Test
Vitamin B12, Serum
Pathology
Summary
Vitamin B12 performs many important functions in the body, but the most significant function is to act as coenzyme for reducing ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides, a step in the formation of genes. Inadequate dietary intake is not the commonest cause for cobalamine deficiency. The most common cause is malabsorption either due to atrophy of gastric mucosa or diseases of terminal ileum. Cobalamine deficiency leads to Megaloblastic anemia and demyelination of large nerve fibres of spinal cord. Normal body stores are sufficient to last for 3-6 years. Sources of Vitamin B12 are liver, shellfish, fish, meat, eggs, milk, cheese & yogurt
