WHY GET TESTED

Vitamin B12 is important for healthy red blood cells and nerve function. Deficiency can lead to excessive tiredness, weakness, poor concentration and tingling sensations in the hands and feet. Good sources of vitamin B12 include meat, fish, dairy and eggs. Following a vegan or vegetarian diet, without adequate supplementation, can increase risk of deficiency.

A common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is pernicious anaemia, where the immune system damages cells found in the stomach and prevents absorption of vitamin B12. Conditions such as coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, which affect the ability of the body to absorb nutrients properly, and prolonged use of stomach acid-suppressing medications can also increase risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.