Vitamin B Complex Profile Test

A Vitamin B Complex Profile test is typically ordered for the following reasons:

• To evaluate for deficiency: A deficiency in one or more of the B vitamins can lead to a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, nerve damage, and anemia. The test results can help identify which vitamin(s) is/are deficient and determine the appropriate treatment.
• To monitor treatment of deficiency: After a deficiency has been identified, the test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. The levels of the deficient vitamin(s) should increase with proper treatment.
• To evaluate malabsorption issues: Malabsorption of nutrients can lead to deficiencies in vitamins, including B vitamins. The test results can help identify malabsorption issues and determine the appropriate treatment.
• To evaluate for certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as pernicious anemia, which affects the body's ability to absorb Vitamin B12, require specific Vitamin B12 level monitoring.

A Vitamin B Complex Profile test is typically ordered for people who have symptoms of deficiency or malabsorption issues or have certain medical conditions that require monitoring of specific B vitamins level.

The following individuals may be at higher risk of B vitamin deficiencies and may benefit from a Vitamin B Complex Profile test:

• People with malabsorption issues, such as those with celiac disease or Crohn's disease, as these conditions can affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
• Vegetarians and vegans, as they may be at higher risk of B12 deficiency.
• Alcoholics, as alcohol consumption can interfere with the absorption and metabolism of B vitamins.
• People taking certain medications, such as metformin for diabetes, as these medications can affect the levels of B vitamins in the body.
• People with anemia, as low levels of certain B vitamins, such as folic acid and B12, can lead to anemia.
• Pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant, as a deficiency in folic acid can lead to neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
• People with symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, nerve damage, anemia, skin rashes, cracking of the corners of the mouth, sore throat, eye disorders, and dementia.

Vitamin B Complex Profile measures the level of various B vitamins in the blood viz. vitamin B1, B2, B6, B9 (Folic acid), and Vitamin B12.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

If Vitamin B Complex Profile test results are abnormal for Vitamin B1, B2, B6, B9 (Folic acid), and Vitamin B12, it means that the levels of these vitamins are outside the normal range. This suggests that the individual may have a deficiency in one or more of these vitamins.

Associated Tests:

•     Vitamin Profile
•     Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
•     Vitamin B2 Riboflavin
•    Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine
•     Folic Acid Serum
•     RBC Folate EDTA Whole Blood
•   Vitamin B12 Active Holo Transcobalamin
•   Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin Serum