VITAMIN B12

Vitamin B12 is well involved in the metabolism of folic acid. Deficiency of VB12 prevents the 5'-N-methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid transforming to tetrahydrofolic acid resulting in the decreased capacity for DNA synthesis. Take this into consideration; it's necessary to measure both VB12 and folic acid in a clinical workup. Several reasons could cause VB12 deficiency, including vegetarianism, partial gastrectomy, pregnancy, oral contraception, advancing age, autoantibody, and mutation of genes associated to the absorption or transportation of VB12. Elevation of serum VB12 levels includes renal failure, liver disease, and myeloproliferative diseases.