What Is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that’s part of the B-complex group. It mainly comes from animal sources like chicken, red meat, liver, eggs, milk, and dairy products. It’s one of the most important vitamins your body needs for lots of vital processes. On average, your body needs about 5 micrograms of B12 daily. If you’re low on it, doctors can give it to you as pills, muscle injections, or even through an IV.

Why Do People Have Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

There are several reasons why someone might have low B12 levels, including:

• Poor diet, especially not eating enough B12-rich foods.
• Problems absorbing the vitamin properly.
• Various stomach and intestine disorders.
• A congenital metabolic issue that causes the stomach lining to thin.
• Severe anemia caused by autoimmune problems.
• Having part or all of the stomach removed.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
• Other diseases like pancreatic issues or bacterial overgrowth.

Why Is Vitamin B12 Important?

• It keeps your brain and nervous system working well.
• Helps make and strengthen your blood.
• Protects you from diseases like hardening of the arteries.
• Boosts your energy and vitality.
• Improves memory and helps with logical thinking.
• Helps prevent mood swings, depression, and feelings of hopelessness.
• Supports deep, restful sleep.
• Strengthens your eyesight and keeps your eyes healthy.
• Boosts your immune system.
• Increases appetite and helps maintain healthy body weight.
• Improves fertility in both men and women.

Signs You Might Be Low on Vitamin B12

• Feeling weak or having anemia.
• Noticeable weight loss and body thinning.
• Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet.
• Loss of sensation in nerve endings.
• Struggling to focus or remember things.
• Feeling depressed or experiencing mood swings.
• Difficulty sleeping or poor-quality sleep.
• Vision problems.
• Weak immune system.
• Higher risk of heart and artery problems due to cholesterol buildup.
• Loss of appetite.
• Issues with fertility or even infertility.
• Excess gas and bloating.