Vitamin B12 and folate (also known as vitamin B9) play a very important role in your body.

As well as keeping your nerves and blood cells healthy, these vitamins help make DNA, the genetic material in all your body’s cells. Having low levels of vitamin B12 and folate can lead to megaloblastic anaemia if untreated, a deficiency anaemia which can make you very tired and weak.

Your Vitamin B12 and Folate test will determine your levels of these important vitamins, helping indicate deficiency.

A deficiency in B12 or folate is the most common cause of a condition known as megaloblastic anaemia. Simply put, this happens when your body produces very large red blood cells that don’t function normally. These abnormally large blood cells struggle to carry oxygen to your organs. The symptoms of B12 and folate deficiency can be very wide-ranging. But common deficiency signs include extreme tiredness and a lack of energy, a frequent sensation of pins and needles, muscle weakness, mouth ulcers and problems with your memory. Deficiencies can affect people of all ages, although they are more common in older people. In fact, around 1 in 20 people aged 65-74 are deficient, rising to 1 in 10 people aged 75 and over.

All our tests have been specially designed to be convenient and non-invasive. Once you’ve booked your appointment, full preparation instructions will be provided in your confirmation email or letter. You can continue to eat and drink normally before your appointment, and you’ll also remain fully clothed throughout.