Vitamin B12 is important for the health of your nervous system and your red blood cells. It can be found in many animal products and fortified foods.
In the United States, about
If you need to consume more vitamin B12, you can get it from many animal products and fortified foods. In some cases, a healthcare professional may prescribe oral supplements or injections to help increase your vitamin B12 levels.
In addition to the information below, you can learn more about the benefits of vitamin B12 here.
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin, but it’s not one your body can produce. Instead, it is found naturally in many animal products.
Vitamin B12 is
- maintaining your ability to think
- regulating and creating DNA
- producing energy
- keeping your brain and nervous system healthy
Your liver
Low vitamin B12 levels
- tingling in your hands and feet
- difficulty walking
- confusion and memory loss
- depression and irritability
- problems with smell, taste, or vision
- heart palpitations
- fatigue
- headaches
- pale skin
- weight loss
- glossitis (a painful, smooth, red tongue)
It’s important to treat low vitamin B12 levels to prevent anemia. Vitamin B12 is associated with a particular type of anemia known as megaloblastic anemia.
If you have anemia due to a lack of vitamin B12, your red blood cells may be larger and more oval-shaped than usual. This irregular shape can prevent the red blood cells from moving from your bone marrow to your bloodstream at a typical rate.
For most adults, the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 is
However, the recommendation is slightly higher for people who are pregnant or nursing, at…
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