Overview
- Absorbed in association with intrinsic factor → decreased IF → decreased absorption of clot → low blood concentration.
- Absorbed in ileum → malabsorption results in low levels in blood.
- Utilized by small intestinal bacteria → GI obstruction → bacterial growth → bacterial overgrowth reduces levels.
Uses
Alone
- Detection of distal small intestinal malabsorption
. - Detection of distal small intestinal mucosal disease.
In combination
With serum folate- With folate aids localization of small intestinal disease, decreased folate and cobalamin indicated diffuse disease associated with IBD or lymphoma. Possibly the identification of bacterial overgrowth secondary to intestinal obstruction.
Other
- Consider in conjunction with pancreatic function, eg trypsin-like immunreactivity .
- Most cats with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency have low serum B12. Consider feline TLI assay to diagnose EPI in cats.
Result data
Normal (reference) values
- Check individual laboratory normal ranges.
Abnormal values
- Reduced vitamin B12 can be consistent with:
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
- Diseases affecting distal small intestine (ileum).
- Partial or complete obstruction of the intestine resulting in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
- Dietary deficiency.
Sources
Publications
Refereed papers
- Reed N, Gunn-Moore D & Simpson K (2007) Cobalamin, folate and inorganic phosphate abnormalities in ill cats. J Fel Med Surg 9, 278-288 PubMed.
- Simpson K W, Fyfe J, & Cornetta A et al (2001) Subnormal concentrations of serum cobalamin (Vitamin B12) in cats with gastrointestinal disease. JVIM 15, 26-32.
Other sources of information
- Simpson J W (1998) Gastrointestinal system and exocrine pancreas. In: Manual of Small Animal Clinical Pathology. Davidson M, Else R & Lumsden J (eds). BSAVA, Cheltenham.
- Bush B M (1991) Interpretation of Laboratory Results. Blackwell Scientific Publication, Oxford.
