Cancer of the pancreas is a malignant neoplasm that arises in the pancreas. It strikes approximately 9 out of every 100,000 people every year in the United States and is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. It is estimated that this year 45,000 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas.
Metabolism. Vitamin B-12 plays a role in metabolism, along with the other B vitamins. The vitamin helps your body convert food to energy, breaking carbohydrates down into more simple sugars. B vitamins also help your body digest proteins and fats.
This test measures the levels of vitamin B12 and folate in your blood. Your body needs vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, and folate, also called folic acid, to function normally. Both nutrients play important roles in creating red blood cells and making DNA and RNA to help build cells. B12 also helps your nervous system function as it should. B12 is found in fortified cereals and animal products like fish, meat, eggs, and dairy. It's also in dietary supplements, as cyanocobalamin. Folate is found naturally in green leafy vegetables, fruits, and beans, and it's added to enriched cereals and grains. People who have pernicious anemia may have low B12 levels because this condition prevents them from absorbing B12.