Vitamin B12

Since your body does not produce vitamin B12, you must obtain it from animal-based foods or dietary supplements. And you must do so regularly. Although B12 can be stored in the liver for up to five years, sooner or later you may develop a deficiency if your diet does not help maintain these levels.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 and folate perform many important functions in the body, including maintaining the health of the nervous system.
A deficiency in either of these vitamins can cause many problems, including:
- Extreme fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Pins-and-needles, stinging, tingling, or numbing sensations on the skin (paresthesia)
- Sore and red tongue
- Mouth ulcers
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems
- Psychological problems, which can include depression and confusion.
- Problems with memory, understanding, and judgment

Vitamin B12 deficiency

If you suffer from pernicious anemia or have trouble absorbing vitamin B12, you will first need injections of this vitamin. You may need to receive these injections continuously or take high-dose dietary supplements orally.
If you do not eat animal products, you still have options. You can change your diet to include B12-fortified cereals, take multivitamins, or take high-dose oral vitamin B12 if you are deficient.
Older adults suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency will likely need to take a daily B12 supplement or a multivitamin containing B12.
For most people, treatment resolves the problem. However, nerve damage resulting from the deficiency may be permanent.

What contains vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 can be obtained from animal-based foods in which it is naturally found, or from products fortified with it.
Animal sources include dairy products, eggs, fish, meat, and poultry.