Not having enough B12 can lead to anemia , which means your body does not have enough red blood cells to do the job. This can make you feel weak and tired. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause damage to your nerves and can affect memory and thinking.
What is the most common cause of B12 deficiency?
However, the most common cause of vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia is a lack of a substance called intrinsic factor , which can be caused when your immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach cells that produce this substance. This type of anemia is called pernicious anemia.
What happens when your vitamin B12 is low?
Not having enough B12 can lead to anemia , which means your body does not have enough red blood cells to do the job. This can make you feel weak and tired. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause damage to your nerves and can affect memory and thinking.
How can I raise my B12 levels fast?
- Beef, liver, and chicken.
- Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams.
- Fortified breakfast cereal.
- Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
- Eggs.
What does it feel like to have B12 deficiency?
Constipation, diarrhea , loss of appetite, or gas. Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking. Vision loss. Mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes.
How long does it take to recover from B12 deficiency?
Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment.
How long does it take for B12 supplements to work?
B12 injections work quickly; they are the most effective way for your body to absorb Vitamin B12. Within 48 to 72 hours , your body will begin to make new red blood cells. For mild deficiencies, you may need two to three injections over several weeks to notice peak impact.
Does B12 make you pee a lot?
(Remember that B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, so if you take too much you'll pee it out .) Still sluggish?
Which fruit is rich in vitamin B12?
Vitamin B-12 is not found in fruits , but that's no reason to leave fruit off your plate. Most fruit is high in folic acid, another B vitamin your body may lack. Fruit is also high in fiber. High-fiber diets may reduce your risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
What disease is associated with a deficiency of B12?
Either a lack of vitamin B-12 or a lack of folate causes a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia (pernicious anemia) . With these types of anemia, the red blood cells don't develop normally. They are very large.
What medications should not be taken with B12?
Certain medications can decrease the absorption of vitamin B12, including: colchicine, metformin , extended-release potassium products, antibiotics (such as gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin), anti-seizure medications (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), medications to treat heartburn (such as H2 blockers ...
What foods give you B12?
Vitamin B12 is naturally present in foods of animal origin, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products [5]. In addition, fortified breakfast cereals and fortified nutritional yeasts are readily available sources of vitamin B12 that have high bioavailability [12,13].
Why do I have low B12?
Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency
pernicious anaemia — your immune system mistakenly attacks cells in your stomach that produce intrinsic factor (which you need to absorb vitamin B12) diet — plant-based diets, such as vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free diets are sometimes lacking in vitamin B12.
When should I take B12 morning or night?
“Take water-soluble vitamins on an empty stomach with a glass of water,” recommends Dr. Perez-Gallardo. And since it can be energizing, Dr. Perez-Gallardo says that the best time to take vitamin B12 is in the morning , so it won't affect your sleep.
Does B12 deficiency cause anxiety?
B12 Causes Psychiatric Symptoms : B12 deficiency can cause almost any psychiatric symptom, from anxiety , and panic to depression and hallucinations. This is because B12 deficiencies trigger symptoms in the nervous system and red blood cells.
Does B12 deficiency cause joint pain?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is very common, especially with age, and can result in a number of symptoms such as fatigue, balance problems, anemia, numbness and tingling in the extremities, and joint pain .
