Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)

The Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) test is a laboratory examination used to assess the concentration of vitamin B12 in the bloodstream. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for various physiological processes, including DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, neurological function, and metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids. Vitamin B12 is primarily obtained from dietary sources such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and fortified foods. It is absorbed in the intestines with the help of intrinsic factor, a protein secreted by the stomach. Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur due to inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, impaired intrinsic factor production, or certain medical conditions affecting vitamin B12 metabolism. Common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include pernicious anemia, atrophic gastritis, gastrointestinal surgery, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications (e.g., proton pump inhibitors, metformin). Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, neurological symptoms (e.g., tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, memory problems), and megaloblastic anemia.