Vitamin B12 & Folate Assessment
Assessment Stage: Baseline Assessment
Included in Future Health Assessment: Yes
Partner: DHM Pathology
Provider: DHM Pathology
Approximate Cost: Medicare where eligible
What is it?
Vitamin B12 and folate are essential nutrients involved in red blood cell production, nerve function and DNA synthesis.
Deficiency may develop gradually and remain undetected for many years.
What does it measure?
Serum Vitamin B12
Serum Folate
Why is it important?
Deficiency may contribute to:
Fatigue
Anaemia
Memory impairment
Peripheral neuropathy
Mood changes
Elevated homocysteine
Long-standing B12 deficiency can result in permanent neurological damage if left untreated.
Who may benefit?
Recommended for:
Vegetarians and vegans
Older adults
Metformin users
Long-term proton pump inhibitor users
Patients with gastrointestinal disease
Individuals with unexplained fatigue or neurological symptoms
What happens during the test?
A routine blood sample is collected.
Preparation
No fasting is usually required.
Advise your clinician of any vitamin supplementation.
Advantages
Simple blood test
Detects nutritional deficiency
Supports neurological assessment
Guides supplementation
Limitations
Serum B12 may appear normal despite functional deficiency.
Homocysteine testing may occasionally provide additional information where clinically indicated.
How Future Health uses this investigation
Results are interpreted alongside:
Full Blood Count
Iron studies
Nutrition assessment
Medical history
Homocysteine (where indicated)
Future Health Summary
Adequate Vitamin B12 and folate are essential for healthy blood formation, nervous system function and cognitive health.