Vitamin B Test

B vitamins are nutrients that your body needs to work well and stay healthy.

B vitamins are nutrients that your body needs to work well and stay healthy. There are eight different types. A vitamin B test checks the level of one or more B vitamins in a sample of your blood or urine (pee). All the B vitamins together are called the "B vitamin complex." The B vitamins are: B1, thiamine B2, riboflavin B3, niacin (also called nicotinic acid and nicotinamide) B5, pantothenic acid B6, pyridoxal phosphate B7, biotin B9, folate ( folic acid ) B12, cobalamin Each type of vitamin B plays different important roles in your body, such as helping to: Maintain normal metabolism (the process your body uses to make energy from food you eat) Make healthy blood cells Keep your nervous system working properly You get B vitamins from many foods, including leafy green vegetables, meats and fish, eggs, whole grains, milk, and other dairy products. A lack of vitamin B is rare in the United States, because many foods have added B vitamins. These foods include cereals, breads, and pasta. But certain diets and health conditions can affect how well your body absorbs vitamin B. And if you lack B vitamins, it can cause serious health problems. For example, a lack of B12 can cause anemia and nerve disorders . A lack of B vitamins is called a vitamin B deficiency. It's usually treated with supplements. But it's important to talk with your health care provider before taking vitamin B supplements. That's because large amounts of some B vitamins can cause health problems, too. And some B vitamins may affect the way certain medicines work in your body. Other names: vitamin B testing, vitamin B complex, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxal phosphate (B6), biotin (B7), vitamin B12, folic acid, folate, and cobalamin test

Why is this test ordered? You may need a vitamin B test if you have symptoms that could mean you're lacking certain B vitamins. The symptoms depend on which type of a vitamin B deficiency you have. For example, common symptoms from a lack of vitamin B6 may include: Itchy rashes Cracks at the corners of the mouth Scaly skin on the lips Swollen tongue Common symptoms from a lack of vitamin B12 may include: Fatigue Arrhythmia (problems with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat) Weight loss when you're not trying to lose weight Tingly or numb hands and feet (a sign of nerve problems) You may also need vitamin B testing if you have a condition or habits that increase your risk of having a vitamin B deficiency, such as: Celiac or Crohn's disease Alcohol use disorder (AUD) Malabsorption syndrome Not eating foods that are rich in B vitamins, such as animal products (meat, eggs, and/or dairy foods) Having had surgery on your digestive system, including gastric bypass surgery for weight loss Taking certain medicines that affect how your body uses certain B vitamins