Measuring and tracking vitamin B12: a review of current methods with a focus on optical spectroscopy

Abstract

Vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. This literature review explores the current methods available for measuring vitamin B12 in human blood, serum, and urine, and the need for a globally accepted reference range for vitamin B12. We present optical spectroscopy, including chemiluminescence measurements, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and Raman spectroscopy, as a promising technique for detection and tracking of vitamin B12. Considerations for future research are highlighted, including enhancing the sensitivity of optical spectroscopy and prospective pathways to improve the reproducibility, selectivity, and speed of vitamin B12 detection.