Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is important in metabolism, red blood cell function and nervous system function, according to Medline Plus. Folic acid acid is used to prevent anemia and is instrumental in preventing birth defects and pregnancy loss, says MayoClinic.com. Both vitamins can be obtained through eating a well-balanced, healthy diet. However, certain diets and medical conditions may cause a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate.
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with your physician to determine if you have a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid. Allow him to take blood tests as necessary to determine if there is a deficiency and the cause.
Step 2
Increase your vitamin B12 by eating more foods that contain vitamin B12. Increase your consumption of eggs, meat, poultry, shellfish and milk. After a few weeks of eating the proper foods, have your doctor recheck your vitamin B12 levels to see if they have improved.
Step 3
Eat more foods that are high in folic acid, such as beans, fruits, fruit juices, wheat bran, green leafy vegetables, poultry, pork and shellfish. Ask your doctor at followup to recheck your folic acid levels.
Step 4
Take a vitamin B12 supplement if dietary changes do not improve your vitamin B12 levels. Medline Plus recommends that an adult should take 2.4mcg per day. Vitamin B12 supplements can be purchased at your grocery or health food store.
Step 5
Supplement your diet with a folic acid pill. MayoClinic.com states that an adult should take 400mcg per day, breastfeeding women 500mcg per day and pregnant women should take 600mcg per day. Folic acid can also be purchased at the grocery or health food store.
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