According to MedlinePlus, vitamin B12 deficiency results in a low red blood cell count in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to provide oxygen to the body's tissues. Vitamin B12 is also essential for proper nervous system function. Vitamin B12 is mostly found in meats, poultry, shellfish, eggs and diary products, but may be malabsorbed if your body lacks adequate protein to help vitamin B12 uptake. Therefore, if you are experiencing symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, which include diarrhea, fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath or swollen or red tongue, you should consult your doctor to test for vitamin B12 malabsorption.
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with your physician to have your vitamin B12 level assessed. Let your doctor know of any symptoms you are experiencing related to a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Step 2
Allow your doctor to perform a physical exam. Your doctor will look for pale or yellowish skin, a red beefy tongue, weight loss, muscle weakness or mental confusion.
Step 3
Ask your doctor to order a set of blood tests that include a complete blood count for vitamin B12, folate and vitamin C levels, states MayoClinic.com. In addition, you may also ask your doctor if other tests are necessary, including a test to check for antibodies to intrinsic factor, which indicates pernicious anemia. If the antibodies test is inconclusive, you may ask your doctor to order a methylmalonic acid test or a Schilling test to further assess vitamin B12 deficiency.
Tips and Warnings
- Follow up your lab results so your vitamin B12 deficiency can be successfully treated.
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