B12 deficiency in breast milk.

Malabsorption of cobalamins:

    Malabsorption syndrome (celiac disease, sprue).

    Resection of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small intestine).

    Addison-Birmer disease (pernicious anemia - deficiency internal factor Kastla).

    Alzheimer's disease.

Congenital disorders of cobalamin metabolism:

    Orotic and methylmalonic aciduria.

    Transcobalamin deficiency.

    Immerslund-Gresbeck syndrome ( congenital disorder transport of vitamin B12 through the intestinal wall, accompanied by proteinuria).

Folic acid deficiency. Taking medications, such as aminoglycosides, neomycin, anticonvulsants(phenobarbital), cholestyramine, oral contraceptives, ranitidine.

Contents:

Why do you need to do a blood test for cyanocobalamin content? What should be the norm for vitamin B12 and how to prepare for the test.

Cyanocobalamin is a substance that the body needs to normalize the functioning of the nervous system, optimize hematopoietic processes, and also for DNA synthesis. A blood test for vitamin B12 is prescribed to detect a number of diseases, including:

  • cirrhosis of the liver;
  • renal failure;
  • Alzheimer's disease and others.

How and why is blood checked for cyanocobalamin content? What to consider when deciphering the readings and what standards of the substance are considered optimal for the body?

General provisions

Vitamin B12 is a substance whose structure contains a cyano group and cobalt, forming a general coordination complex. Throughout life, the body accumulates different shapes vitamins that play the role of coenzymes. Intake of cyanocobalamin only possible with food(the body does not synthesize the substance).

The source of the element is intestinal microflora, as well as food products of animal origin, as well as human milk, which contains methylcobalamin (the main form of the vitamin in the body). After entering the body, B12 combines with a protein that is synthesized by the mucous membranes of the stomach. Absorption of the elements occurs in the small intestine, where the vitamin is released and binds to transcobalamin, which delivers the substance to the living tissues of the body.

The complex of transcobalamin and cobalamin is called holotranscobalamin or active B12. Its features:

  • The element's fraction is 10-30 percent from general vitamin B12, which circulates in the blood. Moreover, this form of cyanocobalamin is the only one that the body’s cells can absorb without problems.
  • Holotranscobalamin has a short half-life, so it should be considered an early indicator to determine vitamin deficiency.

Determining the volume of this element during the analysis process has the following advantages:

  • Contains biologically available cyanocobalamin.
  • Possibility of timely prevention of problems associated with vitamin deficiency.
  • By low level holotranscobalamin can determine the deficiency of the substance. However, the level of total B12 is often normal.
  • Identification of the status of cobalamin in the body, regardless of the period of limitation of its consumption.

In the body, cyanocobalamin accumulates in the liver. Most of vitamin is absorbed by the kidneys and spleen (partially muscle tissue). Total stock - 2-5 mg.

Metabolic processes involving cobalamin occur slowly, and the substance itself is excreted along with bile. If the body receives a reduced amount of vitamin for 4-5 years, then health problems are possible. Deficiency is also possible for other reasons: during a diet or due to gastrointestinal pathology. Carrying out an analysis for vitamin B12 is a chance to promptly identify a negative trend and eliminate further development Problems.

Why do a blood test for cyanocobalamin levels?

In its action, cobalamin is closely related to folic acid and is involved in metabolic processes, breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Lack of the element for a long time leads to changes in proliferating cells (tongue, oral cavity, brain cells, gastrointestinal tract). As a result, hematopoietic processes are disrupted, and stomatitis, glossitis and intestinal malabsorption may develop. Also in case of B12 deficiency the following consequences are possible:

  • Megaloblastic anemia.
  • DNA synthesis failures.
  • Violation of the division and maturation of red blood cells, as well as a decrease in their volume.
  • Development of panitopenia.
  • Decreased methionine levels, which often leads to mental disorders and dysfunction of the spinal cord.

B12 blood level decreases with age, which often leads to neurological disorders. As mentioned, due to a deficiency of cyanocobalamin, homocysteine ​​accumulates in the body, which causes another disease to develop - atherosclerosis.

Cyanocobalamin itself is involved in the production of methionine and choline, has a beneficial effect on liver function, and acts as a prophylactic with the development of fatty hepatosis.

A vitamin B12 blood test is also important for infants. In the presence of genetic disorder enzymes used to convert cyanocobalamin into coenzyme, or when the volume of the carrier protein is low, megaloblastic anemia develops. It manifests itself after a few weeks or months of childbirth with slightly reduced cobalamin levels. If the cause of anemia is a violation of the processes of absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract, then the volume of cyanocobalamin decreases sharply.

A decrease in vitamin levels is also dangerous for the nervous system. In this case, the problem manifests itself as tingling in the limbs and loss of sensitivity. With a deficiency of cyanocobalamin, the immune system may be weakened, as well as a decrease in bactericidal function.

Carrying out an analysis for cobalamin - chance to diagnose in a timely manner malnutrition, malabsorption nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract or macrocytic anemia. If the test is done in old age, then the results obtained are an opportunity to determine the change mental state, namely the risk of developing paranoia, irritability and depression.

Donating blood for vitamin B12 is recommended for everyone who is prone to deficiency of this element. Thanks to the test, it is possible to control the concentration of the substance and determine treatment in a timely manner. People who have congenital problems with the absorption of cyanocobalamin also face this need.

If the absorption of vitamin B12 is impaired, the norm in the blood decreases. In this case, the factors on which the absorption of the vitamin depends should be taken into account:

  • Condition of the mucous membrane of the ileum.
  • Production of intrinsic factor Castle in the stomach.
  • The state of microflora in the intestines.
  • The presence of transcobalamin in the blood in a volume sufficient to transport B12 to the cells.

In practice it is insufficient absorption of cyanocobalamin leads to vitamin deficiency. Also the reason may be elderly age, lack of vitamin during pregnancy and refusal of food of animal origin.

Indications for use, features of the analysis

  • atrophic gastritis;
  • chronic inflammatory diseases;
  • anatomical defects of the small intestine;
  • for diagnosing anemia;
  • when checking for congenital forms of B12 deficiency.

The greatest interest is in determining the level of vitamin B12 in the blood (cyanocobalamin norm). Algorithm next:

  • At the first stage in laboratory conditions A blood test is performed to determine vitamin levels.
  • Next, the patient receives cyanocobalamin, and after some time the test is performed again.
  • A slight increase in B12 content indicates problems with digestibility, which is often caused by gastrointestinal diseases. If the study gives such results, then a wider examination of the patient is prescribed to identify exact reasons absorption disorders.

How to prepare for the test?

To eliminate errors in measurements that could affect research results, you should adhere to the following: rules:

  • Before donating blood from a vein, rest for 15 minutes so that your pulse returns to normal.
  • The stomach must be empty, so it is forbidden to eat for 12 hours before the test.
  • 12 hours before the test you should not smoke, drink alcohol or play sports.
  • It is prohibited to take medications 1-2 days before the test. Otherwise, a reduced or increased content vitamin B12 in the blood. If stopping the medication is not possible, it is important to notify the laboratory staff.
  • Children under five years of age must drink before donating blood. boiled water(it is recommended to divide the intake into several servings of 170-200 ml). The liquid is drunk within half an hour.

What should be the normal level of B12 in the blood?

When assessing the test results, the average level of vitamin B12 in the blood is taken into account. The norm depends on age and is given in two parameters - ng/l, pmol/l. The indicators are as follows:

  • From zero to one year - 216-891 pmol/l or 293-1207 ng/l.
  • From two to three years - 195-898 pmol/l or 265-1215 ng/l.
  • From four to six years - 181-795 pmol/l or 245-1077 ng/l.
  • From seven to nine years - 200-863 pmol/l or 271-1173 ng/l.
  • From ten to twelve years - 135-803 pmol/l or 183-1080 ng/l.
  • From thirteen to eighteen years - 158-638 pmol/l or 214-864 ng/l.
  • From 18 years and over - 148-738 pmol/l or 200-1000 ng/l.

If we consider vitamin B12 in general, the norm in the blood for women and men differs slightly.

To convert from one parameter to another, you should use the following formula: ng/l = (pmol/l)/0.738. It is important to note that different laboratories may use individual reagents, therefore the standards are adjusted in one direction or another.

Most often, decryption is done as follows:

  • Index above 300 ng/l- vitamin deficiency is excluded.
  • 200-300 ng/l- It is worth checking the level of methylmalonic acid. If it increases, B12 treatment is prescribed.
  • Up to 200 ng/l- the diagnosis of cobalamin deficiency is confirmed.
  • General blood analysis.
  • Antibodies to parietal cells and intrinsic factor.
  • Reticulocyte analysis.
  • Ferritin.
  • Leukocyte formula.
  • Homocysteine.

Reasons for the increase and decrease in the level of cyanocobalamin in the blood

Vitamin B levels (normal levels in the blood) may vary depending on the following factors:

  • Age and gender.
  • Presence in blood hormonal contraceptives, metmorphine, antacids, proton pump inhibitors, nitric oxide.
  • Smoking.

The reduced volume of B12 in the blood is explained as follows:


Increased levels of vitamin B12 in the blood usually does not carry negative consequences for health due to the body’s ability to excrete excess along with bile. IN in rare cases An overdose is possible, which leads to an allergy at the injection site or a sclerodermoid reaction.

What causes the increase in vitamin B12 in the blood. Causes:

  • leukemia;
  • liver diseases - cirrhosis, hepatitis, malignant tumor;
  • renal failure;
  • high levels of transcobalamin.

If the supply of cyanocobalamin from food is completely blocked, an adult’s B12 reserves will last for up to six years, and a child’s – for a year. If prescribed by a doctor, a test for cobalamin levels in the blood is carried out immediately and compared with existing norm vitamin B12 in the blood of women or men.



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