One function of vitamin B-12 is to help form red blood cells. A deficiency in vitamin B-12 may cause anemia and fatigue. Most individuals get enough vitamin B-12 by eating a healthy diet of foods such as dairy products, eggs and meat. Adult males and females require 2.4 mcg per day of vitamin B-12, according to MedlinePlus. Supplements may help correct any problems associated with a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Over the counter forms of vitamin B-12 may help maintain normal levels, but will not help increase a low level of the vitamin.
Step 1
See your doctor for a blood test to determine if you have a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Some medical conditions, such as pernicious anemia or prior surgery on the intestines, may disrupt the ability to absorb vitamin B-12.
Step 2
Eat foods with high amounts of vitamin B-12. Examples of foods high in B-12 include tuna, beef, eggs and yogurt. Individuals who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet may also experience a decrease in vitamin B-12 levels because foods derived from animals contain the highest amounts vitamin B-12.
Step 3
Get a prescription for vitamin B-12. Taking prescription strength vitamin B-12 is necessary for increasing low levels of vitamin B-12, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Step 4
Take one capsule of prescription strength vitamin B-12 twice daily to help increase the levels when treating pernicious anemia, according to RxList. Take the capsules for the length of time determined by your doctor. Routine blood tests to check levels will help determine if the capsule supplement is enough to raise the levels to normal. Avoid crushing or biting any extended-release capsules.
Step 5
Get injections of vitamin B-12 from your physician to help treat fatigue associated with a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Individuals with vitamin B-12 deficiency symptoms coupled with nerve damage may require injections instead of taking the supplement in capsule form. The frequency of the injections varies between daily and weekly, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Once the levels return to normal, the injections may continue monthly if the reason for the deficiency, such as pernicious anemia, is not correctable.
Step 6
Watch for signs of adverse reactions when taking supplemental forms of vitamin B-12. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, a headache, numbness and tingling, dizziness and weakness, according to Drugs.com.
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