OmegaQuant, the developers of nutritional status tests for omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, recently announced the launch of a new test to assess vitamin B12 status, allowing consumers to test themselves at home.
 
The convenient test measures a substance called methylmalonic acid (uMMA) in urine, which OmegaQuant reports is the most accurate way to determine low B12 status. The more uMMA you have, the more likely you are to be low in this nutrient.
 
Vitamin B12 is involved in many cellular processes, and its functions can support red blood cell production, nerve function, brain health, and heart health. It is only found in animal-sourced products and some fortified foods, and absorption challenges can make it challenging for individuals to determine if their dietary intakes are sufficient.  Deficiencies cause MMA to spill out into the blood where it eventually gets filtered by the kidney into the urine, which is where the test measures it.
 
Test results are reported in specific units, namely mmol MMA/ mol creatinine. Optimal vitamin B12 status is indicated when the result is below 2.0 units, and a result above 3.8 units indicates that vitamin B12 status is very low. A true B12 deficiency, however, should be confirmed with further testing and consultation with a healthcare provider, the company reports.
 
OmegaQuant’s B12 test comes with a device that allows for easy sample collection, and is then mailed back to the lab where it is analyzed. OmegaQuant notifies the consumer that their results are ready within three to five days, and provides consumers with personalized, actionable health information based on those results.
 
Deficiencies are common in vegans and vegetarians, who typically have the lowest intakes. However, others at risk of B12 deficiency include diabetic people who take Metformin and those who have undergone bariatric surgery. Pregnant women often have higher needs for the nutrient during pregnancy, so testing regularly is recommended to ensure that their intakes are sufficient, OmegaQuant said.
 
Citing research by Harvard Health, the company said that B12 deficiency can often go unnoticed until it manifests in major health issues like jaundice, joint pain, deep depression, memory loss, incontinence, shortness of breath, and more. In a study they conducted on the health outcomes of 3,000 participants, the authors found that 40% of participants were deficient in vitamin B12. If these results were extrapolated to the U.S. population, this would mean that more than 80 million adults may have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
 
 “Vitamin B12 is an incredibly important nutrient for people of all ages, and knowing your status early on can help you avoid major health issues down the road,” Kristina Harris Jackson, director of research at OmegaQuant, said. “Our goal at OmegaQuant is to give consumers safe, easy tools that can help them approach their nutrition with a bit more precision. Our new vitamin B12 test is the latest tool in our toolbox.”