What is vitamin B12 Holotranscobalamin?
Holotranscobalamin (a.k.a. Active B12) Holotranscobalamin represents the biologically active fraction of B12. Based on ROC analysis using raised MMA as a surrogate for B12 deficiency, holotranscobalamin appears to be a better marker of vitamin B12 deficiency than total B12.
What is Holo TC?
Holotranscobalamin (holo-TC) is a transcobalamin-vitamin B12 complex currently being investigated as a diagnostic test (e.g., HOLO TC RIA, Axis-Shield Active-B 12) for vitamin B12 deficiency in symptomatic and at-risk populations. Cobalamin deficiency can result from nutritional deficiencies or malabsorption.
What is intrinsic factor?
Intrinsic factor is a protein that helps your intestines absorb vitamin B12. It is made by cells in the stomach lining.
What is the difference between vitamin B12 and active B12?
There are two types of vitamin B12 in the body, these are active B12 and inactive B12, both make up Total B12. The simple difference between the two forms is that active B12 is the form used by the body.
How do you know if you lack intrinsic factor?
Most cases result from the lack of the gastric protein known as intrinsic factor, without which vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed. The symptoms of pernicious anemia may include weakness, fatigue, an upset stomach, an abnormally rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and/or chest pains.
What conditions destroy intrinsic factor?
In pernicious anemia, the body makes antibodies that attack and destroy the parietal (pa-RI-eh-tal) cells. These cells line the stomach and make intrinsic factor. Why this autoimmune response occurs isn’t known. As a result of this attack, the stomach stops making intrinsic factor.
What happens if you have a vitamin B 12 deficiency?
Left untreated, a vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, intestinal problems, nerve damage and mood disturbances. The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms. Research on the use of vitamin B-12 for specific activities and conditions shows:
Can you take vitamin B 12 on a balanced diet?
Most people get enough vitamin B-12 from a balanced diet. However, older adults, vegetarians and people who have conditions that affect their ability to absorb vitamin B-12 from foods might benefit from the use of oral supplements.
What should my vitamin B12 level be in my blood?
Vitamin B12 status is typically assessed via serum or plasma vitamin B12 levels. Values below approximately 170–250 pg/mL (120–180 picomol/L) for adults [5] indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency. However, evidence suggests that serum vitamin B12 concentrations might not accurately reflect intracellular concentrations [6].
Is there a link between vitamin B 12 and dementia?
Elevated homocysteine might increase your risk of diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease). Despite this benefit, there’s no evidence to show that vitamin B-12 supplements prevent heart disease. Dementia.