What causes a high level of vitamin B12 in the body?
Elevated blood levels of vitamin B12 are generally associated with increased amounts of proteins that carry vitamin B12 in the bloodstream or release of stored vitamin B12. The most obvious cause of an elevated vitamin B12 level is taking too much of the vitamin in the form of supplements.
What are the symptoms of a high vitamin B12?
- Medications used for high vitamin b12.
- The duration of symptoms.
- The intensity of the headache, if any.
- Fever logs and duration of the fever.
- The date you experienced high vitamin b12 symptoms for the first time.
- Side effects of the medicine you are experiencing, if any.
- The duration of the disease.
What does a high vitamin B12 level indicate?
If your test shows excessive B12 levels – in the absence of supplementation – this may be a sign of liver disease or cell death (and the breakdown of tissues) that release the B12 back into your blood circulation. Therefore, hypercobalaminemia (high serum B12 levels) may be a warning sign of some serious underlying pathology:
What does high vitamin B12 on a blood test mean?
High B12 levels in the blood can be the result of liver disease, kidney failure and blood cancers. There is also a condition where a person has too many white blood cells that causes high vitamin B12. These conditions, however, will all have other symptoms other than this blood test result, and your medical doctor will test if he suspects any ...
What does it mean if your B12 is high?
An abnormally high vitamin B-12 status can be an early sign of liver disease, diabetes, or certain types of leukemia. A doctor may use the results of a vitamin B-12 test to help form their diagnosis.
Should I worry about high B12 levels?
Vitamin B12 does not accumulate to toxic levels. Consuming large quantities does not cause side effects or high levels in your system, whether you get it through food or from taking high-dose supplements.
What should I do if my B12 is high?
B12 in Your Diet Many animal products contain the vitamin. Eating large amounts of liver, clams, fortified breakfast cereals, trout, salmon or beef can elevate your vitamin B-12 levels. If you have high vitamin B-12 levels, you may decide to decrese your intake of these foods.
What cancers cause high B12?
Other studies focusing on specific cancers have shown a strong association between elevated B12 levels and liver cancers (OR 3.3 [95%CI: 1.1–10.4] for hepatocellular carcinomas and OR 4.7 [95%CI: 1.2–17.9] for other liver cancers) [16], a moderate association with prostate cancer (OR 1.1 [95%CI: 1.0–1.2]) [17], and no ...
What level of B12 is concerning?
Understanding the Results But a normal level of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream is generally between 190 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Between 200 to 300 pg/mL is considered borderline and your doctor may do more testing. Below 200 pg/mL is low and more testing is needed.
Can stress cause high B12 levels?
Stress is known to deplete our levels of B vitamins, especially vitamin B12. Vegetarians, vegans and those on restricted diets can struggle to get enough vitamin B12 to meet their body's needs.
Why would B12 be high without supplements?
High or supraphysiological serum B12 levels without supplementation have been associated with many pathological conditions including renal failure, haematological disorders, cancer, and hepatic or autoimmune diseases. All conditions may show elevated concentrations of B12 transport proteins.
Is B12 level of 1500 too high?
There is no consensus on the definition of high or elevated B12. Previous studies have chosen a variety of levels to represent high or very high B12 (pmol/l) levels. Some examples include: 664.219; 5131; 700 (high) and 1500 (very high)11; and 601 (high) and 1000 (very high)10.
Why is B12 so high?
They deliver the nutrients to the outer part of the cell called the cell membrane. As it related to this, one reason your B12 level is really high, is from inadequate B12 transportation and or inadequate cell membrane function.
What causes high B12 levels?
The third scenario that can contribute to this high B12 level has to do with liver disease. The liver problems that can cause this vary from things like viral hepatitis to alcohol induced hepatitis. These inflammatory states in the liver limit it's ability to many of the liver's products. One of these products is choline. Choline is an essential part of our cell membranes. As noted in scenario number two, poor cell membranes can lead to high B12 levels. Because much of the choline and the cell membranes are produced in the liver, a compromised liver leads to compromised cell membranes. So when you have hepatitis or problems with your liver, this can lead to high B12 levels.
How long should I wait to test for B12?
For this reason, it is suggested that you give a couple days washout period before you test. I typically tell patients to wait up to five days. It may be appropriate to wait longer to see what's going on, if you have a really high b12 level.
Is it dangerous to have a high B12 level?
So we want to answer the question what does a high b12 level mean and is it dangerous? First off it's not really dangerous to have high b12 level in and of itself. The more important thing is what the high b12 suggests about your physiology and how your body works. In this blog we will discuss the three things that most likely are causing it to be high. These are the most common that I see in my practice.
Can low B12 levels cause poor distribution?
With low levels of carrier protein the serum B12 levels rise but it cannot get into the cells which will lead to poor distribution throughout your body. The same thing happens when there are poor or fragile cell membranes.
Can you take Biotin with B12?
I also wanted to mention that there are other vitamins and supplements that can interfere with the serum B12 assay, specifically Biotin. If you are taking Biotin you want to make sure you're not taking any Biotin in close proximity to the B12 test.
What is elevated vitamin B12?
In “Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests with Nursing Implications,” author Joyce LeFever Kee explains that elevated vitamin B12 is often seen with acute hepatitis, polycythemia vera and myelocytic leukemia. Elevated levels might also be seen with other medical conditions, such as chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
How to check vitamin B12 levels?
Serum levels of vitamin B12 measure the amount of vitamin B12 circulating in the bloodstream. Your physician will provide you with specific instructions to prepare for the exam. Fasting for 6 to 8 hours may be required. A needle is inserted into a vein -- typically in the arm -- and a small amount of blood is collected in a tube. The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis; your physician should notify you once results are available. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the normal serum vitamin B12 level falls in a range of 200 to 900 picograms per milliliter.
What is the normal B12 level?
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the normal serum vitamin B12 level falls in a range of 200 to 900 picograms per milliliter.
What is the role of B12 in the body?
Once absorbed by the body, vitamin B12 plays an important role in the production of red blood cells. It also helps ensure proper functioning of the gastrointestinal and neurological systems.
Is vitamin B12 bad for you?
Although having a high serum level of vitamin B12 could indicate an underlying medical problem, the high level itself isn't detrimental.
Can B12 cause liver disease?
Elevated levels might also be seen with other medical conditions, such as chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Certain oral contraceptive medications might also cause elevated vitamin B12 levels. It’s important to note that the elevated vitamin B12 level is not the cause of these diseases -- it's simply a symptom associated with the diseases.
Does B12 cause toxicity?
Toxicity Concerns. Since vitamin B12 is dissolved in water, the body simply excretes excess amounts through the urine. In fact, the Office of Dietary Supplements explains that it has a low potential for toxicity. The website goes on to explain that no adverse effects have been associated with high serum levels of vitamin B12.
What causes a high level of B12?
Medical conditions that can increase levels of vitamin B12 include liver disease, kidney failure and a group of blood cancers known as myeloproliferative disorders, which includes myelocytic leukemia and a condition that causes an overgrowth of red blood cells called polycythemia vera.
Why is B12 important?
Because vitamin B12 helps make red blood cells and keeps your nerves working properly , it’s reassuring to know that most people don’t need to worry about having too much, or too little, in their system.
What is the only vitamin B12 that contains a metal ion?
Vitamin B12 Basics. Several characteristics set vitamin B12 apart from other B vitamins. It’s the only one that contains a metal ion. The presence of cobalt accounts for the reason you may see it called cobalamin. Unlike the other B vitamins, which are not stored in your body, reserves of vitamin B12 are stored in your liver.
What is the best source of vitamin B12?
The only natural sources of vitamin B12 are animal products, including meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and dairy products. If you follow a vegetarian diet, are over the age of 50 or have digestive tract problems that interfere with absorption, you may need to take supplements to fill your daily requirements. av-override.
Where is B12 stored?
Unlike the other B vitamins, which are not stored in your body, reserves of vitamin B12 are stored in your liver. It is similar to other B vitamins in one aspect: Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, so when you consume more than your body needs, your system easily eliminates it.
Is vitamin B12 toxic?
High Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 does not accumulate to toxic levels. Consuming large quantities does not cause side effects or high levels in your system, whether you get it through food or from taking high-dose supplements. High vitamin B12 in the bloodstream is associated with serious diseases.
Can vitamin B12 cause fatigue?
In early stages, illnesses associated with high vitamin B12 often have generic symptoms, such as fatigue and loss of appetite.
Why is vitamin B12 high?
High levels of vitamin B-12 can be a sign of liver disease, certain types of leukemia, or diabetes. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is a common condition.
What is a B12 deficiency?
What is a vitamin B-12 deficiency? Vitamin B-12 is an important vitamin for many bodily functions, such as brain health, blood cell production, and proper nerve functioning. There are several ways to test your B-12 levels. You can get your blood drawn or take a home urine test.
How much vitamin B-12 do you need?
How much B-12 you need depends on your age and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The table below shows how much
What is the purpose of serum folate?
Serum folate measures the level of folic acid in the blood. Folic acid is necessary for your body’s growth and development and the production of red and white blood cells and platelets. Read more about the symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency ».
What age can you get a pernicious anemia test?
It occurs when your intestines can’t absorb vitamin B-12, which is necessary for red blood cell production. Symptoms are not often seen in people younger than 30 years old. The average age of diagnosis is 60.
How to prevent B12 deficiency?
Many cases of B-12 deficiency are rooted in underlying health problems, but it’s possible to take preventative measures. Preventative measures include paying close attention to your diet, especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan.
How much does it cost to test B12?
It’s possible to test your B-12 levels at home. Home test kits cost about $50.00 each and can be purchased online. Most home kits test your urine for the presence of MMA, which is linked to early stages of a vitamin B-12 deficiency.
What is elevated cobalamin?
Abstract. Elevated levels of serum cobalamin may be a sign of a serious, even life-threatening, disease. Hematologic disorders like chronic myelogeneous leukemia, promyelocytic leukemia, polycythemia vera and also the hypereosinophilic syndrome can result in elevated levels of cobalamin.
Why does cobalamin increase?
The increase in circulating cobalamin levels is predominantly caused by enhanced production of haptocorrin. Several liver diseases like acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic liver disease can ...
What does it mean when your B12 is high?
An abnormally high vitamin B-12 status can be an early sign of liver disease, diabetes, or certain types of leukemia. A doctor may use the results of a vitamin B-12 test to help form their diagnosis.
What is a B12 test?
The vitamin B-12 level test checks how much vitamin B-12 is in the body. The results can help doctors to determine if abnormal vitamin B-12 levels are causing symptoms. A doctor may order a vitamin B-12 level test if a person has any of the following:
How to avoid vitamin B12 deficiency?
People can avoid vitamin B-12 deficiency by eating a balanced diet and including several sources of vitamin B-12 daily or taking supplements. If they have issues absorbing vitamin B-12 from food sources, oral supplements or injections of the vitamin can help to prevent symptoms and complications.
What does high folate levels mean?
High serum folate levels. Serum folate is the level of folic acid in the blood. High serum folate levels can mask. Trusted Source. the symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency and make its neurological symptoms worse. They can also increase the likelihood of anemia.
What causes low levels of red blood cells?
Pernicious anemia, which causes low levels of red blood cells, results from an inability to absorb vitamin B-12. It often affects older adults or those who are lacking intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a substance in the stomach that binds to vitamin B-12 so that the body can absorb it.
What is the purpose of vitamin B12 level test?
Here’s our process. A vitamin B-12 level test checks the amount of vitamin B-12 in the blood or urine to gauge the body’s overall vitamin B-12 stores. Vitamin B-12 is necessary for several bodily processes, including nerve function and the production of DNA and red blood cells.
Why is B12 low?
Although absorption difficulties and other medical issues often cause low vitamin B-12 levels, some people may be deficient because they do not get enough vitamin B-12 from their diet. This is especially true for vegans and long-term vegetarians. Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include: fish and seafood. meat.
What is the aetiological profile of high serum cobalamin?
The aetiological profile of high serum cobalamin predominantly encompasses severe disease entities for which early diagnosis is critical for prognosis. These entities are essentially comprised of solid neoplasms, haematological malignancies and liver and kidney diseases.
Is hypercobalaminemia a deficiency?
Hypercobalaminemia (high serum vitamin B12 levels) is a frequent and underestimated anomaly. Clinically, it can be paradoxically accompanied by signs of deficiency, reflecting a functional deficiency linked to qualitative abnormalities, which are related to defects in tissue uptake and action of vit …
What is the normal B12 level?
Well, normal values of vitamin B12 are considered, in most countries, to be between around 200 to 900 pg/ml. However, as mentioned, many people show symptoms within that range. Therefore, we would like to suggest Sally Pacholok’s recommended vitamin B12 range: B12 Status. B12 Levels (pg/ml) Normal. 550 or higher.
What is the recommended B12 level for older adults?
For brain and nervous system health and prevention of disease in older adults, serum B12 levels should be maintained near or above 1000 pg/ml.”. The tragedy is with people who are symptomatic but are in the low range of vitamin B12 normal levels, between 200-500. This is a grey zone, and even though these folks show clinical signs ...
What does B12 do to MMA?
B12 helps converting methylmalonyl CoA, one of the forms of MMA, into succinyl Coenzyme A . When you’re deficient in B12, MMA levels increase in both your blood and urine. You may be able to find MMA tests in private labs.
Why is methyl B12 needed?
Methyl B12 is needed as a co-factor to convert homocysteine back into methionine. If you have normal B12 values, but high homocysteine levels, this may point to a deficiency or problem utilizing methyl B12. High homocysteine levels can also be the result of low B6, folate, renal failure or hypothyroidism.
What if your UMMA is high?
However, if your uMMA levels are high, you probably have a B12 deficiency.
What is the best vitamin for iron storage?
By the way, we also recommend to test for folate (vitamin B9), ferritin (iron storage), and have a full blood count. This is because B12 and folate need each other, and optimal levels of iron are just as important as optimal B12 levels.
What percentage of B12 is inactive?
Inactive analogues of B12 (transcobalamin I and III) may represent as much as 80% of your blood levels. If a significant amount of your B12 is inactive, a test may show that you have normal B12 levels. Your body can’t easily access these forms. The blood test doesn’t record what’s happening at the cellular level.