Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include fatigue, weakness, memory loss, depression, numbness, tingling, and more.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition that occurs when the body doesn't produce enough vitamin B12. It can cause serious problems in people who take too little or no vitamin B12 for long periods of time.
If you're taking any medications, make sure you talk with your doctor before stopping them. You might need to adjust your dosage or switch to another medication.
There are several reasons why people develop vitamin B12 deficiency. One reason is an inability to absorb the nutrient properly. Another reason is a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced by the stomach lining that helps the body absorb vitamin B12. A third cause is a lack of dietary intake.
Understand the treatment options available for vitamin B12 deficiency. Learn which treatments work best for different conditions.
If you suspect you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, talk with your doctor. They will perform blood tests to determine whether you need treatment. In some cases, doctors prescribe injections of vitamin B12. Other times, they recommend taking supplements.
Read about prevention strategies for vitamin B12 deficiency so you can avoid this condition altogether.
A vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when there isn’t enough vitamin B12 in your body. This happens because your body doesn’t absorb vitamin B12 properly. It’s possible to develop a vitamin B12 deficiency even though you eat foods rich in vitamin B12. You can also become deficient by not getting enough vitamin B12 through food or supplements.
What Is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient found naturally in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, and yogurt. In addition, some plant foods contain small amounts of vitamin B12. However, only certain foods are considered good sources of vitamin B12.