A modern approach for the investigation of vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency is not uncommon and is a significant public health concern, especially for the elderly. It is estimated that between 10-15% of the over 65s will have B12 deficiency. Accurate diagnosis is not trivial: the classical entry points for investigation, anaemia and large red blood cells (macrocytosis), are often lacking.

The current front-line total vitamin B12 test is known to be unreliable and can typically miss about half of patients who are likely to be deficient.

Signs and symptoms cannot be relied upon either: they can often be attributed to other causes.

Currently there is no consensus, nor generally applicable guidelines, for the definition and diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency. Established approaches need improving, especially since the treatment of B12 deficiency is effective, safe and inexpensive.

This web-site is for those who wish to find out more about this condition and in particular the use of the Active-B12 (holotranscobalamin) test, a new indicator of vitamin B12 status, developed by scientists at Axis-Shield Diagnostics.

We aim to continue to present new findings into the clinical usefulness of measuring Active B12, through our collaborative research, and to make the test as widely available as possible (in the routine laboratory setting and for research) with the goal of improving the lives of patients suffering from this condition.

Keep checking this site for new research findings in this area that should make the task of diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency easier for the laboratorian, the doctor and the patient.