Additional Information

Use: Vitamin B12 is necessary for hematopoiesis and for normal neuronal function.  In men, it is obtained only in association with animal protein and requires intrinsic factor for absorption.  Deficiency of intrinsic factor secretion by gastric mucosa results in pernicious anemia.  Reduced serum concentration of B12 accompanies malabsorption syndromes as well.  Many other conditions are known to cause increase or decrease in the serum Vitamin B12 concentration that may lead to misinterpretation of assay results.