Description
B12 and folate deficiency produce symptoms that are easy to put down to a busy life — tiredness, poor concentration, low mood — and both are straightforward to measure.
What this test measures
Vitamin B12 and serum folate.
Who it is for
- Ongoing fatigue, brain fog, or low mood
- Pins and needles or numbness in hands or feet
- Vegan or vegetarian diets — B12 comes almost entirely from animal sources
- Long-term metformin or proton pump inhibitor use, both of which reduce B12 absorption
- A sore or smooth tongue, or mouth ulcers
Preparing for your test
No fasting needed. If you supplement B12 or folate, take your sample before that day’s dose. Tell us about any supplements when you register your kit.
Worth knowing
Neurological symptoms from B12 deficiency can appear before anaemia does, and can become permanent if left long enough. Numbness or tingling is a reason to act promptly rather than wait.
What happens next
Once the laboratory reports, a GP registered with the Irish Medical Council reviews your result alongside the information you gave us and explains what it means in plain English. GP review is included in the price — we do not release raw numbers without interpretation.
Important limitations
This is a screening test, not a diagnosis. A result in range does not rule out every cause of a symptom, and a result out of range does not by itself confirm a condition. If you feel unwell, see a doctor in person regardless of what this test shows. This service is not for emergencies — call 112 or 999 if you are seriously unwell.
