09/26/2023
What is vitamin B12?
🩸Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is involved in many bodily functions, including red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and nerve function.
🩸It is only found in animal products, so people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet are at increased risk of deficiency.
🩸Vitamin B12 is also poorly absorbed from food, so some people may need to take a supplement.
Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency:
The signs of vitamin B12 deficiency can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency and the length of time the person has been deficient.
Some common signs include:
🔹Fatigue
🔹Weakness
🔹Pale skin
🔹Shortness of breath
🔹Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
🔹Difficulty concentrating
🔹Mood changes
In severe cases, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, nerve damage.
Who is at most risk of vitamin B12 deficiency?
👉🏼People who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet are at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, as vitamin B12 is only found in animal products.
👉🏼Older adults are also at increased risk, as the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases with age.
Other people at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
👉🏼People with certain medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and pernicious anemia.
👉🏼People who have had certain types of surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery.
👉🏼People who take certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors and metformin.
Bottom line: older adults can highly benefit from monthly B12 shots and those with certain medical conditions.
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