Vitamin B12 & Folate

Price

£160

Turnaround

4 - 12 hrs

Appointment

15 mins

nurse taking blood test from male patient
4.8
4.8/5
4.7
4.7/5

Anaemia & autoimmune disease test

B12 and folate are necessary for the formation of red blood cells (RBCs), as well as tissue and cell repair. B12 is essential for proper nerve function, and can be a marker of behavioral changes in the elderly.

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Of women have iron deficiency anaemia
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People worldwide are affected by iron deficiency
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Blood Tests For Each Person Are Performed Annually
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Completed Blood Test This Year
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B12 & Anaemia

Low levels of B12 and folate (sometimes called B9) can lead to a type of anaemia where the body produces abnormally large red blood cells (RBCs), which are then unable to do their job of carrying oxygen around the body.

This is different from iron deficiency anaemia, but both include symptoms of extreme tiredness, pins and needles (feeling that a limb has “fallen asleep”, also known as paraesthesia), mouth ulcers, vision problems, muscle weakness, depression, and impaired cognitive function.

B12 & Iron

B12 also activates an enzyme in the body that helps it to absorb and use folate, which is why low intake of B12 can lead to lower iron levels in the blood, even if you are consuming a good amount of iron.

Causes

In addition to different kinds of anaemia, B12 and folate deficiencies can be caused by:

  • diet (particularly vegan diets)
  • conditions affecting the intestines or stomach (such as Crohn’s disease or poor gut absorption)
  • certain medications (like PPIs)
  • long-term health conditions that damage your body’s ability to maintain its levels of certain nutrients

How To Book A Blood Test

book online or call us

Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.

Choose your test type

On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.

meet with our experts

You will be seen by one of our friendly phlebotomists or trained clinicians.

Procedure

Type of sample taken: Blood

Please arrive for this test well-hydrated, to make the testing process easier.

During the test

This test is a blood test. The doctor or nurse inserts a needle into a vein, usually on the inner arm near your elbow. They will draw a small amount of blood. You may feel a brief pricking or scratching sensation.

We will email you the results as soon as they arrive from the laboratory. The interpretation of the results is not included in the test price. If you would like to have the test results explained to you by one of our experienced doctors, please book for a consultation as well.

Why Choose Walk In Clinic For
Blood Testing

Experienced
since 1998

Experienced doctors & a professional team

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confidential

Your medical records are kept private at all times.

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health care

Transparent fee structure with no hidden charges

Blood Test Biomarkers

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No hidden charges, phlebotomy fees or prescription charges.
Test prices do not include a consultation.

Vitamin B12 & Folate

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Book Your Blood Test Today

We offer a wide range of private blood tests in London. Same-day appointments are available 5 days a week.

Specialist Medical Team

We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.

fAQ

Is it possible to overdose on Vitamin B12 and folate supplements?
Both of these vitamins are water soluble, which means the body will get rid of any excess amounts through the urine. Your doctor may recommend that you test for both before taking supplements, however, as taking folic acid can mask low levels of B12.
There are a number of possible conditions that can cause you to become deficient in these vitamins, including pernicious anemia (an absorption issue), a lack of dietary vitamins, taking certain medications, and old age. Both deficiencies are more common after 75 years of age.
B12 is naturally found in animal products, such as fish, red meat, poultry, milk, cheese, and eggs. It is also sometimes added to some products (“fortified”). Organ meats such as liver have the highest levels of B12.

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