Vitamin B12 plays an essential part in red blood cell growth, cell metabolism, neuron function, DNA production – it’s also key during pregnancy to support the baby's development. Those following vegan and frequently vegetarian diets are most at risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency due to not meeting their requirements through animal sources such as meat, fish, and dairy products. However, supplementation can help to meet these needs.

While most individuals do receive enough of this Vitamin B12, it becomes more difficult to absorb this vitamin as people get older. B12 deficiency is common in those who have had weight loss surgery or another procedure that removed part of their stomach – a long history of alcohol consumption can also make it more likely.

What we measure

Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a naturally occurring chemical produced at small levels during metabolism, and Vitamin B12 is necessary during this process to help your body convert food into energy. Without sufficient levels of Vitamin B12, your body produces more MMA. So, high MMA levels typically indicate a B12 deficiency. Having this deficiency can in turn cause significant health concerns, such as anemia, exhaustion and difficulties with the brain and spinal cord, and it is significantly linked to cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease development too.

 Our Vitamin B12 urine test detects the level of MMA, which can help reveal any specific signs of B12 deficiency. The more MMA you have based on this test, the more deficient your Vitamin B12 levels are likely to be. With this urine test, the results are delivered in millimoles of MMA per millimole of creatinine (cr). When the findings show less than 2.0 mmol MMA/mol cr, it indicates optimal Vitamin B12 status. A consequence of more than 3.8 mmol MMA/mol cr means that your B12 level is very low and should be confirmed with additional testing.

Monitoring MMA levels in the urine makes it simpler to detect the slightest elevations and offers more sensitive and efficient results than its blood test counterpart. Our Neuroptimax Diagnostics home-based urine testing kits make monitoring your health simple and convenient so you can get back to performing at your best.

Optimise Your Vitamin B12 Levels in 3 Easy Steps

1 Measure

You won’t know if your Vitamin B12 level is optimal just because you eat a balanced diet or take supplements — it must be measured.

2 Modify

Once you know your Vitamin B12 level, it may be optimised with simple dietary changes or may prompt other lifestyle changes.

 3 Monitor

Testing your Vitamin B12 level every 4-6 months will ensure that your levels stay optimal:

HOW OUR SERVICE WORKS:

Order: Choose the test service you would like. The sample collection kit typically arrives in 3 to 5 days.

Collect Sample: Follow the simple kit instructions to collect your urine sample from the comfort of home. Once you collect your sample, mail it back to our lab using the pre-paid envelope.

Get Results: In 2-4 weeks you will receive an email letting you know your personalised results are ready. You'll also get detailed advice with easy-to-understand graphics for your food, exercise, sleep, supplements, and much more. Take action and track your progress to take your health to new heights.