Vitamin B12 (Active) and Folate Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGPChief Medical Officer

What is vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that's in virtually all meat products and certain algae, such as seaweed, that helps maintain healthy nerve and red blood cells and is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Good sources of vitamin B12 include meat, salmon, cod, milk, cheese, eggs, yeast extract, and some fortified breakfast cereals. As it is found almost exclusively in animal-based products, if you cut out animal products from your diet, you can be at risk of B12 deficiency.
What happens with a vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms usually develop gradually but can worsen if the condition goes untreated. They include headaches, feeling faint, pale skin, and palpitations. Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack cells in the stomach, preventing the absorption of vitamin B12.
What is folate?
Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that's important to help produce red blood cells and prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida in unborn babies. Small amounts of folate are in many foods. Good sources include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, peas, chickpeas, and brown rice. Other sources of folate include fortified breakfast cereals, some bread, and some fruit, such as oranges and bananas.
What's Included?
How to prepare for your test
Special Instructions
Prepare for your Vitamin B12 (Active) and Folate Blood Test by following these instructions. You should take this test before you take any medication or vitamin/mineral supplements. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed. Do not take vitamin B12 for two weeks prior to this test. If your B12 is prescribed ask your doctor whether to stop.