Doctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Active Vitamin B12
Active Vitamin B12 measures the bioavailable form of B12 available to your cells. For women, B12 may play a role in hormonal balance, energy production, and reproductive health. This test could provide early insight into your B12 status.
Reference Ranges
Low
35
Normal
108
High
Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
What It Measures
This test measures holotranscobalamin, the active fraction of vitamin B12 bound to transcobalamin II. This is the only form of B12 that can be taken up by all cells in your body for essential metabolic processes.
Why It Matters
B12 may be particularly relevant for women during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Low levels could be associated with fatigue, mood changes, and hormonal imbalances. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your results.
When to Test
Testing may be recommended if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, experience unexplained fatigue or tingling in your extremities, are over 50, or have digestive conditions that could affect nutrient absorption. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
Symptoms
Low Levels
Some people with low active B12 levels may experience fatigue, weakness, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and pale skin. A healthcare provider should evaluate persistent symptoms.
High Levels
Elevated active B12 levels are less commonly associated with symptoms but may sometimes indicate underlying conditions such as liver disease or certain blood disorders. Your healthcare provider can help interpret high results in context.
Lifestyle Tips
Including B12-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy in your diet may help support healthy levels. Those on plant-based diets might consider discussing supplementation with their healthcare provider. Regular monitoring can help track your status over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between active B12 and total B12?
Active B12 measures only the form your cells can use, while total B12 includes both active and inactive forms. Active B12 is generally considered a more reliable early indicator of deficiency by many healthcare professionals.
Who may be at risk for low active B12?
People following vegan or vegetarian diets, older adults, those with digestive conditions like Crohn's disease or celiac disease, and individuals taking certain medications such as metformin or proton pump inhibitors may have an increased risk.
How often should I test my active B12 levels?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances. Your healthcare provider can recommend an appropriate schedule based on your diet, medical history, and any symptoms you may be experiencing.