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What is vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) is an important nutrient that your body needs but can’t produce on its own. You can obtain B12 by consuming animal products, nutritional yeast, or fortified foods. B12 helps your body make red blood cells, helps with DNA production, and is required for the development and function of the brain and spinal cord.

Why is vitamin B12 important?

SiPhox Health includes B12 in the female Hormone+ panel because of its significance to reproductive health and pregnancy.

B12 is critical for the analysis of a variety of issues:

  1. Anemia Check
    • Low B12 levels may cause a type of anemia called pernicious anemia. This is when your body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells, which can leave you feeling weak and tired.
  2. Nerve Function
    • Long-term B12 deficiency may lead to nerve damage, which can cause tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, balance problems, and memory difficulties (dementia).
  3. Health in Older Adults
    • Sometimes, older people have trouble absorbing B12, which can lead to a deficiency. Doctors often check B12 levels in older adults who are feeling weak, tired, or confused.
  4. Hormonal and Reproductive Health
    • Vitamin B12 has been shown to play a critical role in hormonal regulation, fertility levels, and sperm health.

How can I better understand my B12 levels?

The reference ranges for vitamin B12 are:

How can I maintain optimal vitamin B12 levels?

Dietary Changes/Supplementation: If your B12 is low, you can easily acquire more as it naturally occurs in many foods (clams, beef liver, nutritional yeast, etc.) or through supplementation.

The quantity of B12 intake differs for pregnant and non-pregnant adult females:

Where can I learn more?

DISCLAIMER: IF YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH ANY OF YOUR RESULTS, PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.