Hi, I would be interested to know what is the average reading for vitamin b12 and folate deficiency. My bloods came back with readings of serum vitamin b12 52ng/L and serum folate 2.6ug/L. Is there any cause for concern?
Not knowing what my levels are or what are the "normal" level is but after scanning a few site came across this page.
Interpretation
B12:Concentration of vitamin B12 <180 ng/L may cause megaloblastic anemia and/or peripheral neuropathies. Vitamin B12 concentrations <150 ng/L are considered evidence of vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 concentrations between 150 ng/L and 300 ng/L are considered borderline. Follow-up testing for antibodies to intrinsic factor (IF) (IFBA / Intrinsic Factor Blocking Antibody, Serum) is recommended to identify this potential cause of vitamin B12 malabsorption. For specimens without antibodies, follow-up testing of vitamin B12 tissue deficiency by measuring methylmalonic acid (MMA) (MMAS / Methylmalonic Acid [MMA], Quantitative, Serum) and/or homocysteine (HCYSP / Homocysteine, Total, Plasma) may be indicated if the patient is symptomatic. A normal serum concentration of vitamin B12 does not rule out tissue deficiency of vitamin B12. The most sensitive test for vitamin B12 deficiency at the cellular level is the assay for MMA. If clinical symptoms suggest deficiency, measurement of MMA and homocysteine should be considered, even if serum vitamin B12 concentrations are normal. Folate:Serum folate is a relatively nonspecific test.(4) Low serum folate levels may be seen in the absence of deficiency and normal levels may be seen in patients with macrocytic anemia, dementia, neuropsychiatric disorders, and pregnancy disorders. Results <4 mcg/L are suggestive of folate deficiency. The cut-off is based on consensus and was derived from the US NHANES III data.(5) Evaluation of macrocytic anemias commonly requires measurement of the serum concentration of both vitamin B12 and folate; ideally they should be measured at the same point in time. Additional testing with homocysteine and MMA determinations may help distinguish between B12 and folate deficiency states. In folate deficiency, homocysteine levels are elevated and MMA levels are normal. In vitamin B12 deficiency, both homocysteine levels and MMA levels are elevated. See Pernicious Anemia Testing Cascade in Special Instructions.
I hope that helps you understand your levels ill also ask at the surgery when I go for my first jab.
Thank you Liam93 for the info, I will look into it. Cheers.
Hi Sharon,
when I get my blood test results, I always ask for a print out. They come with a range considered normal as well as what my level is. As there are different ways of testing and different labs might set different ranges, I think it is best to do this as the ranges can vary quite a lot.