What level of B12 is dangerously low?

What level of B12 is dangerously low?

What Abnormal Results Mean. 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. Older adults with a vitamin B12 level less than 100 pg/mL (74 pmol/L) may also have symptoms.

What level of B12 is concerning?

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). A CBC test may show macrocytic anemia.

Can low B12 be serious?

If left untreated, the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency tend to worsen and irreversible problems involving the nerves and brain may develop. The risk of experiencing a number of serious complications, including heart failure, may also increase.

What is a normal vitamin B12 level for a woman?

The normal range for vitamin B12 (total) is between 200 – 1100 ng/L (nanograms per liter), 200 – 1100 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter), or 148 – 811 pmol/L (picomoles per liter).

Should I stop taking B12 if my levels are high?

Since B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it’s generally considered safe, even at high doses. No Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established for B12, due to its low level of toxicity. UL refers to the maximum daily dose of a vitamin unlikely to cause adverse side effects in the general population.

Should I stop taking vitamin B12 before blood test?

You should not eat or drink for about 6 to 8 hours before the test. Certain medicines may affect the results of this test. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines. DO NOT stop any medicine before talking to your provider.

What is a safe amount of vitamin B12 to take daily?

While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine. High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache.