How VB12 Affects Our Lives

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that helps your body keep your nerve cells and blood cells healthy. It also helps your body make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Your body does not make vitamin B12 on its own, so you have to consume food and drinks that have vitamin B12 in order to get it. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products you eat and drink such as meat, dairy and eggs. It can also be found in fortified foods (foods that have certain vitamins and nutrients added to them) such as certain cereals, bread and nutritional yeast.

Adults need around 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 a day, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding need more. The amount of vitamin B12 babies and children need varies based on age.

What is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia happens when your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells because your body has a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is needed to make red blood cells. Because of this, a lack of vitamin B12 can cause anemia. People can have a vitamin B12 deficiency without having anemia.

Who does vitamin B12 deficiency affect?

Any person can develop vitamin B12 deficiency at any age. People who are 60 years old or older are more likely to have vitamin B12 deficiency compared to other age groups.

How common is vitamin B12 deficiency?

Approximately 1.5% to 15% of people have vitamin B12 deficiency. 

◆At least 3% of people aged 20 to 39 years old.

◆ At least 4% of people aged 40 to 59 years old.

◆ At least 6% of people who are 60 years or over.

General physical symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include:

◆ Feeling very tired or weak.

◆ Experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

◆ Not feeling as hungry as usual.

◆ Weight loss.

◆ Having a sore mouth or tongue.

◆ Having yellowish skin.

Neurological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include:

◆ Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet.

◆ Vision problems.

◆ Having a hard time remembering things or getting confused easily.

◆ Having a difficult time walking or speaking like you usually do.

◆ If neurological problems develop from vitamin B12 deficiency, they may not be reversible.

Psychological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include:

◆ Feeling depressed.

◆ Feeling irritable.

◆ Experiencing a change in the way you feel and behave.

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