Vitamin B12 - Questions & Answers

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy nervous system, forming red blood cells, and keeping the body's metabolism in good working order. It's an essential nutrient that can only be obtained through consuming food or supplements, and it's essential for human health.

Popular questions about Vitamin B12

How long does it take to develop a Vitamin B12 deficiency?

It can take several years to develop a Vitamin B12 deficiency, because the body stores a large amount of the vitamin in the liver. However, those with conditions that cause malabsorption can develop a deficiency more quickly.

What are the expected results of a complete blood count, CBC, and serum vitamin B12 level in a female client with pernicious anemia?

A complete blood count (CBC) and serum Vitamin B12 level in a female client with pernicious anemia is expected to show low levels of red blood cells, low hemoglobin levels, low hematocrit, low serum Vitamin B12 levels, and an elevated mean corpuscular volume.

What cofactor is essential for Vitamin B12 absorption?

The cofactor essential for Vitamin B12 absorption is intrinsic factor, which is produced by the parietal cells in the stomach.

What color tube is used for Vitamin B12?

The color tube used for Vitamin B12 is lavender.

What diagnosis code covers Vitamin B12?

The ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for Vitamin B12 deficiency is E53.9.

What diagnosis code will cover Vitamin B12?

The diagnosis code for Vitamin B12 is E53.9.

What diagnostic codes cover Vitamin B12?

The diagnosis codes for Vitamin B12 deficiency include E53.0 (cobalamin deficiency anemia due to selective Vitamin B12 malabsorption with proteinuria) and D51.0 (vitamin B12 deficiency anemia).

What diagnosis will cover Vitamin B12?

Low levels of vitamin B12 can also be diagnosed using methylmalonic acid (MMA) or homocysteine.

What enzyme breaks down Vitamin B12?

The enzyme responsible for breaking down vitamin B12 is called intrinsic factor (IF) which is found in the stomach and binds to vitamin B12, allowing it to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

What goes with Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is best taken with foods that contain folate, such as green vegetables and legumes, as well as foods that are high in iron, such as lean meats and fish.

Key facts about Vitamin B12

  1. Vitamin B12 is naturally occurring only in animal products, such as meat, fish, and dairy. Vegetarians and vegans often require supplements to meet their daily needs.
  2. A lack of Vitamin B12 can cause anemia, fatigue, and nerve damage.
  3. People with certain medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease, are more prone to B12 deficiency due to malabsorption.
  4. Vitamin B12 can be absorbed by the body in two different ways, passive diffusion, and active transport. Passive diffusion occurs in the stomach, and active transport happens in the ileum.
  5. Vitamin B12 helps to protect the brain from aging and cognitive decline.
  6. Some studies suggest that Vitamin B12 supplements may aid in the prevention of depression and other mental illnesses.
  7. B12 is also important for pregnant women as it aids in healthy fetal development.
  8. The recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms per day, but this can vary depending on age, lifestyle, and medical history.