Vitamins are one of the most important sets of nutrients for our bodies. Since it cannot be synthesized independently within the body, we must take enough supplements in the form of pills and food to avoid its deficiency.
To combat Vitamin B12 deficiency before it gets severe, it is best to get its test done routinely or when one exhibits the symptoms of its deficiency. In this article, we will be checking out the various aspects of Vitamin B12 deficiency and the average Vitamin b12 test price.
Why is Vitamin B12 important?
Vitamin B12 makes sure that the human body is working properly by taking care of several vital functions. This includes maintaining the health of our brain and enough blood cell production. This nutrient also assists nerve functioning.
Vitamin B12 helps medical professionals assess the levels of this component in the human body to diagnose certain kinds of conditions. It includes identifying disorders such as diabetes, liver diseases, and so on.
While the deficiency of Vitamin B12 in the long run can lead to severe medical conditions, its existence is quite common amongst different sections of society. Old citizens and young children are at the highest risk of developing this deficiency.
Consequences of abnormal levels of Vitamin B12 in the body
Since Vitamin B12 is so important for the human body, its abnormal levels can lead to several consequences. But before assessing them, it is important to understand the various signs and symptoms that the levels of Vitamin B12 are way too much or deficient.
Signs you need a Vitamin B12 test
- Tingling body parts
- Inability to balance properly
- Dementia
- Weakness and fatigue
- Heart racing at times
- Mental confusion
Consequences of Vitamin B12 excess
Since the signs that one needs a Vitamin B12 test done are clear, it is now time to discuss what happens when an excess of Vitamin B12 is present in the body. Such abnormal levels can exhibit signs of:
- Liver disorders
- Several kinds of leukemia
- Kidney failure
- diabetes
Consequences of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a fairly common occurrence. However, if it is left untreated for a long time it can lead to several medical conditions. These include but are not limited to:
- Anemia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Nerve damage permanently
- Low brain function
- Memory loss
- Infertility
Results of Vitamin B12
To diagnose the existence of medical conditions accurately, it is important to be aware of what the different results of the Vitamin B12 test imply. A brief of such results is as follows:
- 190 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL): normal Vitamin B12 levels
- Between 200 to 300 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL): on the edge of being abnormal. The doctor may advise the patient to get a few more tests done to get a detailed analysis of the exact cause of the abnormality.
- Below 200 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL): abnormally low. The doctor may ask the patient to get more tests done to identify the exact cause of the Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Average Vitamin B12 test Price
Now that we are clear with almost every aspect of Vitamin B12 deficiency and its test, it is time to discuss another important factor – its price. The average Vitamin b12 test price varies a lot depending on the region of residence.
However, the overall costs lie within the range of about 1200 rs to 1300 rs. This range can change significantly as the region of the clinic’s location, the quality of the hospital, and the number of tests included within the package change.
For instance, if one wishes to get tested in Delhi, the average Vitamin b12 test price can go quite low since there are medical institutions like AIIMS that do not charge that much. However, getting the same test done in Mumbai might require one to spend a lot more since the cost standards are different there.
Depending on whether or not tests like kidney function and thyroid tests are included in the package, the average Vitamin B12 test price can also vary. It is best to consult a doctor beforehand to have a clearer picture of all the tests that one’s body might need to get done, and only then go ahead with the procedure.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 is a simple blood test that helps medical professionals evaluate the levels of this nutrient within the human body. While its abnormal levels should not be ignored, oftentimes it does not have a serious underlying cause.
However, it is best to not neglect to get this test done if one is going through any of the signs and symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Changes in diet and lifestyle can help combat this problem at its early stages easily. Hopefully, this article will provide you with everything that you need to know about Vitamin B12 deficiency and the average Vitamin b12 test price.
