Elevated B12 Levels Detected in Blood Test
A 30-year-old woman recently underwent blood testing, revealing two elevated results that were flagged by the laboratory as unusual: vitamin B12 (levels at 922) and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR at 127). All other parameters remained within normal limits. She is not currently using any dietary supplements and is unaware of any preexisting health conditions. What might these results signify? Is there a need for additional medical assessment?
Answers (1)
12/16/2025, 3:30:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
Elevated levels of vitamin B12 and an increased eGFR can indicate various underlying conditions or dietary factors. While both results can be flagged as unusual, let's break down what they could mean and what steps to take.
Main Points
- Elevated Vitamin B12: Levels above 900 pg/mL are considered high and can point to several factors, which we will explore.
- Increased eGFR: A high eGFR is generally good, indicating better kidney function than average but may need further exploration depending on context.
Explanation
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Vitamin B12: High levels may be due to:
- Dietary Sources: A diet rich in animal products (meat, dairy, fish) can contribute to higher B12 levels.
- Medical Conditions: Rarely, high B12 can indicate liver disease, kidney dysfunction, or other hematological disorders where the body releases stored B12.
- No supplements: Since you don’t take supplements, dietary intake is likely a key factor.
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eGFR: A normal eGFR typically ranges from 90-120 mL/min and indicates how well your kidneys are filtering blood. Elevated eGFR, like 127, can sometimes reflect hyperfiltration, where kidneys filter more blood volume, often linked to increased protein intake, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any unusual symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or changes in urination. While there might not be immediate concern, noting any changes can be helpful.
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Diet Review: Consider maintaining a food diary to assess your intake of vitamin B12 and other nutrients. If your B12 levels are due to dietary sources, adjusting your intake may provide clarity.
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Follow-Up Testing: It may be useful to have a follow-up blood test in a few months to recheck B12 and eGFR levels, unless new symptoms arise. This allows you to see if your levels stabilize naturally.
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Stay Informed: Keep this information in mind, and if you feel any unusual symptoms, it could be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
If you have more questions or concerns, feel free to ask!
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