What if a single vitamin could help boost your energy, support your memory, strengthen your bones, and even play a role in healthy pregnancies? That vitamin is B12, also known as cyanocobalamin, and it works behind the scenes in nearly every system of your body. The tricky part is that your body can’t make it on its own, so the only way to get it is through your diet or supplements. This guide breaks down what B12 does, who’s at risk for a deficiency, and how to know if you should get checked.
What B12 can do for you
The benefits of vitamin B12 are wide-ranging. Here are four of the most important.
- Reduces the risk of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects central vision and is a leading cause of blindness in older adults. Maintaining adequate B12 levels has been linked to a lower risk of developing this condition.1
- Promotes strong bones and helps protect against osteoporosis. Studies have shown a link between low B12 levels and poor bone health, particularly in women.2
- Supports red blood cell formation and helps prevent anemia. B12 plays a key role in your body’s production of red blood cells. When levels are low, you may experience fatigue, weakness, and low energy.
- Supports a healthy pregnancy. When paired with folic acid, B12 can help prevent neural tube defects and other central nervous system problems in developing babies.
Who is at risk of a B12 deficiency?
A B12 deficiency can affect anyone, but some people are more likely to develop one. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Eat a diet that’s low in B12-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy
- Have a digestive condition that interferes with nutrient absorption, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
- Are an older adult, since your body’s ability to absorb B12 naturally decreases with age
- Follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet without supplementing
Symptoms of a B12 deficiency
B12 deficiency can develop slowly, with symptoms creeping in gradually over time. In other cases, it can come on more quickly. Common signs include:3
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet
- Difficulty walking, including staggering or balance problems
- Fatigue (often related to anemia)
- A swollen, inflamed tongue
- Difficulty thinking, reasoning, or remembering things
How is a B12 deficiency diagnosed and treated?
If your provider suspects a B12 deficiency, the next step is usually a quick blood test to confirm it. Once confirmed, your provider will talk through the best treatment options for you. That might include dietary changes, an oral B12 supplement, or a B12 injection, depending on the severity of the deficiency and the underlying cause.
What is a B12 shot?
A B12 shot is a quick injection, usually given in the arm, that delivers a concentrated dose of the vitamin directly into your system. The whole process takes less than five minutes. For people with a confirmed deficiency or absorption issues, a shot can be a fast and effective way to restore healthy B12 levels.
If you’ve been feeling unusually tired, foggy, or run-down and want to find out what’s behind it, A+ Family Urgent Care can help. We offer in-house lab work and B12 testing seven days a week with transparent self-pay pricing. Walk in or book online to get checked out.
References
1) Christen, W. G., Glynn, R. J., Chew, E. Y., Albert, C. M., & Manson, J. E. (2009). Folic acid, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin combination treatment and age-related macular degeneration in women: the Women’s Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study. Archives of Internal Medicine, 169(4), 335-41. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2648137/
2) Dhonukshe-Rutten, R. A., Lips, M., de Jong, N., Chin A Paw, M. J., Hiddink, G. J., van Dusseldorp, M., … & van Staveren, W. A. (2003). Vitamin B-12 status is associated with bone mineral content and bone mineral density in frail elderly women but not in men. The Journal of Nutrition, 133(3), 801-807. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12612156
3) Harvard Health Blog. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be sneaky, harmful. Patrick J. Skerrett. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780
