What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12, along with your body’s folic acid (Vitamin B9), helps to ensure blood and nerve cells are healthy. It plays a role in energy production, working with enzymes to help process carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Foods which are a good source of Vitamin B12 include eggs, milk, cheese and fish, particularly shellfish.

This is an important vitamins for Vegan's to monitor. A vegan diet can lack in Vitamin B12, and it is important to make sure that your body gets the vitamins that it needs.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency range from rash and mouth sores to memory loss and depression. Those who are more at risk include vegans, heavy drinkers, over 50s, and people with digestive problems.

A high intake of folic acid can mask a Vitamin B12 deficiency which, if undetected, can cause neurological damage. If you have been suffering from symptoms, or have concerns about your levels of Vitamin B12, you should consider this private Better2Know home test.

What is the Better2Know home testing process?

The Better2Know Vitamin B12 home test requires a small blood sample. This is collected using a finger prick lancet. It is also suitable if you are afraid of needles. Your home testing kit will contain a gold-topped blood collection tube, three lancets, wipes, a pathology form, sample collection instructions, and a prepaid envelope for you to return your sample. Please follow the instructions carefully. Once you have performed your test, pop the blood sample into the postage-paid envelope and send it directly to our accredited UK laboratory for analysis.

When will my home testing kit arrive?

If you place your order before 4pm on a weekday, your home testing kit will be sent by first class post on the very same day.

How will I receive my test results?

The results of your Vitamin B12 home test will be available within one working day of your sample’s arrival at our certified laboratory. Results are handled in the strictest confidence. Your results will be available online for you to access as soon as they are ready, by our secure patient login area of the Better2Know website.

What should I do with my results?

Some of the health problems caused by a Vitamin B12 deficiency can be irreversible if left undetected. It is therefore important that your condition is diagnosed as early as possible. The longer the condition goes untreated, the greater the risk of more permanent damage. If your home test results reveal a Vitamin B12 deficiency, you can request an appointment with a Better2Know doctor or nutrition specialist, of you can see your own GP. Our Better2Know health advisors can arrange a telephone or face-to-face doctor’s consultation either before your test or following your results.

How can I order my home test?

You can buy this test now by selecting the ‘Add to Basket’ button above. You can also purchase this test over the phone. Call Better2Know on the number above and a member of our dedicated team will process your order. We also offer a comprehensive range of health tests and screens nationwide. Our Patient Services Executives are available 24/7 to answer your questions and process your bookings.