Is 160 low B12?

Values of less than 160 pg/mL (118 pmol/L) are a possible sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency. People with this deficiency are likely to have or develop symptoms.

Is 170 low B12?

But a normal level of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream is generally between 190 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Between 200 to 300 pg/mL is considered borderline and your doctor may do more testing. Below 200 pg/mL is low and more testing is needed.

Is 150 low B12?

Vitamin B12 levels less than 150 ng/L are considered evidence of vitamin B12 deficiency. Follow-up with a test for antibodies to intrinsic factor (IFBA / Intrinsic Factor Blocking Antibody, Serum) is recommended to identify this potential cause of vitamin B12 malabsorption.

What does low B12 feel like?

Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness. Heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Pale skin. A smooth tongue.

What should a women’s B12 level be?

Vitamin B-12 results

Results based on picograms per milliliter (pg/mL)
below 150 pg/mL low
200 to 600 pg/mL normal
800 pg/mL high

What is the most common cause of B12 deficiency?

Pernicious anaemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK. Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition that affects your stomach. An autoimmune condition means your immune system, the body’s natural defence system that protects against illness and infection, attacks your body’s healthy cells.

What is normal level of B12?

Diagnosis of B12 deficiency. B12 deficiency is usually detected through a B12 blood level. Typical lower limits of normal are 200 pg/ml. Levels between 150 and 300 should be confirmed with secondary surrogate markers (see following).

What is optimal B12 level?

The vitamin B12 standard reference range is 200–700 pg/ml whereas the proposed optimal range is 500–1300 pg/ml [10]. Higher vitamin B12 ranges have been associated with increased cognitive function, and reflexes, decreased brain atrophy, confusion, weakness and depression [10].

Does B12 deficiency cause weight gain?

People with vitamin B12 deficiency are likely to experience a wide range of symptoms, though weight gain is unlikely one of them. If you’re experiencing unexplained weight gain, consider discussing it with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine the root cause.

What level of B12 causes neurological symptoms?

Therefore many neurologists in practice prefer a B12 level at least in the high 400s/500s or higher. Higher B12 levels are preferred if there are symptoms or findings such as macrocytosis, methylmalonic acid or homocysteinemia.

What if vitamin B12 is low?

If you have vitamin B12 deficiency, you could become anemic. A mild deficiency may cause no symptoms. But if untreated, it may lead to symptoms such as: Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness.

Can low B12 cause belly fat?

Why a vitamin B12 deficiency is unlikely to affect your weight. Despite the numerous processes in which vitamin B12 is involved, there’s little evidence to suggest that it has any influence on weight gain or loss.

Can borderline low B12 cause symptoms?

When your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues, you’ll likely feel weak and tired. It’s important to know that you can develop fatigue and other symptoms related to B12 deficiency, even when your B12 levels are considered within range or only borderline low ( 6 ).

What is borderline range B12?

Patients with B12 levels between 200 and 300 pg/mL are considered borderline, and further enzymatic testing may be helpful in diagnosis. Patients with B12 levels below 200 pg/mL are considered deficient. However, a low serum B12 level does not determine the etiology of the deficiency.

What is an abnormal B12 level?

An abnormally high vitamin B-12 status is anything over 900 pg/mL. This result may suggest liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or certain forms of leukemia.