Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient that helps maintain healthy nerve and blood cells and aids in the production of DNA. In addition, vitamin B12 helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia. The only foods that naturally provide vitamin B12 are animal products, such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy and eggs. Most Americans get plenty of vitamin B12. However, some people may be vulnerable to deficiency.
Step 1
Check your diet for animal products. If you currently consume meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy, you doubtless get plenty of vitamin B12 in your daily diet. If you are a strict vegetarian or vegan and therefore avoid animal products, you may be deficient in vitamin B12.
Step 2
Consider your age. The elderly are prone to vitamin B12 deficiency because as you age, your body often becomes less able to absorb vitamin B12 due to inadequate stomach acid. For this reason, if you are over 50, you may need to obtain vitamin B12 through a supplement.
Step 3
Monitor your health for symptoms of anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes anemia, which may be experienced as tiredness, weakness, constipation, tingling in hands and feet, loss of appetite, weight loss and pale complexion, among other symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or any other troubling physical or emotional symptoms, consult your physician for comprehensive evaluation of your vitamin B12 level.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin B12 supplement
- B-complex vitamin supplement
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