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Guidelines for Vitamin B12 Discontinuation Prior to Antibody Testing

Explore the recommendation to stop Vitamin B12 supplements before anti-parietal cell and anti-intrinsic factor antibody tests to ensure accurate results. Learn about the potential interference caused by B12 and the importance of following your healthcare provider's advice on this discontinuation period.


  • Is it true that I have to stop taking b12 for 2 weeks prior to anti-parietal cell & anti-intrinsic factor testing?

    I was told this.

  • There is a recommendation to stop taking Vitamin B12 supplements prior to testing for anti-parietal cell and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies, which are used to diagnose conditions like pernicious anemia1. This discontinuation is necessary because Vitamin B12 supplementation can potentially interfere with the test results by affecting the serum levels of related antibodies1. Typically, this discontinuation period can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, but specific guidelines may vary depending on the healthcare provider's recommendations. Hence, following the guidance of your healthcare provider regarding the exact period for discontinuation is essential.

    Footnotes

    1. Alex Ankar, "Vitamin B12 Deficiency - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf," NCBI, 2023. 2

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