Re-testing active B12 levels

[bluejourney]

I am planning to re-test my active B12 levels. In October 2021, my active B12 was 77.1 pmol/L (37.5-188), so on the low side. My folate was at the top of the range and ferritin high. Since the last test I have been taking a B12 supplement, and I just want some advice about whether I should stop the supplement in the days before the test, or take as usual the day before to see if I still need to take it/ adjust it. I don’t take a B complex, but intend to assess the B vitamins in a separate test.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

bluejourney

This is what Medichecks said when I asked about this:

Vitamin B12 supplements.

The answer to this depends upon what they are wanting to assess.

To work out whether B12 supplements are meeting the body's requirements we recommend not taking supplements for one week prior to having their blood drawn.

If a customer wants to assess whether they have an underlying B12 deficiency then it can take months (and potentially up to two years) for levels to fall to their natural levels after stopping supplementation.

However, if you want to know what the supplement is achieving, it makes more sense to me to continue taking it up to and including the day before the test, just don't take it on the morning before the test.

[bluejourney in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you SS, that sounds like good advice.