The vitamin B12 level is a blood test that measures how much vitamin B12 is in your blood.
Folate and folic acid are types of a water-soluble B vitamin. Folate occurs naturally in food, and folic acid is the synthetic form of this vitamin. Folate/Folic acid are also known as vitamin B9. While the folate and folic acid are often used interchangeably, folate is the naturally occurring vitamin found in dark leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and liver, as opposed to folic acid which is a synthetic form of B9 found in supplements and added to fortified foods such as cereal and loaves of bread.
A low level of B12 can cause numbness or irritation in the arms and legs, weakness, and loss of balance. Additional conditions for which the test may be done include, sudden severe confusion, loss of brain function, nerve abnormalities, such as peripheral neuropathy and maybe more.
Note: The medical information provided here in this website is for informational purposes only and is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
