Vitamin B-12 is an important vitamin that is mainly found in fish, shellfish, meat and dairy products. Vitamin B-12 helps make red blood cells, make DNA and keeps your nervous system working properly.
Vegetarians, vegans and the elderly are at risk for low vitamin B-12. Most people with low vitamin B-12 levels either do not consume meat and dairy products or they have trouble absorbing vitamin B-12 from their stomach or small intestines.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12
What is vitamin B-12?
What can cause problems with absorbing vitamin B-12?
The following are some things that can cause vitamin B-12 absorption problems:
- A disease called pernicious anemia can destroy the cells in your stomach that help you absorb vitamin B-12.
- Using medication for heartburn and ulcers for a long time.
- Having had surgery on your stomach or your intestines.
Your doctor will find out why you have a low vitamin B-12 level by asking questions about your health, giving you a physical exam and taking a blood sample, if necessary.
What happens if my vitamin B-12 level is low?
You might not have any symptoms if your vitamin B-12 level is just a little bit low. However, a very low vitamin B-12 level can cause anemia, depression, dementia or problems with your nervous system.
Some people with low vitamin B-12 also have high levels of homocysteine (say: ho-mo-sis-teen), an amino acid (a building block of protein) in the blood. If you have both of these problems, you may have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
Some people with low vitamin B-12 also have high levels of homocysteine (say: ho-mo-sis-teen), an amino acid (a building block of protein) in the blood. If you have both of these problems, you may have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
Can I just take one multivitamin pill every day to raise a low vitamin B-12 level?
No. Over-the-counter multivitamins do not contain enough vitamin B-12 to raise a low level. To get enough vitamin B-12, you will need to take special vitamin B-12 pills.
You can also get shots of vitamin B-12. Usually, these shots are given every 1 to 2 days for about 2 weeks. After this, a shot is given once every month. Your doctor can help decide whether pills or shots are right for you.
You can also get shots of vitamin B-12. Usually, these shots are given every 1 to 2 days for about 2 weeks. After this, a shot is given once every month. Your doctor can help decide whether pills or shots are right for you.
Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency by RC Oh, CPT, MC, USA and DL Brown, MAJ, MC, USA (American Family Physician March 1, 2003, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030301/979.html)
Reviewed/Updated: 06/07
Created: 10/03