Next, vitamin B12 combines with something called intrinsic factor, a protein made by your stomach. There are two things that need to happen in order for your body to absorb vitamin B12 from the food you eat. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. B12 has no overdose or toxicity levels, so there really is no risk. You may need to continue taking B12 supplements even after your symptoms improve. Low B12 can cause the nerves in your brain, spinal cord, and elsewhere in your body to slowly degenerate. MeCbl promoted the in vitro differentiation of SCs and in vivo myelination in a rat demyelination model and may be a novel therapy for several types of nervous disorders. Do they really help? J Gen Fam Med. Biologically active vitamin B12 compounds in foods for preventing deficiency among vegetarians and elderly subjects [Abstract]. Could hallucination-free 'psychedelics' be the future of antidepressants? Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. You can get recommended amounts of vitamin B12 by eating a variety of foods including the following: To find out if a food has added vitamin B12, check the Nutrition Facts label. It can be treated with vitamin B12 medications. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of People over 50 should get most of their vitamin B12 from fortified foods or dietary supplements because, in most cases, their bodies can absorb vitamin B12 from these sources. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, and other health care providers about any dietary supplements and prescription or over-the-counter medicines you take. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance for controlling your symptoms and preventing further damage to your peripheral nerves. Some provide doses of vitamin B12 that are much higher than recommended amounts, such as 500 mcg or 1,000 mcg, but your body absorbs only a small percentage of it. A deficiency may also negatively affect sperm. Do medication interactions impact B12 levels? Lim, S. Y., Kim, E. J., Kim, A., Lee, H. J., Choi, H. J., & Yang, S. J. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. This protein is released by cells in the stomach. Other procedures that may be done include: Treatment depends on the cause of B12 deficiency anemia. Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus). 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Peter Pressman, MD, is a board-certified neurologist developing new ways to diagnose and care for people with neurocognitive disorders. Overview What is vitamin B12 deficiency? This is usually used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. Office of Dietary Supplements. In order to provide vitamin B12 to your cells: A lack of vitamin B12 may be due to dietary factors, including: Certain health conditions can make it difficult for your body to absorb enough vitamin B12. The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms. Some experts think its because your homocysteine levels go up when your B12 levels are too low. Falling, or at least. Can diet and exercise reverse prediabetes? Experiencing a change in the way you feel and behave. First, hydrochloric acid in the stomach separates vitamin B12 from the protein that its attached to. Peripheral nerve damage may lead to tingling in these parts of the body. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. These cells carry oxygen through the body. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 149. This is called neuropathy, an impairment in nerve function. In most cases, doctors can treat vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 - Fact sheet for health professionals. In this study, we estimated the effect of MeCbl on SCs. Langan RC, Goodbred AJ. The diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is based on blood tests. If you're not sure, you can ask your doctor if you should get a blood test to check your vitamin B12 level. Without enough vitamin B12, your baby could have developmental delays and not thrive and grow the way they should. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Clin Med Res. Misused alcohol or drank heavily, which can make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients or prevent you from eating enough calories. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common, especially among vegetarians and older adults. A woman with a low B12 level may have a false positive Pap smear. Some people may respond to treatment by taking vitamin B12 supplements by mouth. include protected health information. Learn about symptoms of B12 deficiency and how it can be treated. The 8 Best B12 Supplements of 2023, According to a Dietitian, Primary and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism. This picture shows large, dense, oversized, red blood cells (RBCs) that are seen in megaloblastic anemia. The review discusses thesteps of vitamin B12 metabolism and its role in maintaining of neurological functions. Numbness, tingling, and weakness can impair your balance. Most people in the U.S. get enough of this nutrient. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency has two primary causes. Yes, there are several medications that may interact with B12 and result in poor absorption. Besides listening to your body the other is through blood work and measuring your b12/methylmelonic acid levels. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health What happens when you dont get enough vitamin B12? Learn more here about vitamin B12, The body needs vitamin B-12 for many processes. Peripheral neuropathy fact sheet. Vitamin B12 is needed to make red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products you eat and drink such as meat, dairy and eggs. If you show any neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency, we recommend starting a B12 injection therapy right away. Many of these symptoms are also found in other conditions. Having a hard time remembering things or getting confused easily. They include: You may not have symptoms. (2016, February 17), Vitamin B12: Fact sheet for health professionals. Are you a pregnant woman on a vegan or vegetarian diet, and plan to only breastfeed your baby? Coordination and balance issues. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4953733/. 26th ed. National Institutes of Health. 7th ed. Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes. A special protein, called intrinsic factor, helps your body do this. The body needs vitamin B-12 for a range of bodily functions, which include making red blood cells. People can have a vitamin B12 deficiency without having anemia. sensomotor polyneuropathy, optic nerve neuropathy, cognitive disorders. People can also get B-12 supplements from drug stores or choose between brands online. They include: Alcohol use Crohn disease, celiac disease, infection with the fish tapeworm, or other problems that make it difficult for your body to digest foods 1. A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). Tunis Med. Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, What to know about vitamin B-12 deficiency, vegetarian and vegan sources of vitamin B-12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28189172, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252802/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4884371/, https://e-cnr.org/DOIx.php?id=10.7762/cnr.2016.5.3.143, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22221769, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Peripheral-Neuropathy-Fact-Sheet, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/pernicious-anemia, https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/822, https://ods.od.nih.gov/pdf/factsheets/Vitaminb12-Consumer.pdf, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23782218/%20. Most adults need these daily dietary amounts of the following vitamins: Pregnant and breastfeeding women may require more of each vitamin. B12 deficiency is associated with a particular type of anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause dementia. Weakness and fatigue Light-headedness and dizziness Palpitations and rapid heartbeat Shortness of breath A sore tongue that has a red, beefy appearance Megaloblasts are immature red blood cells that are larger than normal. It breaks down when you dont have enough B12, opening your nerve fibers up to damage. Perez DL, Murray ED, Forester BP, Price BH. If your B12 deficiency is caused by a problem with absorption, you may need an injection. Hatipoglu, H., Hatipoglu, M. G., Cagirankaya, L. B., & Caglayan, F. (2012, January). Shipton MJ, Thachil J. Vitamin B12 deficiency a 21st century perspective. Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness. Laboratory tests can confirm your diagnosis. Pernicious anemia, a deficiency in the production of red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B12, can cause permanent neurological damage that can lead to death if it is untreated. Shots of vitamin B12 can prevent anemia if you've had a surgery known to cause vitamin B12 deficiency. . The differentiation of SCs in injured peripheral nerves is critical for regeneration after injury. Accessed Aug. 18, 2021. So, of all symptoms of B12 deficiency, what are specifically the neurological ones? It is crucial. Vitamin B-12 plays a vital role in the production of blood cells. The bodys oxygen supply is crucial for many aspects of health. Energy and Endurance
Join the ODS Email List. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can reduce or prevent complications related to a low vitamin B12 level. A woman with a low B12 level may have a false positive Pap smear. In a dorsal root ganglion neuron-SC coculture system, myelination was promoted by MeCbl. Situations or conditions that can cause vitamin B12 deficiency include: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause physical, neurological and psychological symptoms. It is possible you may need shots every month for the rest of your life. When theres a prolonged B12 deficiency, the myelin starts to recede, and as a result, nerve damage occurs. They may also stabilise their cognitive status. It may also raise the chances your baby will have a serious birth defect. 2017;8(11):464-474. doi:10.4239/wjd.v8.i11.464, Berg RL, Shaw GR. Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that helps your body make red blood cells and DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Health Publishing. Skin Rashes Vitamin B6 deficiency is one cause of a red, itchy rash called seborrheic dermatitis. Research on the use of vitamin B-12 for specific activities and conditions shows: . But some people don't. If you're looking for a food fortified with B12, check the product's Nutrition Facts label. It also helps your body make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Vitamin B12 in dietary supplements isnt attached to protein and doesnt require the first step. In order to provide vitamin B12 to your cells: A lack of vitamin B12 may be due to dietary factors, including: Certain health conditions can make it difficult for your body to absorb enough vitamin B12. Crohn disease, celiac disease, infection with the fish tapeworm, or other problems that make it difficult for your body to digest foods, Pernicious anemia, a type of vitamin B12 anemia that occurs when your body destroys cells that make intrinsic factor, Surgery that removes certain parts of your stomach or small intestine, such as some weight-loss surgeries, Taking antacids and other heartburn medicines for a long period of time. Osteoporosis. Stacy Wiegman, PharmD. Other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include problems with balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia most often responds well to treatment. Am Family Physician. The risk is also higher in the elderly and people who abuse alcohol. General physical symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include: Neurological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include: Psychological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include: It can be difficult to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency because symptoms are not always present or the symptoms can be similar to other nutritional deficiencies. The many faces of cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency. COPD symptoms. Vitamin B12 intramuscular injections (a shot that goes into the muscle). Spinal nerve pain, commonly in the lower back and neck. Thats a protective layer around the wires in your nervous system. Without enough of these cells, the skin may look pale. Unexpected, abnormal reflexes. Vitamins and Supplements: Test Your Knowledge, IBS Supplements: Fiber, Probiotics, Prebiotics, and More, Teens ages 14-18: 2.4 mcg (2.6 mcg per day if pregnant and 2.8 mcg per day if breastfeeding), Adults: 2.4 mcg (2.6 mcg per day if pregnant and 2.8 mcg per day if breastfeeding), Pernicious anemia, which makes it hard for your body to absorb vitamin B12, Conditions that affect your small intestine, such as. These include fortified cereals, plant milks, bread, and nutritional yeast. Regular vitamin B12 injections can help you avoid B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation and maintenance of a fatty sheath (myelin sheath) that surrounds some nerve cells and that speeds transmission of nerve signals. The tests used to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency are a complete blood count (CBC) and a vitamin B12 blood test level. Vitamin deficiency anemia can occur if you don't eat enough foods containing vitamin B-12 and folate, or if your body has trouble absorbing or processing these vitamins. You might want to ask your doctor to check your B12 levels if you fit any of the following: A simple blood test can show if your B12 levels arent where they should be. StatPearls [Internet]. Long-term antacid use linked to vitamin B12 deficiency, Vitamin B12 benefits, food sources, deficiency symptoms, and more, glossitis, which causes a swollen, smooth, red tongue, being older, because a person becomes less able to absorb B-12 as they age, taking anti-acid medication for an extended period, weight loss surgery or other stomach surgery, which can affect how the digestive system absorbs vitamin B-12. The injection will help the vitamin absorb directly into your body. They can tell you if the dietary supplements might interact with your medicines. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Where can I find out more about vitamin B12? Accessed Aug. 18, 2021. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include problems with balance, depression, confusion, . Most people can prevent vitamin B12 deficiency by consuming enough of it in their diet. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a treatable condition that happens if you are not consuming enough vitamin B12 in your diet or if your body is not absorbing it properly. It is usually in a form called cyanocobalamin. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be a complicated diagnosis. Editorial team. If the vitamin B12 deficiency is caught early, most people are able to get rid of their symptoms with treatment. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Vitamin B12 is available in multivitamin/multimineral supplements, in B-complex supplements, and in supplements containing only vitamin B12. You should talk to your doctor before you have your baby, so that you have a plan in place for how you'll get enough vitamin B12 to keep your baby healthy. This results in muscle weakness. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Any person can develop vitamin B12 deficiency at any age. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? A B12 deficiency can weaken your bones. Means RT, et al. At the very least, they will stop you from deteriorating further. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia most often responds well to treatment. This type, called macrocytic anemia, can be identified with a blood smear. ", National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "Pernicious Anemia. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Nutritional Supplements at Mayo Clinic Store, MGUS and quite high Free Kappa Light Chain and Kappa Lambda Ratio, Essential Thrombocythemia: Looking for information and support, Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, Intestinal diseases such as celiac disease, Surgical removal or bypass of a large part of the intestines, Prescription drugs, such as some anti-seizure medications, Fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals, Broccoli, spinach, asparagus and lima beans, Oranges, lemons, bananas, strawberries and melons, Enriched grain products, such as bread, cereal, pasta and rice, Liver, kidneys, yeast, mushrooms and peanuts. People with psychosis have a hard time telling the difference between what is real and what is not real. Learn more about A.D.A.M. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. The body absorbs vitamin B12 from food in a two-step process. Problems are more common in the nerves in the hands and feet, which are called peripheral nerves. What happens if I dont get enough vitamin B12? Vitamin B12 deficiency can damage the nervous system even in people who don . When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. People can take B-12 supplements in the form of oral tablets, sublingual tablets that dissolve under the tongue, or injections. If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take monthseven a yearto correct it. Updated by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. The human body does not create vitamin B-12, so people must get this nutrient from their diet. Low levels of B12 can lead to nerve damage, as the vitamin is essential to producing myelin, which protects nerve cells from damage. In infants, signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency include failure to thrive, delays in reaching the typical developmental milestones, and megaloblastic anemia. One study even linked low vitamin B-12 levels to an increased risk of Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia, and Parkinsons disease. 2019;3(2):200-214. doi:10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2019.03.002. Some people may respond to treatment by taking vitamin B12 supplements by mouth. Most studies show that low blood levels of vitamin B12 dont affect the risk of cognitive decline in older people, regardless of whether they have dementia or Alzheimers disease. Moore, E., Mander, A., Ames, D., Carne, R., Sanders, K., & Watters, D. (2012, April). Without this coating, nerves can become damaged. This can cause subtle or off-and-on symptoms. B-12 Deficiency and Anemia A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Perez DL, Murray ED, Forester BP, Price BH. a sign of nerve problems. Your provider will also recommend that you eat a variety of foods. Vitamin B12: Fact sheet for health professionals. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be managed with supplemental B12. Most multivitamins contain vitamin B-12. This is because many of the common symptoms overlap with those of other health conditions. Low levels of vitamin B-12 can be caused by: Also known as vitamin B-9, folate is a nutrient found mainly in dark green leafy vegetables and liver. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Infertility. Keeping your blood sugar under control may help slow the progression of nerve damage. Vitamin B12 helps form and maintain the myelin sheath. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Each of these wires is wrapped by myelin, a protective layer guarding every cranial, spinal, and peripheral nerve fiber in your body. We charge as little as $3. One theory is that vitamin B-12 helps break down a brain chemical called homocysteine. People with pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease, cant make intrinsic factor. Spotting the signs of vitamin B-12 deficiency early on and getting the right treatment can improve a persons outlook. Megaloblastic anemia can occur when there is a deficiency of vitamin B-12. Severe B12 deficiency can lead to severe nerve damage and psychiatric symptoms; High dose vitamin B12 should be supplied in response to neurological symptoms, even when blood levels are normal Anemia Nerve Problems Mental Health Issues Brain Changes Other Complications Don't Wait to Get Treatment Your red blood cells, nerves, and brain all depend on vitamin B12. If you have a very low level of B12, you may need more shots in the beginning. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause problems with thinking, which doctors refer to as cognitive impairment. Kellerman RD, et al. This number goes up to almost 20% in adults over 60. A person is diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency if the amount of vitamin B12 in their blood is less than 150 per mL. People with this type of anemia often do well with treatment. 100% pure methyl B12. Dietary supplements may help reduce diabetic neuropathy symptoms, but more research is needed. BMC Res Notes. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. As with other nutrients, the best way for most people to get vitamin B-12 is in the diet. Keywords: Vitamin B12 deficiency, Neuropathy, Young . It can also happen if you have had weight loss surgery or another operation that removed part of your stomach, or if you drink heavily. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Accessed Aug. 18, 2021. Cognitive rehabilitation and therapy can help you improve your thinking and problem-solving skills. Metformin might reduce vitamin B12 absorption and lower blood levels of vitamin B12. Clinics charge as much as $250 per B12 shot. American Family Physician. Depending on the cause of your vitamin B12 deficiency, you may have to only take medication for a short amount of time, or you may have to take medication for the rest of your life. In some severe cases, patients may experience difficulty walking or performing fine motor tasks. Recovery from vitamin B12 deficiency takes time. Means RT, et al. It helps make your DNA and your red blood cells, for example. My deficiency led me to a small fiber poly neuropathy diagnosis. Pernicious anemia/megaloblastic anemia. Anaemia complications (2018, August 16), Vitamin B12: Fact sheet for consumers. If you have an inflammatory GI condition or if you have had gastric bypass, you may need preventive treatment. Healthcare providers will usually do routine blood tests to check for vitamin B12 deficiency in people who have a high risk of developing it. Your muscles may be weak. Megaloblastic anemias. Symptoms of nerve damage include: The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/pernicious-anemia. Some people do not get enough B12 in their diet. Free worldwide shipping. More clinical trials are needed to better understand the effects of vitamin B12 supplementation on cognitive function in older adults. What are some effects of vitamin B12 on health? Accessed Aug. 18, 2021. Vitamin B12 supplements can interact or interfere with some medicines that you take. Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. You may not have any improvement during the first few months of treatment. Long-term vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage. A special protein, called intrinsic factor, helps your body do this. Vitamin B12 is also a vital part of a healthy nervous system. It is possible to link this to a lack of red blood cells and a fast heartbeat. This protein is released by cells in the stomach. Anyone who is experiencing real difficulty breathing should see a doctor straight away. intestinal problems, nerve damage and mood disturbances. 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. Could eating more nuts help boost memory later in life? Investigating the power of music for dementia. 2019;91(4):122-129. doi:10.26442/00403660.2019.04.000116, Ekabe CJ, Kehbila J, Abanda MH, Kadia BM, Sama CB, Monekosso GL. Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that helps your body make red blood cells and DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B 12 deficiency can be slow to develop, causing symptoms to appear gradually and intensify over time. Approach to the anemias. The amount of vitamin B12 in supplements varies widely. For more in-depth information, see our health professional fact sheet on Vitamin B12. In both of those cases, you can add fortified foods to your diet or take supplements to meet this need.Learn more about the different types of vitamin B supplements. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Pernicious anemia. Wolffenbuttel BHR, Wouters HJCM, Heiner-Fokkema MR, van der Klauw MM. High levels of this amino acid are linked to brain issues and conditions like dementia and Alzheimers disease. You'll want to make sure that you do, in order to stay healthy. Vitamin B12 plays a role in the production of red blood cells (RBCs). If you also have problems walking, that raises the chances youll break a bone if you fall. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Many older adults dont have enough hydrochloric acid in their stomach to absorb the vitamin B12 thats naturally present in food. Your body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells. Laboratory evaluation for vitamin B12 deficiency: the case for cascade testing. Talk with your doctor before taking a dietary supplement. ", Harvard Health Publications: "Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vegetarians, elderly may not get enough vitamin B12, says the Harvard Health Letter. Have a question? Crohn disease, celiac disease, infection with the fish tapeworm, or other problems that make it difficult for your body to digest foods, Pernicious anemia, a type of vitamin B12 anemia that occurs when your body destroys cells that make intrinsic factor, Surgery that removes certain parts of your stomach or small intestine, such as some weight-loss surgeries, Taking antacids and other heartburn medicines for a long period of time. Thats a substance that helps your stomach absorb B12 from food. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency can be tricky because the symptoms are similar to other health conditions. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. If you have vitamin B12 deficiency, you could become anemic.A mild deficiency may cause no symptoms. Vitamin B12 deficiency: Recognition and management. Langan RC, Goodbred AJ. Jaundice develops when a persons body is not able to produce enough red blood cells. These include acid-reducing drugs (histamine 2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors) and metformin. Treatment of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. Accessed Aug. 18, 2021. These doses are considered safe. Myelopathy is an impairment of the spinal cord. When you have anemia, your red blood cells have trouble getting oxygen to your tissues and organs. Experts are still trying to figure out if B12 deficiency alone causes problems with thinking and memory. And you should do that on a regular basis. Vitamin B12 is essential for brain and nerve function. All rights reserved. A doctor can advise people on the best way to prevent vitamin B-12 deficiency, depending on their dietary choices and health. Vitamin B12 deficiency happens when your body is either not getting enough or not absorbing enough vitamin B12 from the food that you eat that it needs to function properly.