What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble nutrient required for healthy cell function, energy production, and nervous system support. A blood test, reported in pmol/L in Australia, shows how much circulating B12 is available for your body to use.
Why does it matter for long-term health and wellbeing?
B12 plays a central role in energy metabolism, cognitive performance, and cellular renewal. Understanding your levels helps you optimise nutrition, support daily energy, and maintain long-term vitality.
What’s an optimal level of Vitamin B12?
- Laboratory reference range: 120 to 1000 pmol/L
- Vively’s proactive optimal range: approximately 450 pmol/L and above
These ranges reflect general population data and functional targets that support long-term wellbeing.
What influences Vitamin B12 levels?
Levels can be shaped by dietary patterns, age, absorption efficiency, digestive health, and the use of certain medications. Intake from food and supplements also plays a role.
What does it mean if Vitamin B12 is outside the optimal range?
A level below the proactive range may suggest that your intake or absorption could be strengthened. Levels above the reference range may reflect supplementation. These results provide useful lifestyle insights and can guide supportive changes.
How can I support healthy Vitamin B12 levels?
Balanced nutrition, consistent intake of B12-rich foods, overall gut health, and—where appropriate—supplementation can help maintain steady levels. Regular tracking helps you see how your lifestyle affects your results over time.
This information is provided for general health and wellness purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
FAQs
What foods are high in vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 foods are mainly animal-based, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and fortified foods. For people with limited intake or absorption, tracking levels through blood work vitamin B12 testing helps determine whether dietary sources are meeting needs.
Can vitamin B12 deficiency be a sign of cancer?
Can vitamin B12 deficiency be a sign of cancer is a common question. While low B12 is far more often related to dietary intake, absorption issues, or medication use, unexplained deficiency can occasionally prompt further medical evaluation. A vitamin B12 blood test helps identify low levels early so appropriate follow-up can be considered.
How often should vitamin B12 be checked?
Blood work vitamin B12 testing frequency depends on individual factors such as diet, age, gut health, and supplementation. For many people, periodic monitoring with a vitamin B12 blood test provides useful insight into long-term nutritional status and whether lifestyle adjustments are effective.
References
- National Health and Medical Research Council & Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (2006). Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand Including Recommended Dietary Intakes. Canberra: NHMRC.
- National Health and Medical Research Council (2013). Australian Dietary Guidelines. Canberra: NHMRC.
- O’Leary, F., & Samman, S. (2010). Vitamin B₁₂ in Health and Disease. Nutrients, 2(3), 299–316.
- Gibson, R. S. (2005). Principles of Nutritional Assessment (2nd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
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