Normal levels of vitamin B12 – importance, symptoms of lack and how to maintain optimal levels

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamine, is a vital nutrient that plays an important role in various body functions. It is essential for the production of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA, as well as to maintain the health of nerve cells. To guarantee optimal health, it is important to maintain adequate levels of vitamin B12 in the body.

The recommended interval for vitamin B12 levels in the body can vary slightly depending on the source; However, generally accepted guidelines provide a reliable reference point. According to NIH (National Health Institutes), the normal interval for vitamin B12 levels in healthy individuals is between 200 and 900 picograms per milliliter (PG/ml).

Normal interval:

• Minimum 200 pg/ml
• Maximum: 900 pg/ml

It is important to keep in mind that the optimal interval can vary depending on the age of the individual, his medical history and certain underlying conditions. The poor or excessive levels of vitamin B12 may have adverse effects on the body, so it is crucial to maintain a balance.

What is Vitamin B12 and Why is it Important?

There are several key reasons why vitamin B12 is important for health in general:

• Energy production: Vitamin B12 contributes to the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, which the body uses as an energy source.
• Brain function: intervenes in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are vital for brain function and mood regulation.
• Maintenance of the nervous system: Vitamin B12 helps maintain the protective cover of nerve cells, called myelin, which guarantees the correct nerve signage.
• Red blood cell production: vitamin is necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body.
• Cell metabolism: plays a crucial role in the decomposition of fatty and amino acid acids, contributing to cellular metabolism.

The lack of vitamin B12 can have important health repercussions, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, neurological anomalies and megaloblastic anemia. It is especially important for people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, since vitamin B12 is mainly found in products of animal origin. It is advisable to periodically control vitamin B12 levels to ensure optimal health and prevent deficiencies.

Food sources rich in vitamin B12 include

1. Seafood: clams, mussels and crab
2. Organ meats: liver and kidney
3. Meat: veal, lamb and pork
4. Corral birds: chicken and turkey
5. Dairy eggs and products: milk, cheese and yogurt

The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 varies depending on age:

In general, vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient necessary for various body functions. It plays a crucial role in energy production, brain function and nervous system maintenance. It is important to consume sources rich in vitamin B12 or consider supplements administration to satisfy the recommended daily intake and prevent deficiencies. Regular control of vitamin B12 levels is especially important for people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, since their deficiency can have important health consequences.

The Role of Vitamin B12 in the Body

Importance of vitamin B12:

• Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of DNA, responsible for the genetic information of all cells.
• It intervenes in the formation of red blood cells, guaranteeing the proper supply of oxygen to all tissues and organs.
• Vitamin plays a key role in the function of nerve cells, contributing to the maintenance of a healthy nervous system.

A lack of vitamin B12 can cause various health problems and complications. The human body does not produce vitamin B12 naturally, so it must be obtained through dietary sources or supplements. Animal products such as meat, birds, fish and dairy are the main sources of vitamin B12. There are also some enriched foods and supplements for people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Common symptoms of the lack of vitamin B12

1. Fatigue, weakness and lack of energy.
2. Numbness or tingling sensation in the hands or feet.
3. Difficulty maintaining balance and coordination.
4. Paleness and difficulty breathing.

It is important to guarantee an adequate intake of vitamin B12 to maintain optimal health and prevent complications related to its deficiency. People with certain medical conditions, such as pernicious anemia or gastrointestinal disorders, may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 of food and need supplements or injections to meet their daily needs.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

1. Fatigue and weakness: One of the most common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is persistent fatigue and weakness. This can occur due to the reduction of red blood cell production, which leads to a decrease in oxygen transport throughout the body. People can feel tired even after a good night and can experience a lack of energy for everyday activities.

• Constant fatigue and weakness
• Short of breath
• Dizziness or stunning

IMPORTANT: If you are experiencing chronic fatigue and weakness, it is essential that you test your vitamin B12 levels to rule out a deficiency.

2. Neurological problems: Vitamin B12 deficiency can have a significant impact on the central nervous system, giving rise to neurological symptoms. These may include numbness or tingling in hands and feet, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, memory problems and even depression. These neurological symptoms occur due to the effect of the lack of vitamin B12 on myelin sheath, a protective cover that surrounds the nerves.

1. Numbness or tingling sensation
2. Muscular weakness
3. Coordination or balance problems

Important: If you are experiencing any of these neurological symptoms, it is crucial to consult a health professional for adequate evaluation and diagnosis.

3. Digestive problems: In some cases, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause digestive problems. These may include diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss. Digestive symptoms occur due to the deterioration of the function of the digestive system and the decrease in nutrient absorption.

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Involuntary weight loss

Recognizing and treating the symptoms of the lack of vitamin B12 is essential to maintain general health and wel l-being. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to perform the appropriate tests and treatment.

Normal Vitamin B12 Levels in Adults

Measurement of vitamin B12 blood can help determine if a person has sufficient levels of this vital nutrient. The normal interval of vitamin B12 levels in adults can vary slightly depending on the analysis method and the laboratory reference interval. However, the normal normal interval generally accepted for vitamin B12 in adults is between 200 and 900 peak per milliliter (PG/ml) or 148 and 664 picomols per liter (PMOL/L).

Note: It is important to keep in mind that the interpretation of vitamin B12 levels should be done in the context of the person’s general health, their medical history and their symptoms. It is recommended to consult a health professional for an exhaustive evaluation and interpretation of vitamin B12 levels.

• Vitamin B12 levels below the normal range can indicate a deficiency, which can cause a condition called megaloblastic anemia or neurological symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the extremities.
• Vitamin B12 levels above normal range can be observed in individuals who regularly take vitamin B12 supplements in high doses or receive vitamin B12 injections.

It is important to periodically control vitamin B12 levels, especially in people at risk of lack, such as vegetarians, vegans, older adults and people with certain gastrointestinal disorders. If it is detected that vitamin B12 levels are outside the normal range, adequate interventions can be carried out, such as diet changes or supplements administration, to guarantee optimal levels of this essential nutrient.

Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin B12

The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 varies depending on factors such as age, sex and the general state of health. It is important to guarantee adequate levels of this vitamin, since its lack can cause various health problems, such as fatigue, weakness, neurological alterations and anemia.

• Infants (0-12 months): The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 for infants is 0. 4 micrograms (MCG).
• Children (1-8 years): Children in this age group need between 0. 9 and 1. 8 mcg of vitamin B12 a day.
• Adolescents (9-18 years): The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 for adolescents is 2. 4 mcg.
• Adults (from 19 years old): Most adults should aspire to a daily intake of 2. 4 mcg of vitamin B12.

It is important to keep in mind that certain people can have a greater need for vitamin B12, such as pregnant women and infants or people with certain medical conditions that affect the absorption or metabolism of vitamin.

Although vitamin B12 deficiency is more common among older adults and vegetarians, it is essential that everyone pays attention to their intake and ensures that it meets the recommended daily intake. The intake of foods rich in vitamin B12, such as meat, fish, dairy products and enriched cereals, can help people meet their nutritional needs. It is also advisable to periodically control vitamin B12 levels and consult a healthcare professional, especially in the case of people with dietary restrictions or specific health problems.

In general, maintaining a normal level of vitamin B12 is crucial for optimal health and must be prioritized through a wel l-balanced diet and, if necessary, supplements administration under the orientation of a healthcare professional.

Factors Affecting Vitamin B12 Levels

Intrinsic factor deficiency: The intrinsic factor is a protein produced by stomach cladding cells that plays a key role in the absorption of vitamin B12. Without intrinsic factor, the organism is unable to absorb vitamin B12 correctly, which causes a deficiency. This can occur due to autoimmune conditions, such as pernicious anemia, in which the immune system attacks the cells that produce the intrinsic factor. People with intrinsic factor deficiency may need vitamin B12 or high dose supplements to maintain adequate levels.

Did you know what? The intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Without it, only a small amount of vitamin can be absorbed, which causes a deficiency.

Factors that can affect vitamin B12 levels include:

1. Dietary intake: vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. Therefore, people who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet can run a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Consuming enriched plant foods or taking supplements can help them meet their vitamin B12 needs.
2. Gastrointestinal problems: in conditions such as Crohn’s disease, celiacism or gastrointestinal surgery, vitamin B12 absorption can be affected. These conditions affect the health and functionality of the gastrointestinal tract, making it difficult to absorb vitamin B12.

Testing and Diagnosis of Vitamin B12 Levels

Analysis methods:

• Blood analysis: The most common method to check vitamin B12 levels is a blood test. This test measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the bloodstream and provides a precise indication of deficiency or sufficiency. Normally, the blood is extracted from a vein of the arm and is sent to a laboratory for analysis. It is important to be fasting a few hours before blood analysis, since certain factors, such as recent vitamin B12 supplements or food intake, can temporarily affect the results.
• Urine analysis: Another method to evaluate vitamin B12 levels is urine analysis. This test measures the amount of vitamin B12 excreted in the urine, providing valuable information about the body’s capacity to absorb and use vitamin. However, urine analyzes are not always as precise as blood and usually used as a complementary diagnostic tool.

Important note: It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing any test or diagnosis on vitamin B12 levels. They will guide you about the most appropriate methods based on your symptoms, medical history and general health status.

Diagnostic process:

1. Medical history review: The diagnostic process usually begins with an exhaustive review of the patient’s medical history. This implies talking about symptoms, diet, lifestyle and any previous vitamin B12 supplement.
2. Physical examination: a physical examination can be performed to check if there are signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, such as skin paleness, glossitis (tongue inflammation) or neurological anomalies.
3. Laboratory tests: Based on the medical history and physical examination, the healthcare professional may order laboratory tests, including the blood test mentioned above, to determine the levels of vitamin B12 in the body.
4. Interpretation and treatment: Once the test results are obtained, the health professional interprets them. If vitamin B12 levels are below the normal range, treatment options will be discussed to address the deficiency and improve overall health.

Interpreting Vitamin B12 Test Results

Vitamin B12 test results:

• Normal B12 Levels: The normal range of vitamin B12 in the blood is generally considered to be between 200 and 900 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). However, it is important to note that each laboratory may have slightly different reference ranges, so it is crucial to compare the results with the specific range provided by the laboratory performing the test.
• Low levels of vitamin B12: If the test result falls below the normal range, it indicates a vitamin B12 deficiency. A level less than 200 pg/mL is generally considered low, and further investigation may be necessary to determine the underlying cause. The symptoms and severity of a vitamin B12 deficiency can vary, so it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.
• Elevated levels of vitamin B12: On the other hand, unusually high levels of vitamin B12 may also be indicative of an underlying health problem, such as liver disease or certain types of leukemia. Elevated levels above 900 pg/mL should be evaluated to identify the cause and determine appropriate treatment if necessary.

Interpretation of vitamin B12 test results requires consideration of both absolute levels and the individual’s clinical symptoms. Although the reference intervals provide a general guideline, individualized medical advice is necessary to determine the appropriate course of action.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont