Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are B vitamins that work together to form red blood cells. Red blood cells deliver oxygen throughout the body, and anemia is a condition characterized by inadequate healthy red blood cells. Because both vitamin B-12 and folic acid play a critical role in red blood cell production, a blood test to measure vitamin B-12 and folic acid levels can help determine what is causing your anemia.
Test Procedure
A trained medical professional draws blood from your vein using a needle. A laboratory technician then analyzes your blood and measures your vitamin B-12 and folic acid levels. For accurate results, do not eat or drink anything for six to eight hours before the test.
Normal Levels of Vitamin B-12
Normal vitamin B-12 levels range between 200 and 900 picograms per milliliter. Because vitamin B12 is water-soluble, excess amounts of this vitamin are excreted in urine, making elevated levels of vitamin B-12 uncommon. Vitamin B-12 levels less than 200 pg/mL indicate a vitamin B-12 deficiency. A vitamin B-12 deficiency can have many different causes, including pregnancy, malabsorption, hyperthyroidism, inadequate dietary intake of vitamin B-12 or inadequate intrinsic factor, which is required for vitamin B-12 absorption.
Normal Levels of Folic Acid
Normal folic acid levels range between 2.7 and 17 nanograms per milliliter. Like vitamin B-12, folic acid is water-soluble, so any extra folic acid can be excreted in urine. Folic acid levels less than 2.7 ng/mL are indicative of a folic acid deficiency. Women of childbearing age need extra folic acid to prevent birth defects. Low folic acid levels can be caused by malabsorption, malnutrition or inadequate dietary intake of folic acid.
Dietary Sources of Vitamin B-12 and Folic Acid
Supplemental forms of vitamin B-12 and folic acid are available; however, only take them under the direction of your doctor. In addition to a supplement, your medical team may recommend a diet rich in vitamin B-12 and folic acid. B-12 is found in animal products, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt and fortified breakfast cereals. Folic acid is also found in fortified breakfast cereals, as well as legumes, green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits.
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