The “Vitamins D3 and B12” tests package

The “Vitamins D3 and B12” tests package

Do you frequently suffer from infections? Do you experience general weakness, dizziness, muscle cramps or mood swings? Do you get tired quickly, suffer from insomnia, find it difficult to concentrate or believe that your memory fails you? Is your skin dry or pale? Or, perhaps... do you stick to a vegetarian diet?

Check the levels of vitamins D3 and B12 in your body!

If you observe any of the symptoms mentioned above, you may be suffering from the deficiency of these two vitamins. Their abnormal levels constitute an indication for further diagnosis or the possible need for supplementation.

The effects of vitamins D3 and B12 are so diverse that their abnormal serum concentrations can either lead to various health problems or be indicative of them.

Vitamin B12 deficiencies occur in the case of conditions such as:

• pernicious anaemia;
• inflammatory bowel disease;
• HIV infection;
• coeliac disease;
• thyroid disorders.

Vitamin D deficiencies can be observed in conditions such as chronic kidney disease, autoimmune diseases or lifestyle diseases, e.g. obesity or diabetes.

Reduced levels of vitamin D increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment. Meanwhile, deficiencies in vitamin B12 interfere with the proper functioning of the nervous system and can lead to peripheral neuropathy or memory disorders.

Have the levels of vitamins D and B12 tested if you:

experience fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems or a decrease in energy; suffer from depression, anxiety or sleep problems; experience neurological symptoms, e.g. tingling, numbness in your limbs or muscle weakness; follow a vegan or vegetarian diet; are an elderly person; have a suspected vitamin D and/or B12 deficiencies or malabsorption, or suffer from autoimmune diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease or anaemia; are on long-term medication, e.g. metformin (an anti-diabetic drug) or levodopa (a drug used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease), PPIs (proton-pump inhibitors used to treat upper gastrointestinal disorders), H2 receptor antagonists (drugs taken in the case of peptic ulcer disease and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease).

You can check the levels of these two vitamins based on one blood draw performed at one visit to a Medicover Medical Centre. The cost of tests under the package is lower than that of individual ones.

Why is it advisable to check the concentration of vitamin D?

Research shows that more than 50% of the world’s population suffers from vitamin D deficiency.

The results of tests carried out, among others, in Europe often indicate vitamin D deficiency – particularly in the case of seniors.

Since dietary sources of vitamin D are very limited, its vital source is skin synthesis (possible mainly in summer). Therefore, people who do not spend enough time in the sun, do not take appropriate vitamin D supplements or do not consume vitamin D-enriched foods may suffer from its deficiency – especially during autumn and winter.

Vitamin D is among the most important ones in the body. This vitamin:

• is necessary for the absorption of calcium and other minerals which are required for healthy bones (together with calcium, vitamin D reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis);
• helps regulate blood pressure;
• has a positive effect on mood;
• supports the immune system;
• prevents cognitive decline;
• strengthens teeth and bones;
• prevents many chronic diseases;
• protects against the development of certain cancers.

Low concentration of vitamin D is often linked to reduced levels of calcium and magnesium, and may lead to various health problems.

Vitamin D deficiencies can cause:

• rickets (in children);
• muscle pain and weakness;
• fatigue;
• insomnia;
• depression and anxiety;
• autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.

When taken in excessive amounts, vitamin D can be harmful to the body. Therefore, it is worth checking the concentration of this vitamin in the blood in order to determine the right dosage.

Please make sure to consult a doctor before taking a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D may interact with cardiac medications, including statins and diuretics.

Why is it advisable to check the concentration of vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 not only plays an essential role in the functioning of the nervous system, but is also needed for DNA synthesis and the production of red blood cells.

Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to:

• depression;
• dementia;
• cognitive decline;
• anaemia.

People who do not stick to a vegan diet get a sufficient amount of vitamin B12 from food – meat, eggs, dairy and other animal products are rich in this vitamin.

The causes of vitamin B12 deficiencies mainly include problems related to its absorption. These problems can occur at different ages. Absorption takes place with the involvement of an intrinsic factor produced in the stomach.

The ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases with age due to the naturally reduced production of gastric acid containing the so-called intrinsic factor, which is necessary for such absorption. This problem may be exacerbated by antacids and anti-diabetic drugs. What is more, the absorption of vitamin B12 can also be reduced by coeliac disease.

Insufficient concentration of vitamin B12 is observed in the case of:

• improper diet (strict vegetarian or vegan diet);
• intrinsic factor deficiency (gastric resection, immune-mediated gastritis, autoantibodies against parietal cells or the intrinsic factor);
• diseases of the distal ileum;
• increased demand for vitamin B12.

Elevated levels of vitamin B12 usually occur as a result of taking other medications and in cases of liver metastases, leukaemia or acute and chronic hepatitis.

Typical symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency:

• anxiety;
• depression;
• fatigue;,
• difficulty concentrating;
• memory loss;
• muscle weakness;
• nerve damage.

The best way to ensure a sufficient amount of vitamin B12 is to follow a varied and balanced diet that includes foods rich in this vitamin.

Check the concentration of vitamins: D and B12. You can have the levels of these two vitamins tested based on blood drawn during one visit to a Medicover Medical Centre. The price of these tests under the package is much lower than when they are performed separately.