Testing for Vitamin B12 Deficiency (Order THESE 4 Lab Tests)
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- Опубликовано: 26 авг 2024
- How to test for Vitamin B12 deficiency. These 4 lab tests must be ordered to check if you have a B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is INCREDIBLY common and most doctors are NOT testing for it correctly.
The most commonly ordered test looking for B12 deficiency is the serum B12 test but this test falls short in MANY cases. While it tells you how much B12 is in the bloodstream it does NOT tell you if your body can utilize that B12.
The good news is that there are other tests which you can order which tell you if your body can use your B12 or not. These tests are FAR more helpful than serum B12 and they must be ordered if you want to get an accurate picture of your B12 status.
If you suspect that you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, or if you just want to stay healthy, then you need to get these 4 lab tests!
Additional tests include:
Methylmalonic acid, the MCV, and homocysteine levels. The video explains what these tests mean and how to interpret your results!
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Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: www.restartmed...
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
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Basically most doctors are ignorant on this basic stuff .
Yes, I asked my friend to check homocysteine, because we are vegan and high homocysteine means higher stroke risk for vegans. The doctor refused to test. I seriously hate how uneducated most doctors are.
For anyone having issues getting the lab tests run or you simply don't want to deal with your doctor, you can buy the lab tests directly from Ulta Lab Tests for really cheap in comparison to other online labs or even your normal doctor.
B12 Serum is $26
Homocysteine is $34
CBC with Differential and Platelets is $20
*Total: $80*
Usually they have a 20% off promo, so more like $64
There's also a lab draw fee of $7-$8
*So the true total is $72*
In my opinion as long as you're getting B12 tested you might as well upgrade to the B12 and Folate test which is $38 (so $12 more.)
You can also order the MMA test for $129, however I don't believe it's necessary if you're getting the other 3.
Big fan of ULTA. Highly recommend. I tell everyone about it!
great info, especially since I paid over $350 for labs at the doctors office
thanks
I think i will hardly ever find a better explanation about B12 diagnostication methods , thank you so much Doctor Childs !
Welcome!
I just got back my results from my uMMA test. Cost: $36 at Life Extensions. Dirt cheep, and very accurate.
First class and exceptionally clear presentation! Nicely paced, with decently in-depth detail. Many thanks 🙂
Always feeling fatigued. Going to have a B12 test. This podcast is helpful. Thanks.
Don’t forget folate level and effect on tests
Thank you Dr .Childs! I've watched a couple videos on how homocysteine can be used to check for b-12 issues and yours has been the easiest to understand so far. Also, thanks for the tip on MCV. Mine is 96.1 & I kept feeling that was inching up a bit, but I did not want to mention it to my Dr. as it's still 'in the green' on the lab's range.
If we have a strong probability of having a doctor that “is uneducated” or “has no idea what they’re talking about” and this is plaguing our life… what do we do? 😅
Look for a new doctor
@@banzobeans thank you for the insightful advice. 4 doctors later and I gave up so I’ll try later
@@bookingbar-barney sorry to hear that. I‘m in the same position but just starting out to see if I can find someone who is experienced in these topics.
You didn't mention what form of B12 you should take. Not just the cheaper one out there. The meth form is better is my understanding. Not as easily found but it's out there. Read the labels.
Thanks for another information and detailed video. My Dr. was testing me incorrectly and kept saying my levels were too high. When in reality they were very low. Pernicious anemia I guess. Anyhow, you’re looking good! Like the hair. 👍
How great to stumble into a video of yours on that topic. Mkt easy to find on RUclips.
Now, doctor, I have to say that, empirically, there'll be cases you'll have no choice but to take a MMA test (I'm not related ot Anderson Silva).
I'm my own lab mouse so check this awkward scenario. My B12 stood at 1100 (I take methyl cobalamin) and my homocysteine at 10.35 and then suddenly it went up to 1145 four months later and my homocysteine hit 13.50 while my VCM was quite normal. So, I took tje MMA test and I have yet to see the doctor amd do a thorough research as to what levels are optimum. I was hoping to find those values in this video.
3:57 I've seen research papers associating high B12 and high folate levels with cancers and other morbidities.
Doesn‘t mean the high b vitamin levels are a direct cause of the morbidities of course.
Food is medicine.
Not for all of us sadly I have to have B12 shots to live and need more folate than I can eat . Same with iron so please stop thinking everyone is the same .
You are saving lives.
Why do a patients HAVE TO CONVINCE there doctors to order test if I’M paying for the test!!! It’s would time to fire that doctor!!
experienced it today, said homocysteine is only for heart and she is treating me for thyroid and adrenals
i am wondering why you did not add active B12 to the list..Holotranscobalmin (holo-Tc)
What about testing active b12?
Sir, can you identify the symptom of dizziness or more precisely the "falling in front" like feeling viz losing the equilibrium due to increased levels of Vitamin B 12 ( over 2000 units) in blood.I look forward to knowing from you.
Great and important video!! I have the MTHR gene and take a methyl b supplement for it.
My doctor does the tests that Dr. Child’s talks about in this video.
What is the exact name for this test pls ?
Im in Arizona and literally was at my dr today and asked for a homocysteine test and she refused bc its for the heart and she wont test for something she isnt treating. I have adenal issues and fibromyalgia. i told her ill order it and pay for it myself.
This information was very helpful thank you
I tested my b12 serum two months ago it was 113 only suffering by depression, Panic attacks, Heartbeat palpitations, tingling,belly twisting, insomnia,hair loss..took 6 Injection last month still not recovered taking tablet daily 1000 MCG
It may take a while to get those numbers up. Make sure you are using methylcobalamin.
@@drwestinchilds yes I am taking methylcobalamin..
These are also signs of ongoing panic attacks and anxiety, i have these symptoms. Panic attacks caused malnutrition.
Thanks for sharing this , learned a lot !!!
Very clear and easy to understand, thank you. 🙏
Welcome!
The last words are wrong about b12 and homocysteine. B12 does not help homosyteine to become cysteine. It makes methionine. But b6 can make cysteine from homocysteine.
. Serum b12 less than 150. MCV 100. Just put me on monthly b12 injections for a year. Only symptom is slight tingling in the feet.
I would like to add that biotin (one of the B vitamins) supplements can alter multiple blood test results, according to a google search. A few tests that are affected: cholesterol results and thyroid results.
My serum b12 is 292 ng/l, active is 47 (37.5-150), MMA is normal. Thoughts? MCV normal.
Dr Childs .. you are one of the bests in the RUclips family 🔥🔥🔥🙏
I know I'm not using b12 properly in my body. My b12 level is in the 300 range. My mcv is high. I've had the MMA test in the past and I was deficient. I'm still dealing with this same situation and I can't get a doctor now to run that MMA test. I have stomach issues. I'm getting checked for Crohn's next week bc ended up in the hospital with enterocolitis and have been dealing with this and b12 for a long time. Since this gastroenterologist ran only the serum and I have no inflammation markers, she's already dismissing me. It's frustrating. Besides the low energy, my hair is breaking off, I have reoccurring chelitis, I'm off balance and my memory sucks now. Doctors just ignore me. I feel like I'm slowly dying.
Don’t you stop. Fire and finding a doctor who will listen. No one will care for you like you.
This was an incredible video.
For those who like to know I found the Difference between the two forms is that active B12 is the form used by the body, total B12 is not. It's the levels of active B12 we really need to be concerned with if we are worried about thyroid issues, fatigue or any other symptoms Issued with B12 deficiency. Thank you doctor it's because of you I found this info. while doing some research.
and how do u test ACTIVE b12 in the USA?
Hey Dr. Thank you so much for the video and it's really brighten me with new information.
Let me get your wise advice doctor. I did my CBC test just recently and my test results are as follows; MCV is 102.90, MCHC is 29.60 and RDW is 16.60
I can see b12 dificiency in my body. Should I go for more advance test or is it enough with this results to determine my b12 level? And please suggest me should I go for injection or supplement in this case? Thanks
Best explanation ever!!! Great video
Will a desiccated beef liver supplement also sky rocket B12 serum levels? Thank you!
I’m living in Easter European country, endo said she asked cardiologists around about high homocysteine levels and they said there’s nothing one can do about it. My other endo does not see any link between my weight gain and hashimotos. So there’s that. Let’s see if trusting people on the internet will get me anywhere.
My MCV is usually above 92 and my serum B12 either very high or a higher normal level. I found out last night that I am a FUTA to nonsecretor. for the past 40 years, I have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, and despite supplementation by steel field week during the day. I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Wouldn’t it be wise for me to get MMA test? I see the hematologist next month. Thank you.
In regards to high levels of b12 consumption, I've heard from people dealing with b12 deficiencies that high levels of b12 consumption can deplete potassium and also impact cofactors. Thoughts?
I liked the topic today i would like to know if being a 0 blood group can i supplement with b12
Great except telling folks to supplement as they will never get the loading dose injections they need to save their lives if the serum goes up and masks the other tests .
Always get tested before taking any even a small amount In a multi vit .
My dr is trying to give me the b12 injection, but I can’t even tolerate the otc methyl supplement
Doesn’t mean won’t be ok with a different form like hydroxylcobalmin or cynocobalamin you maybe an over methylater so methylcobalamin maybe not for you so also try folinic acid or folic not methylfolate.
You can also test Active B12 (holotranscobalamin) and do a test on your spine I think
How long we should take b12 supplement? And amount please?
My b 12 serum test shows that I have 500, I took a b12 shot and I felt tired no energy. Still depressed and anxious. Fuzzy thinking.
I read that if one has been deficient in B vitamins for a very long time, the enzymes that carry those vitamins in the cell won't be as active. So one would need to take larger amounts of B vitamins for about a year to get those enzymes active again. What is your opinion on that? And would I need to take the Vitamin B12 forever or just about a year or so?
F...
F
Dr.. Childs are you familiar with the Unsaturated B12 Binding Capacity test.
When I was diagnosed my B12 was 156, but didn’t get flagged, because their low wasn’t 200 but 150. B12 is my drug of choice.. or shot..
Hi, what it means if I had a blood test and they’ve told me that ‘Due to low total B12 the more accurate Active B12 has been analysed’ ? My MCV is at 91.4 fl (range 78.00 - 96.00fl). My doctor said my B12 is fine. Thanks
I had insomnia off a hugh b12 after supplementing and my b12 is still high over a yearate without supplementing, I have anemia and an abnormal mcv. How can I utilise my hugh serum b12? Great explanation by the way!
My dr ordered these tests, I didn’t even ask, and my b12 is in range, but low at 295. My mma is in range at 209 and my mcv is below 90 homocysteine always tests high 🤷
What’s optimal range for mma?
When the MCV is high that gives always low RBC number..?I have had low RBC and high MCV,after testing my folate was low.I took supplements and now is on normal levels my folate,but the MCV high, little bit less high than before.And my B 12 is little high,961;with maximum 866 highest reference levels.My RBC almost to normal range..
Can you order your own Vitamins testing kit online for cheap price and works 100% accurate
My MCV is only 90.7 and I take 10,000 mcg a day of Methyl-cobalamin and 2 liquids droplets of Methyl-folate. My blood serum of B12 is super high! My neuropathy in my feet is almost unbearable? I don't think the B12 in getting into my cells very well. I was diagnosed with HLA DQA1:05 and allele for HLA DQ2 (the Celiac Gene). Do you think I have Pernicious Anemia? I wasn't diagnosed 'til a year a go. Should I be taking Hydroxy-cobalamin shots instead?
MCH WILL BE HIGH NOT mcv.
MCH + METHALONIC ACID TEST will verify low B12. Costs inly 100.00. insurance will cover test. Cant tell you how many MD get this wrong! Even thos doctor. Ghee whiz
Wow my b12 serum has been less than 200 for over 4 years and my doctor will not do anything!
You can take b12 supplements!
I just took Serum B12 test but I have taken spirulina for 3 weeks that contains fake B12. I have neurological symptom and suspecting B12 difficiency, Then Should I take MMR or Homocysteine test?
Given low serum Folate levels and high homocysteine levels:
Does a low MMA test result rule out functional B12 deficiency?
Or do I need to re-assess B12 status after fixing the folate deficiency?
(i.e. could the low folate be slowing down all processes involving B12?
Could MMA show up as high after increasing folate availability in the body?)
How do you feel about hair analysis as a testing for B12
My blood serum b12 was recently 1497 and previously I've been taking a daily multivitamin and periodically B12 or b-complex but I have really bad b12 deficiency symptoms for about a little over a year. My b12 was 897 in 10/19 and 730 in 3/20. I have been having these symptoms since 9/19 and have gastrointestinal issues. My symptoms are burning, tingling sensations, dizziness sometimes when standing too quickly, fatigue, and lately being getting a little psychosis that really is worrying me and my symptoms seemed to be worsening. Also my tsh is 0.395 but have a normal t3 and t4...this is a first for me...never had thyroid issues. Could I possibly be deficient? My doctor keep saying you're ok and prescribed me anti-depressants, but I don't feel ok. This is really affecting my quality of life! I can't even hold down a job! Please help!!!!!
Hi I have high level of b12 in my serum b12 test but Im not convinced. I have symptoms of deficiency, pulsating in my brain fatigue tingling in my hands and feet. Fatigue headache and unexplainable GI issues. My doctor told me it’s anxiety. I just want to take and get a shot of b12 on my own
@@pryncecoching8123 I feel your pain. Just left the er today with no explanation but I have been experiencing gallbladder area pain and it's seems to be getting worse. I have had the crazy GI issues too and have lost weight due to it. Hopefully you will get things sorted out. Don't give up until you get a diagnosis.
@@tashasdomain5709 I also lose 15kilos from the last 6 months. You will be fine. We can do it
My b12 level is 113 only... having depression and heart palpitations and tingling mood swings been 7 months now
@@pryncecoching8123 sounds like further investigation required by perhaps an integrative doctor. Very similar to ongoing anxiety, check all hormones also as it could also be start of perimenopuse, it affects digestion, nerves, mood and various of other weird symptoms.
Jigh MCV may indiicate low b12? What else would it indicate?
My mcv is 91 (over 90 is bad).?
What kind of B12 are you supposed to take?
Hey doc can i take B12 supplement for my hypothyroid. Thanks Dr. Childs
hi Dr Childs
i fired my GP a yr or so ago because he refuses to talk about b12 deficiency. several yrs ago i was treated with a few monthly injectections. i was taught how to do myself with another dr before he left to go work in Chili. he and i buil up a good patient /dr relatio ship over ma y yrs. he treated my daughter born with a very rare lung disease. so the fired dr only kept my meds goin for a few months, giving me time to find a new dr. as it is, there isnt any drs in canada, let alone my city ottawa. so he said he would take me back as long as i did not mention b12 deficiency. this really pisses me off because i know i have it, all the neurological symtoms. memory, tingling, fatigue, you name it. i belong to a coup,e of b12 groups on line and own 2 b12 books. Could it be b12...? by sally Palochok and her videos are online on utube. also dr Joseph Chandy has a book out on b12 deficiency. which i own. i refer to them often for others. i wish i could afford to buy lfor my dr. drs dont mmention u need folIc acid or iron, potassium, magnesium as cofactors with supplements. they are very ignorant on b12 deficiency.. kathy in canada. dockathy@gmail.com
Any luck?
Hey doc got 83.5 for my MCV and homocysteine was 20, B12 was 776. Would this still warrant at MMA test ? Or can we go straight to supplementation? Also you mentioned to avoid the specific type of b12 but which one do we want take instead ?
Well what does it mean if the MMA on lab work is low...
Hi I have b12 1300 but symptoms not reduced .then tested for mma it was hight . is there any supplement to reduce mma
2:00 How can I verify this statement? Any research papers you can recommend?
My last MCV completed by my doctor was flagged high at 103.2, I got confused with your YOU Tube does this mean I need B-12 or not? I have had extreme fatigue for years. If 103.2 is actually high for B-12 should this be a concern? Thank you
My B12 serum was 482 in December 2022 and after adding more OTC vitamins the level was 548 in March 2023. My MCV has been between 94 and 91 since August 2022. My Folate is >24, I don’t know what that tells me. How do I get my doctor to believe that I have a B12 deficiency or that its not absorbing and utilized in my body properly. So far he says I am just fine. I need energy, I need to lose weight and I am very frustrated.
I might add, i started getting interested in this because after taking Metformin for awhile, I have developed peripheral neuropathy. My feet were in agony until the past week. I started taking EB-N5 a few weeks ago and I have significant relief. They still hurt, but so much better.
I guess just start taking b12 on your own. Just as dr childs said, it won’t hurt you, it gets peed out. I think I’ll start doing the same
So I have Graves disease and had a total Thyroidectomy in January, I've never had a vitamin B12 test. Since my thyroid removal I ve seemed to lose most of my body fat, and body just looked and feels deflated. I rarely have an appetite and my TSH goes as high as 16 and as low as 0.99. Is this the targeted TSH? And what can I do to gain some weight back? Some help please.
In reality, aren't you supposed to be testing for underlying causes of the deficiency rather than just the deficiency itself?
Ideally, yes.
Hello Dr
Thanks for the info! It’s quite educative. Just want to ask how do you test the underlying cause of the B12 deficiency. Am not sure you covered this in your video. Thanks.
What about if my b12 numbers are high not low? Is that bad? I take one a day.
Nope! Serum B12 doesn't mean much.
I have been taking a 2000mcg vitamin b12 supplement for about 6 months, and am wondering if it is lowering my potassium levels. My bloodwork shows a 3.3 potassium value and my b12 value is over 1000. I google searched b12 and potassium, and it says that b12 can indeed lower potassium levels. I should mention that I have been on 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide, and Rx potassium (8 MEq) plus 400 mg of commercial potassium supplements for years. My potassium levels were usually around 3.8-3.9 values. I have decided to discontinue the b12 and see what develops with my potassium levels.
Yes, B-12 can deplete Potassium and visa versa. You may have been taking too much. I am taking 500mcg and my potassium levels are optimal.
Hi is there anyway of checking low thiamine
My serum b12 was 153. Doctor not worried even though I am so dizzy I can hardly walk and my legs are going numb
Get a new doctor.
Can you please explain what would cause the body to not utilize B12 as needed even if serum B12 is totally normal?
Pernicious anemia?
I’ve got problems at the moment that seem to be pointing to B12 deficiency. However, it’s going to be several weeks before I get to see my doctor. I’m on PPIs which could be the cause of the problem. How do I supplement when stomach acid is needed to metabolise B12?
Sublingual b12 under the tongue, order from iherb, jarrow and life extension has good ones
Is there a website of doctors who practice like you? Im in Ontario Canada and cannot for the life of me find a Doctor who uses T3 only. (Adequate free t4/slightly low T3 levels, TSH 6.5) even getting RT3 is a challenge. The Doctors I’ve spoke to said when it comes to T3 only their hands are tied. I wonder if I should be looking in USA for a Dr. As long as medication can be legal in Canada. Going into this winter feeling like death.
Not that I am aware of. If such information existed I would add it to my website!
I have anemia and a mcv value of 58, will that discount B12 deficiency?
@enterfav Vitamin B12 deficiency often exists even without all the traditional hematologic abnormalities (e.g., macrocytosis) consistent with B12 deficiency.
My mcv is 95 doc said not to worry but I feel like shit
My b12 serum level is 325 pmol (european measurement) and 250 is flagged as low. Doctor also said this is fine.
My b12 is 240 and my homocysteine is 7. Have celiac and hashimotos. Having numbness and tingling. Dr think I don't have a b12 deficiency. Also if I take b12 it gives me severe insomnia. What should I do?
Consume more potassium, maybe even magnesium, also take some taurine for sleep, maybe also take a good methylated b complex without too much p5p, also look up tmg
Hi, what If my vitb12 is 281 pg/ml but my mcv is 87.3 cu micro? Thanks
Hi there! I'm Holly, this is my husband's account. So I've long suspected I've had some sort of deficiency. I am seeing a functional medicine doctor now. My question is, what if I'm already supplementing while taking these tests? Will it matter? My serum is about 544 with supplementing. My MVC is 90, and I just got my MMA which is within normal limits. But this is all while supplementing. My symptoms started when I lost over 20 lbs going vegan. (I was not supplementing then) this has been going on for almost 2 years now. Hair loss, fatigue, dark circles, breathlessness, sallow skin. I need help.
Check your vitamin D, Iron and magnesium levels.
"I just got my MMA which is within normal limits."
@erickung8833 Why not give your exact MMA result and range?
Hey doc. My MMA is 85 B12 is 1558, my hemocysteine is 10.2 and my MCV is 89 range 80-100. I practice Anesthesia and understand these labs individually. However, all together I'm curious why am I am MMA is low. Is it because my Vit b12 is increased?
That's my question...My MMA level is 59... Too low..
I can't find a video that talks about this
Increase of folate has brought down size and normalized cell shape .being deficient that long and vegan you need to take a High daily amount of b12 .
@@ninjanicnic Note that high intake of folic acid can mask the hematologic abnormalities from vitamin B12 deficiency and exacerbate the neurological complications from B12 deficiencies.
@@BachataDeVerdad yes i put that bellow , Not that there’s always micro ptosis, but it will normalize red blood cells under a microscope so will not get treated if folic acid/folate has been taken .
Also high folate maybe from methyl trap /not able to absorb or convert .
@@ninjanicnic Yes, I see that you referred to it and that you've done your homework on this subject. Very good! It's important for people to know that, as you said, people with B12 deficiency may not be treated for it if their high folic acid intake masks their B12 deficiency. Thank you!
I have many symptoms of b12 deficiency since years yet my vitamin b12 test report came normal.... i am confused yet my homocysteine level is a bit high... that could show a b12 deficiency?
Yes
When is homocysteine high, from which level?
Not sure I understand the question?
@@drwestinchilds you talked about blood serum levels for B12, MCV but not homocysteine
@@drwestinchilds what I really want to ask: from what level is homocysteine too high? What is a healthy range?
@@leenmarier5729 Peter Osborne, molecular biologist suggests that homocysteine levers should be between 6 and 9.
Whats NEXT? You test all these and they come back normal, but you still are having issues, What NEXT? what test? What shows whats ACTUALLY being used by the body and not stored?
Take B12 supplementation
I just had Full Blood Count just now. MCV is 90.10 (fl) Is that considered B12 deficiency?
Unedicated doctors
👏