Vitamin B12 deficiency underpins many important processes in the body. Chief among them is making red blood cells and supporting a healthy nervous system. It’s little wonder, then, that B12 deficiency deals a hammer blow to the body.
Vitamin B12 deficiency deficiency is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12.
There are two types of vitamin B12 injections:
- Hydroxocobalamin
- Cyanocobalamin.
Other ways to top up B12
According to the NHS, good sources of vitamin B12 include:
- Meat
- Salmon and cod
- Milk and other dairy products
- Eggs.
“If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, or are looking for alternatives to meat and dairy products, there are other foods that contain vitamin B12, such as yeast extract (including Marmite), as well as some fortified breakfast cereals and soy products.”
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According to the health body, people who find it difficult to get enough vitamin B12 in their diets, such as those following a vegan diet, may need vitamin B12 tablets for life.
“Although it’s less common, people with vitamin B12 deficiency caused by a prolonged poor diet may be advised to stop taking the tablets once their vitamin B12 levels have returned to normal and their diet has improved,” it adds.
How much vitamin B12 do I need?
Holland and Barrett says: “All adults need 1.5mcg of vitamin B12 every day.”
Vitamin B12 is needed for healthy cell division,9 so it’s important for growing children:
- 1-3 years old – 0.5mcg a day
- 4-6 years – 0.8mcg a day
- 7-10 years – 1mcg a day
- 11-14 years – 1.2mcg a day
- 15-18 years – 1.5mcg a day.
Source: Daily Express
