Clams, especially whole baby clams, also provide a great amount of iron, with almost 200% of the DV in a 100-gram (3.5-ounce) serving ( 6). Nutritional yeast does not naturally contain vitamin B12. However, it’s commonly fortified, which makes it a great source of this nutrient. Those taking medications including metformin (used for the treatment of diabetes) and omeprazole or lansoprazole (used for the treatment of stomach problems). For pernicious anaemia, you'll need to take hydroxocobalamin for the rest of your life. If you miss an injection

One review concluded that vitamin B12 plays a key role in fat metabolism, noting that a deficiency could be linked to increased fat accumulation and obesity ( 3). The Harvard Medical School Special Health Report Making Sense of Vitamins and Minerals explains that vitamin B12, like all B vitamins, is water soluble, which means the body expels what it does not use. Its main job is to maintain healthy nerve cells, support proper brain function, and assist in the production of DNA and RNA. B12 also works with other B vitamins to improve certain functions. For instance, B12 and B9 (folate) together help to make red blood cells. B12, B6, and B9 team up to control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, high levels of which have been associated with possible heart disease. B12 deficiency: Who is at risk?The average adult should get 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 a day, according to the National Institutes of Health. Here are some of the best foods with B12: It’s found in large amounts in animal products, fortified foods, and dietary supplements. Some of the richest sources are liver, beef, sardines, clams, and dairy products. Tempeh. This is a fermented soybean cake. Studies show that one serving may have anywhere from 0.7-8.0 micrograms. But it’s hard to know exactly how much you’ll get in the kind you find at the grocery store. The vitamin can be stored in the liver for a long time, so it may take a few years for a deficiency to develop ( 1, 2). Summary

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.Other people at risk of deficiency include those who have had intestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery. Those with diseases that affect the gut, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, are also at risk ( 9, 10, 11). Summary A nurse, or possibly a doctor, will usually give you your hydroxocobalamin injection. The injection is given into a muscle (known as an intramuscular injection). Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest in a variety of ways, and it’s important to recognize these signs to ensure timely treatment. The deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms, which may vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Vitamin B12 can be obtained from a number of sources so if you feel like you’re suffering from a deficiency or would like to ensure you’re getting enough to support your immune system, here are some of the key sources: Supplements In fact, some even claim that increasing your intake of vitamin B12 can help fight fatigue, boost energy levels, and speed up your metabolism.Research has shown that vitamin B12 taken by mouth and muscular injection are equally effective at restoring B12 levels in people with a deficiency ( 39, 40, 41). An important B vitamin essential for nerve tissue health, brainthe production of red blood cells. What is your daily vitamin B12 Requirement? Daily requirements for children BetterYou takes pride in its unique approach to absorption, delivery and stability testing and proudly use natural ingredients wherever possible. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. A scientific scholar and first-class Biological Sciences graduate, Emily studied at Durham University before starting her career within the Product Development department at BetterYou.