The Cerascreen Vitamin B12 test is an easy-to-perform self-test to test for a vitamin B12 deficiency. The sample is sent to our diagnostic laboratory free of charge in the enclosed return bag. Customers receive a detailed results report with lots of information and recommendations.
The test measures the concentration of active vitamin B12 (holotranscobalamin). This is the form of vitamin B12 that can be absorbed by the cells and provides the most accurate indication of a possible B12 deficiency.
Why is vitamin B12 so important?
Vitamin B12 is a so-called coenzyme and plays an important role in many metabolic processes. For example, it breaks down fatty acids in our body and supports blood formation, cell division, cell respiration and protects the nervous system. It is also involved in the synthesis of certain substances that are responsible for communication in our body. The bacteria in the small intestine can only produce a very small amount of B12 themselves. It must therefore be absorbed through food. It is therefore referred to as a so-called essential vitamin.
Vitamin B12 deficiencies are relatively common because this vitamin is only found in animal foods. Good sources are primarily meat and fish, but vitamin B12 is also found in chicken eggs, milk and dairy products. B12 can also be found in small quantities in fermented plant foods such as sauerkraut.
Overview of the causes of vitamin B12 deficiency
- Insufficient intake through food (particularly problematic with a vegetarian or vegan diet)
- Interactions when taking in vitamins and certain foods, e.g. B. Coffee, alcohol (results in reduced absorption capacity)
- Special living conditions (pregnancy, breastfeeding)
- Tobacco consumption (vitamin B12 neutralizes the cyanide contained in tobacco and is consumed in the process)
- Absorption disorder of cobalmin due to illness or medication
- Increased requirement in the case of stress (due to increased release of stress hormones and reduced blood flow to the digestive organs)
Symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency
- Exhaustion
- Tiredness
- Increased susceptibility to infection
- Tingling and numbness in arms and legs
- Nerve disorders and paralysis symptoms
- Coordination disorders
- Anemia
- Depression
The vitamin B12 test kit consists of
- detailed, illustrated instructions explaining the entire test procedure and online registration for the test,
- the Blood collection kit, consisting of transport tubes, blood collection tubes,
2 lancets CE 0344, plaster, swab and disinfectant wipe,
- a stamped return envelope in which the blood sample is sent to the cerascreen laboratory free of charge,
- an activation card with test ID for registering the test.
How does the vitamin B12 test work?
Cerascreen tests are quick, easy and safe. Thanks to the latest laboratory analytical procedures, blood analyses are possible with very small amounts of blood from the finger (just 300 ?l = 8 drops).
Using the blood collection kit, a small blood sample is taken from the finger and then sent to our specialist diagnostic laboratory free of charge in the enclosed return envelope.
The concentration of active B12 (holotranscobalamin) is determined in the laboratory. A few working days later, the personal results report can be viewed in the personal online customer area.
In addition to the detailed results, you will receive valuable health recommendations and tips on the subject of vitamin B12.
Who is the vitamin B12 test suitable for?
The vitamin B12 self-test is suitable for anyone who wants to find out their vitamin B12 level in a simple and convenient way. There is an increased need for vitamin B12, particularly in stressful situations and when there is high physical and mental strain. Pregnant women and nursing mothers also have an increased need for vitamin B12, as the unborn child or infant also needs to be supplied. Furthermore, older people often have a B12 deficiency, as their ability to absorb vitamins decreases and this can lead to deficiencies despite adequate intake. Smokers represent another risk group, as the cyanide contained in cigarettes is neutralised by vitamin B12 and thus consumed.
All advantages at a glance:
- individual evaluation
- developed by experts
- safe and confidential
- analysis in a specialist laboratory
- own, secure customer area
- personal advice