What is an active vitamin B12 test?

An active vitamin B12 test measures the amount of vitamin B12 available for use by the body, also known as Holotranscobalamin or Holo-TC, in the blood. Unlike standard B12 tests that evaluate total vitamin B12 levels, this test specifically assesses the fraction of vitamin B12 that is readily available for use in the body’s cells. This can provide a more accurate indicator of vitamin B12 status, especially in cases where someone may have adequate total B12 levels but a deficiency in the active form that the body can utilize. It is particularly beneficial for diagnosing B12 deficiency in its early stages and can be used to monitor the effectiveness of B12 supplementation or to investigate symptoms related to anemia or nerve function.

What’s in the test kit?

This test kit contains instructions for use, lancets for collecting a few drops of blood, a dried blood spot collection card, alcohol wipes, band-aids, a protective transport bag and a return envelope to send your sample to our certified laboratory.

What is the Homed-IQ testing process like?

Homed-IQ’s vitamin tests come with everything you need to successfully take a dried blood spot sample at home. Simply activate your test and follow the provided instructions to successfully collect the sample. Next, package and send the sample to our certified laboratory using the prepaid shipping label, free of charge. The results will be available within a few days.

Active Vitamin B12 (Holotranscobalamin)

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various bodily processes. It is essential for the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and proper functioning of the nervous system. The human body cannot produce vitamin B12 on its own, so it must be obtained from dietary sources or supplements.

There are two forms of vitamin B12 in the body: active B12 and inactive B12, both of which comprise Total B12. The key difference between these two forms is that active B12 is the form utilized by the body. The active form of vitamin B12 is known as Holotranscobalamin, or Holo-TC.

Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. People who do not eat animal products may be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, as plant-based foods generally do not contain sufficient amounts of this vitamin. A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, neurological problems, and other health issues. Common symptoms of B12 deficiency include weakness, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, memory problems, and difficulty with balance.

Why test active B12 instead of complete B12?

Testing active B12 (Holotranscobalamin or Holo-TC) instead of total B12 offers a more accurate and clinically relevant assessment of vitamin B12 status in the body. While a total B12 test includes both active and inactive forms of the vitamin, it’s the active B12 that is readily available for cellular use and essential for important functions like red blood cell formation and neurological health. In some cases, total B12 levels may appear normal even when there’s a deficiency in the active form, leading to undetected deficiencies. By specifically measuring active B12, deficiencies and their associated symptoms can be more accurately diagnosed and treated.

What do the results of this test mean?

Active Vitamin B12 Deficiency

A vitamin B12 level below 40.2 pmol/L indicates an active vitamin B12 (Holo-TC) deficiency. This can be caused by different factors. If your vitamin B12 is low, see your GP. While some people can take supplements or make changes to their diet to replenish their B12 levels, others may require vitamin B12 injections or have an underlying condition that is causing low B12.

To boost your vitamin B12 through diet, eat more foods that contain it. These foods include:

• Fish and shellfish
• Beef, chicken, and liver
• Eggs
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese

 Sufficient Active Vitamin B12

An active vitamin B12 (Holo-TC) level above 40.2 pmol/L is sufficient.

How soon will I receive the results of this at-home vitamin test?

Once you have taken your blood sample and sent it to our medical partner laboratory, it should take a few working days to receive your test result. As soon as your test kit arrives at the laboratory you will receive a notification by email. Once your test result is ready, you will receive a text message and an email with a link to your result. Homed-IQ aims to keep you well informed throughout the testing process and provide a seamless testing experience.

What are the most common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Lightheadedness
• Heart palpitations and shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• A smooth tongue
• Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas
• Vision problems
• Mental health problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes
• Nerve problems like numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking

What are the most common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency?

• Lack of B12 in diet: Vitamin B12 cannot be produced by our bodies, meaning it needs to be obtained through food or drinks. Your body stores vitamin B12 for future use, and it can take years before your body uses up its B12 reserves. Vitamin B12 is almost exclusively found in animal products, so people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet should include foods fortified with vitamin B12 in their diet.
• Pernicious anemia: This rare autoimmune condition is one of the most common causes of a B12 deficiency. During this disease, the immune system attacks the cells in the stomach that produce intrinsic factor, a protein needed for your body to absorb B12. As your body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, anemia occurs.
• Conditions affecting the stomach or intestines: Crohn's disease, gastritis, Celiac disease and other stomach or intestinal diseases can affect B12 absorption.
• Certain medications: some medicines can reduce the amount of vitamin B12 in your body or make existing deficiencies worse. Your doctor should inform you of medications that could affect your vitamin B12 levels.