Because vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms aren’t specific to the condition, it may go undetected or get misdiagnosed.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare professional.
This is especially relevant if you:
follow a restrictive diet, like a vegan diet
are over the age of 60
are pregnant or breastfeeding
have a medical condition that can deplete B12 levels
take a B12-depleting medication, like metformin or proton pump inhibitors
In addition to learning about your symptoms and giving you a physical exam, a healthcare professional can rule out a B12 deficiency by ordering blood tests.
If you’re diagnosed with too low B12 levels, your healthcare professional will recommend the most appropriate treatment. It may include B12 injections, oral B12 supplements, or addressing an underlying health condition that could be causing the deficiency.
B12 injections are generally recommended for people who can’t properly absorb B12 from food or supplements, like those who’ve undergone gastric bypass surgery or people with certain autoimmune diseases.
B12 supplements and injections are considered safe and well-tolerated, even in large doses.
If your healthcare professional thinks you may be low in B12, they’ll order appropriate blood tests to assess your B12 levels. Treatment of B12 deficiency typically includes oral supplements or injections.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare professional.
This is especially relevant if you:
follow a restrictive diet, like a vegan diet
are over the age of 60
are pregnant or breastfeeding
have a medical condition that can deplete B12 levels
take a B12-depleting medication, like metformin or proton pump inhibitors
In addition to learning about your symptoms and giving you a physical exam, a healthcare professional can rule out a B12 deficiency by ordering blood tests.
If you’re diagnosed with too low B12 levels, your healthcare professional will recommend the most appropriate treatment. It may include B12 injections, oral B12 supplements, or addressing an underlying health condition that could be causing the deficiency.
B12 injections are generally recommended for people who can’t properly absorb B12 from food or supplements, like those who’ve undergone gastric bypass surgery or people with certain autoimmune diseases.
B12 supplements and injections are considered safe and well-tolerated, even in large doses.
If your healthcare professional thinks you may be low in B12, they’ll order appropriate blood tests to assess your B12 levels. Treatment of B12 deficiency typically includes oral supplements or injections.