low stomach acid due to swelling (inflammation) in the lining of the stomach (atrophic gastritis) or certain medicines

Vitamin B12 supplements are available in the form of tablets or liquids that a person can take under the tongue (sublingually). B12 works alone and with other B vitamins to support many vital functions. Here's how to make sure you get enough. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.However, results have been mixed and treatment with vitamin B12 wasn’t effective at improving brain function in people with normal brain function ( 14). Depression As you age, your body naturally makes less stomach acid and intrinsic factor — both of which can affect the absorption of vitamin B12.

It's important for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition characterized by a low number of red blood cells that are larger than normal ( 9). Excess vitamin B12 is stored in your liver. If you consume more than the RDI, your body saves it for future use. What is vitamin B12 deficiency? Women who cannot get pregnant and men should be able to get all the folate they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. A 2009 study involving 5,000 females aged 40 or older concluded that supplementing with vitamin B12, along with folic acid and vitamin B6, may reduce this risk ( 19). B12 deficiency not caused by your diet is one to two 1,000 microgram tablets, taken once or twice a day – this is usually if you cannot have vitamin B12 injections

In a large review, researchers discovered that vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with a higher risk of depression, but only in older females ( 22)nhs.uk. (2022).Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia - Symptoms. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/symptoms/[Accessed 28 March 2022]. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): Average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97%–98%) healthy individuals; often used to plan nutritionally adequate diets for individuals. Read about the vegan diet for nutrition information and advice. What happens if I take too much vitamin B12? For example, if you ate two eggs for breakfast (1 mcg of B12), 3 ounces (oz.), or 85 grams (g), of tuna for lunch (2.5 mcg of B12), and 3 oz. (85 g) of beef for dinner (2.4 mcg of B12), you would consume more than double your daily B12 needs ( 7, 8, 9). The FNB did not establish a UL for vitamin B12 because of its low potential for toxicity [ 1]. Even at large doses, vitamin B12 is generally considered to be safe because the body does not store excess amounts. Interactions with Medications

Conversely, some studies show that a deficiency in vitamin B12 may cause appetite loss, potentially leading to weight loss if left untreated ( 12, 13). Those who cannot absorb vitamin B12 from their food. This may be due to a condition call pernicious anaemia which is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK. If a person has a severe vitamin B12 deficiency, a doctor may advise them to have injections to increase their levels of this nutrient.

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For more information about building a healthy dietary pattern, refer to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPlate. One hard-boiled egg has about 0.6 micrograms of B12. That’s 25% of your daily value. But you’ll need to eat the whole egg. Most of the B12 comes from the yolk. Vitamin B12, required for proper brain function and a host of chemical reactions within the body, is found naturally only in animal foods. But if the typical vitamin B12 sources are not part of your regular diet or if your body has difficulty absorbing enough B12, there are other options. How B12 works in the body There are different causes of vitamin B12 deficiency. To establish the cause and treatment, blood tests will be needed. If levels are low, a supplement will be trialled, and levels monitored. If levels increase, diet is the likely cause. You will be advised to make some dietary changes or continue to take a supplement.