Vitamin B12 is tiny in amount but huge in importance: without it the body cannot make healthy red blood cells or protect nerves. Deficiency is more common than it seems, especially after 50 or with certain medications. Here is how to recognize it and how it is treated.
What does B12 do?
- Helps make healthy red blood cells and prevents a type of anemia.
- Keeps the protective coating of nerves in good shape.
- Takes part in making DNA and using energy from food.
An adult needs about 2.4 micrograms a day, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Who is more likely to have low B12?
- People over 50, who absorb less B12 from food.
- People taking metformin for diabetes or omeprazole and other acid reducers long term.
- Strict vegans or vegetarians.
- Anyone who had stomach or intestinal surgery, including weight-loss surgery.
- People with pernicious anemia, celiac disease or Crohn's disease.
What are the symptoms?
Fatigue that does not go away, pale skin, shortness of breath with effort, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, memory or mood problems, and a red or sore tongue. Symptoms come on slowly and are often mistaken for stress or age.
How is it diagnosed?
With a blood test for B12, often with a complete blood count. If the result is borderline, an additional test may be ordered. It is best not to start supplements before testing, because they can hide the diagnosis.
Shot or pills?
| Pills | Injection | |
|---|---|---|
| When it helps | Mild deficiency with normal absorption | Absorption problems, marked deficiency or nerve symptoms |
| How it is taken | Every day | As the medical team directs, more often at first |
| Advantage | Convenient and inexpensive | Does not depend on the stomach for absorption |
People with pernicious anemia or gastric surgery usually need injections for life. In other cases, high-dose pills work well.
Which foods have B12?
Meat, liver, fish such as sardines and salmon, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt and fortified cereals. Plants do not provide B12 naturally.
B12 testing and shots at Clínica Hispana Mangum
We measure your level with blood tests and give B12 when indicated; we also offer IV vitamin therapy and thyroid care, another common cause of fatigue. See our current promotions. We are at 2912 Mangum Rd, Suite A, every day from 9 AM to 9 PM; call (832) 834-5507.
Sources: NIH: Vitamin B12 · MedlinePlus: B12 deficiency anemia
