What does b12 do for your body

You can check your vitamin B12 levels with a simple finger-prick blood test. An active vitamin B12 test is the best way to measure your levels — this is the amount of vitamin B12 your body can actually use.

Vitamin B12 is only naturally available in meat, fish or dairy. But there are fortified plant-based sources of vitamin B12 like:. You can also take a vitamin B12 supplement. It's also possible to get a vitamin B12 injection — this is especially useful if your deficiency is caused by absorption issues in your stomach. The form hydroxocobalamin can be given every three months. National Institue of Health Office of dietary supplements. Vitamin B Fact sheet for health professionals. Reynolds, E.

Vitamin B12, folic acid, and the nervous system. The Lancet Neurology , 5 11 , Stabler, S. Vitamin B12 deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine , 2 , Understand how your lifestyle impacts your health with a home blood test and GP-reviewed results. Vitamin B Check to see if you're getting enough energy. Understand your risk of developing anaemia. Vitamin D. If you eat a healthy, varied diet, preventing a vitamin B12 deficiency should be easy. However, if you think that you might be at risk, speak to your doctor.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can most often be prevented or resolved with oral or intramuscular injections. Risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency include a decreased ability to absorb this vitamin due to low hydrochloric acid secretion, certain medications or gastrointestinal disease and surgeries.

Vegans are also at risk since B12 is only found in animal products. Getting enough vitamin B12 through your diet is crucial. However, if you struggle to obtain enough or have a condition that affects absorption, supplements are a simple way to increase your B12 intake.

This article examines the benefits of B-complex vitamins, as well as dosage and…. There are nine water-soluble vitamins in the human diet. This article examines each in detail, letting you know the best sources and how much you need. There are four fat-soluble vitamins in the human diet: A, D, E and K. This guide examines their health benefits, functions and main dietary sources. The foods you eat play a big role in your overall health.

Here are the top 12…. Some experts claim that vitamin B12 injections can help with energy levels, brain function and weight loss. This article reviews the science. Vitamin B12 is an important water-soluble vitamin, and deficiency is common. Here are 9 signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. A diet lacking in nutrients may cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms.

Here are the 8 most common signs of vitamin and mineral deficiencies…. Nutrient deficiencies may occur with almost every nutrient, but some are more likely than others. Here are 7 incredibly common nutrient deficiencies. A few nutrients are either difficult or impossible to get in adequate amounts from plant foods. This article reviews 7 nutrients commonly lacking in….

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Share on Pinterest. May Prevent Major Birth Defects. May Improve Mood and Symptoms of Depression. May Give You an Energy Boost. Supports Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails. The Bottom Line. Read this next. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

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Top of the page. Topic Overview What is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia? What causes vitamin B12 deficiency anemia? This can happen if: You have pernicious anemia. In this anemia, your body destroys the cells in your stomach that help you absorb vitamin B You have had surgery to remove part of the stomach or the last part of your small intestine, called the ileum. This includes some types of surgery used to help very overweight people lose weight. You have problems with the way your body digests food, such as sprue also called celiac disease , Crohn's disease , bacteria growth in the small intestine, or a parasite.

What is the recommended daily amount of vitamin B12? Daily recommended B footnote 1 Age years Daily amount of B12 micrograms 1—3 0. As the anemia gets worse, you may: Feel weak, tired, and light-headed. Have pale skin. Have a sore, red tongue or bleeding gums. Feel sick to your stomach and lose weight. Have diarrhea or constipation. If this happens, you may have: Numbness or tingling in your fingers and toes. A poor sense of balance.