How do you test for B12 deficiency?

To help diagnose vitamin deficiency anemias, you might have blood tests that check for: The number and appearance of red blood cells. The amount of vitamin B-12 and folate in the blood. The presence of antibodies to intrinsic factor, which indicates pernicious anemia.

mayoclinic.org - Vitamin deficiency anemia - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

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Diagnosis

To help diagnose vitamin deficiency anemias, you might have blood tests that check for:

The number and appearance of red blood cells

The amount of vitamin B-12 and folate in the blood

The presence of antibodies to intrinsic factor, which indicates pernicious anemia

Treatment

Vitamin deficiency anemia is treated with doses of whichever vitamin is lacking. For pernicious anemia, vitamin B-12 is usually delivered via injection and may need to be taken regularly for the rest of your life.

Vitamin B-12 is available as:

Injections into a muscle or under the skin

Pills to be swallowed

A liquid or tablet that dissolves under the tongue

Nose gel or sprays

Medications to boost folate levels usually come as pills to be swallowed, but some versions can be delivered through a narrow, flexible tube into a vein (intravenously).

Preparing for your appointment

If you suspect that you have vitamin deficiency anemia, you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, in some cases, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders (hematologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. including any major stresses or recent life changes. Make a list of all medications as well as any vitamins or supplements you're taking. as well as any vitamins or supplements you're taking. Write down questions to ask your doctor. Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. For vitamin deficiency anemia, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?

Could anything else be causing my symptoms?

Is my condition likely temporary or long lasting?

What treatment do you recommend?

Are there any alternatives to the approach that you're suggesting?

I have another health condition. How can I best manage these conditions together?

Are there any foods I need to add to my diet?

Are there any brochures or other material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment anytime that you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

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How can I increase my B12 naturally?

To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as: Beef, liver, and chicken. Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams. Fortified breakfast cereal. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Eggs.

webmd.com - Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

How Is It Treated?

Usually, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is easy to treat with diet and vitamin supplements. To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as:

Beef, liver, and chicken

Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams

Fortified breakfast cereal

Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese

Eggs

Your doctor might recommend that you also take a vitamin B12 supplement. It comes in pills or a nasal spray. If you are very low in this vitamin, you can get higher-dose vitamin B12 shots. You may need to take vitamin B12 for the rest of your life. You might also need to get treated for the condition that causes your anemia. But increasing your vitamin B12 levels is a key thing you can do. If you let it go for too long, it can damage your heart, brain, nerves, bones, and other organs in your body. With treatment, you should feel better and avoid any long-term problems.

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