How does vitamin B12 deficiency manifest itself?

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is mainly found in animal products. Cobalamin is vital for humans, so you should also know how to take it, what it does, and what side effects and possible damage can occur due to the lack of vitamin B12.

It sounds like a lot of medical jargon at first, but everything is basically easy to explain and understand, even without a doctor of medicine.

What foods contain vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products, such as meat, poultry, or sausage. It is also contained in purely vegetable products, but only as a trace element. Thus, it is clear that a sufficient intake of vitamin B12 through plant products is impossible.

Why does the body need vitamin B12?

The body needs vitamin B12 for many reasons. It forms red blood cells that enable and improve the transport of oxygen in the body, which also strengthens and protects the nervous system ^​1​ and allows people to enhance their concentration.

It promotes energy supply and energy metabolism. In addition, vitamin B12 also helps in maintaining the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.

It is easy to see that vitamin B12 is essential for humans.

How much vitamin B12 should I take?

The amount of cobalamin you should take differs depending on your age and gender. For adolescents and adults, the recommended intake is about 4 micrograms (µg). This value is higher for pregnant women, as they should take between 4.5 µg and 5.5 µg.

Can I also take in too much vitamin B12?

Yes and no. Of course, you can take too much vitamin B12, but excess amounts are excreted by the kidneys.

A real overdose can only occur through injections or due to certain pre-existing conditions.

What happens when there is a vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency primarily affects the elderly. However, vegetarians and especially vegans are also at risk. This is due to the fact that, as already mentioned, vitamin B12 is contained in animal products and in herbal products only as a trace element. The body cannot prevent a vitamin B12 deficiency through purely vegetable substances.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common condition that may have nonspecific clinical features and, in severe cases, neurological or hematological abnormalities. Although this condition is classically caused by pernicious anemia (anemia), it accounts for a minority of cases today, with vitamin B12 deficiency being most common due to food-bound cobalamin malabsorption (malabsorption refers to inadequate absorption).

Since the lack of diagnosis can lead to potentially serious complications, including degeneration of the spinal cord and pancytopenia (the degeneration of all three blood cell lines: white and red blood cells, as well as platelets), a vitamin B12 deficiency must be diagnosed early and treated appropriately. ^​2​

If you experience symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

What can I do about vitamin B12 deficiency?

The simplest way to address a lack of vitamin B12 is to adjust your diet. In the morning, simply fill a bowl with oatmeal , yogurt, berries , fresh fruits, vegetables, and/or fruits. This small change can ultimately lead to the desired success.

However, you don't necessarily have to change your eating plan drastically. This can be remedied by supplements in the form of tablets or drops, which can counteract the deficiency.

It is also possible to infuse vitamin B12 directly into the bloodstream. If you suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency, consult a doctor to determine the best way to address the deficiency.

Can you gain weight with vitamin B12?

No, B12 does not lead to weight gain. There is only one exception, which is due to certain pre-existing conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (a disease of the thyroid glands).

The BMI Calculator

When it comes to nutrition, you should also be aware of your BMI. You can easily calculate this here at Verival using the Verival BMI calculator .