How do I check if my B12 is low?

Checking your vitamin B12 levels

Feeling unusually tired or sluggish lately? Your body might be running low on vitamin B12, an essential nutrient primarily found in animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Because plant-based foods do not naturally contain it, people following a strict vegan or vegetarian diet are often at a higher risk of deficiency.

When B12 drops too low, it can lead to health concerns like certain types of anaemia or neuropathy, which affects nerve function. Fortunately, checking your status is straightforward.

Your doctor can easily measure your B12 levels using a simple blood test or occasionally a urine test. Depending on the specific lab work ordered, you might need to fast for a few hours beforehand, so it is always best to check with your healthcare provider for their specific instructions before your appointment.