Randox Vitamin B12 Home Test Kit for Energy

Product Summary

Understand your Vitamin B12 level with this convenient home sample collection kit. A Vitamin B12 deficiency can be the cause of low energy levels, tiredness and weakness. This simple blood test is designed to help you understand your Vitamin B12 level.

If you are tired all the time, have difficulty concentrating or feel low, then you may be lacking Vitamin B12. Find out your vitamin B12 level with our convenient home sample collection kit.

• Sample type: finger prick blood test
• Results: in 2-3 working days from receipt of sample at lab.

Why Get Tested?

Vitamin B12 is important for healthy red blood cells and nerve function. Deficiency can lead to excessive tiredness, weakness, poor concentration and tingling sensations in the hands and feet. Good sources of Vitamin B12 include meat, fish, dairy and eggs. Following a vegan or vegetarian diet, without adequate supplementation, can increase risk of deficiency.
A common cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency is pernicious anaemia, where the immune system damages cells found in the stomach and prevents absorption of Vitamin B12. Conditions such as coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, which affect the ability of the body to absorb nutrients properly, and prolonged use of stomach acid-suppressing medications can also increase risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Is there an age limit to purchase a home blood test kit?

Yes, you must be over 18 years of age to purchase one of our home blood sample collection kits.

How it works

Take your sample

• Follow the instructions with your kit.

Send it to the lab

• Activate your kit before sending your sample back to the lab.
• Place the prepaid label on the return package supplied containing your sample, and drop it off at the post office.

Get Your Results

• Once the lab receives your sample, they will begin to process it.
• Your results will be ready 2-3 days afterwards.
• Log in to your account to view your results.

What happens after I get my results?

You will get a personalised report

• An easy to interpret Test report will provide a breakdown of your results, what they mean and the next steps.
• Reports will be emailed to the email address provided at the time of registration.
• Where necessary, if treatment is recommended, you can then share your report with your doctor to get prescription based medication or a vitamin B12 supplementation recommendation if and where necessary.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

Why am I low on Vitamin B12 despite having meat and dairy?

Although meat and dairy are good sources of Vitamin B12, some people still suffer from deficiency due to problems with absorption. The most common cause is pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune disease that renders the stomach incapable of absorbing B12 properly. Other diseases, such as coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, or prior bowel surgery, can also lower absorption. Prolonged use of medications like proton pump inhibitors (for reflux disease) or metformin (for diabetes) can lower B12 levels. Even older people can absorb less due to reduced stomach acid. So, deficiency can occur even with a regular diet if your body is not able to absorb the vitamin.

Can low Vitamin B12 influence my mental health or brain function?

Yes, Vitamin B12 is important for brain function and nerve function. A deficiency will result in symptoms such as memory impairment, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and even depression. In severe or long-term cases, it can lead to nerve damage, which might cause tingling, numbness, or difficulty with balance and movement. B12 also helps produce neurotransmitters, which affect mood and thinking. This is why low levels can sometimes be mistaken for mental health issues. Testing your B12 level is a simple way to check whether it’s contributing to how you’re feeling emotionally and mentally.

Should vegans and vegetarians have their B12 levels checked regularly?

Yes, individuals on a vegan or vegetarian diet are more likely to develop B12 deficiency since the vitamin is primarily present in animal products. If you're not taking a B12 supplement on a regular basis or consuming fortified foods (such as cereals or plant milks with added B12), you may not be getting enough. Symptoms of deficiency develop over time, so it's a good idea to get tested every 6 to 12 months to detect any problems early. Even if you're feeling absolutely fine, getting tested will help you maintain healthy levels and aid in long-term health.

How is Vitamin B12 administered via injections versus supplements?

Both are prescribed for Vitamin B12 deficiency, but the method differs with the extent of the deficiency and the reason for it. Oral supplements are appropriate if your body can naturally absorb B12. If you have conditions like pernicious anaemia, in which absorption via the stomach is not possible, you might need to take B12 injections. Injections are supplied right into the muscle and do not go through the digestive system. They're usually given by a medical provider on a regular schedule. Your doctor will decide what the best approach is based on your test results and symptoms.

Can a Vitamin B12 deficiency cause other physical symptoms?

Yes, in addition to fatigue and lack of energy, B12 deficiency can also cause muscle weakness, a pale or yellow complexion, swollen tongue, mouth sores, and blurred vision in some cases. You can also get pins and needles in your hands and feet due to nerve damage. If the deficiency persists for an extended period, it can lead to severe complications, including walking difficulties, poor coordination, and long-term nerve issues. They can develop slowly and be overlooked, so regular tests and early treatment are necessary.

Can one have too much Vitamin B12?

It's unlikely to have an excessive amount of Vitamin B12 from diet or supplements since the body would normally excrete any excess via urine. B12 doesn't have a ceiling safety level since it's water-soluble and the body won't store much of it. Still, very high readings in your blood test might, on occasion, indicate other conditions, such as liver dysfunction or particular forms of leukaemia. This is why you need to interpret your test results in terms of the general health that you possess, and this can be done either by your doctor or pharmacist.

When should I repeat my Vitamin B12 test?

If your B12 reading is normal and you are not symptomatic, every 12 months would usually be adequate. If you've had one previously or are in a higher-risk group due to diet or health, you may need to check every 3 to 6 months to determine if your symptoms are changing or remaining consistent. If you're receiving injections or supplements, your doctor would like to know if they're helping by rechecking a few months from then. Regular monitoring helps prevent long-term complications.