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Why would a doctor prescribe B12?

Your doctor may prescribe B12 for a variety of reasons. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and in the formation of red blood cells.

It is found naturally in some foods, added to other foods, available as a dietary supplement, and available by prescription in a form that can be injected in to the body.

B12 deficiency is fairly common, especially in people over 50, vegetarians, and vegans — who don’t eat animal sources, such as eggs and dairy products, which are the main sources of the vitamin. People who have undergone gastric bypass weight loss surgery may also have trouble getting enough B12 since their digestion of the vitamin is often impaired.

Long-term B12 deficiency can cause anemia, as well as nerve damage, resulting in numbness or tingling. It can also cause dementia-like symptoms. Your doctor may recommend B12 supplements as part of a treatment plan for anemia or to treat a deficiency.

B12 supplements are also sometimes used in combination with other vitamins and minerals to help with conditions such as asthma, allergies, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Although more research is needed to determine if B12 supplements do actually improve the symptoms of these conditions, they appear to be generally safe and may be worth trying if prescribed by a doctor and monitored closely.

Why would vitamin B12 be prescribed?

Vitamin B12 is prescribed for a variety of different reasons. A Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, neuropathy, impaired cognitive function and a wide range of other symptoms. Therefore, B12 is prescribed to reverse symptoms associated with a deficiency, usually by either oral supplementation or an injection.

B12 may also be recommended for those with certain digestive conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, to ensure their bodies are able to absorb enough B12 from food. Additionally, vitamin B12 may be prescribed for people with conditions that impact the way their bodies use B12.

These can include genetic disorders, autoimmune conditions and some medications. Lastly, people with a vegan or vegetarian diet may also be prescribed vitamin B12, since plant-based foods do not contain sufficient B12 to meet the body’s needs.

What is the most common cause of B12 deficiency?

The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is a lack of sufficient dietary intake, as B12 is found mainly in animal-derived foods. This can be particularly true of vegetarians and vegans, who do not eat any animal products, but can also be the case with people who have a very limited diet.

People who have digestive issues, such as Crohn’s disease or Celiac disease, can also be at risk of developing a B12 deficiency, as their bodies may not be able to absorb the vitamin properly. Additionally, people with diabetes, as well as certain medications, can also reduce B12 levels.

Finally, certain health conditions, such as an autoimmune disorder or a deficiency of stomach acid, can also lead to a B12 deficiency.

How you know if you need vitamin B12?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be indicative that you are deficient in Vitamin B12 and should see a healthcare provider:

-Fatigue or lack of energy

-Weakness

-Pale or jaundiced skin

-Frequent headaches

-Rapid heart rate

-Unusually swollen or tender tongue

-Changes in mood

-Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands

-Sensitivity to temperature

-Unusually smooth and glossy red blood cells (on blood test)

-Difficulty focusing or cognitive impairment

-Digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhea

-Loss of appetite

Other signs and symptoms that could indicate a deficiency in Vitamin B12 include anxiety, depression, poor memory and difficulty sleeping. Additionally, Vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to more serious medical conditions, such as anemia and long-term neurological damage.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, a healthcare provider can order a blood test to determine your Vitamin B12 level. It is also important to discuss potential lifestyle and dietary changes that may help to address the deficiency and ensure adequate Vitamin B12 intake in the future.

How do you feel when your B12 is low?

When my B12 is low, I feel a range of unpleasant and worrisome symptoms. Generally, I feel tired and sluggish. I find it harder to concentrate and to stay focused for long periods of time, and my memory and ability to recall facts are affected.

I also experience digestive issues such as nausea, constipation and indigestion, as well as frequent headaches and muscle pain. In terms of mental health, I become more anxious, depressed and irritable.

Of course, these are all mild symptoms compared to more severe deficiencies, such as anemia or nerve damage, and so it’s important to get checked out by your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms.

How can I check my B12 level at home?

Unfortunately, it is not currently possible to accurately check your B12 level at home. The only way to accurately diagnose B12 deficiency is through a blood test administered by a doctor or healthcare professional.

This test measures the amount of B12 in your blood, and if the level is too low, it may indicate a deficiency that needs to be treated with B12 supplements or with injections. Additionally, a doctor can order a methylmalonic acid (MMA) test which is often used to check for a more severe form of B12 deficiency.

This test works by measuring how much MMA is in your bloodstream, and if it is elevated, it can indicate a B12 deficiency. A doctor also can order a homocysteine test, which measures the amount of homocysteine in your blood.

Elevated homocysteine levels are often associated with B12 deficiencies, so this can help diagnose a deficiency as well. Therefore, the only way to accurately check your B12 level is through a blood test administered by a healthcare professional.

How do you check B12 levels?

The most common and accurate method to check B12 levels is to take a blood test. Specifically, this test is the cobalamin or serum B12 test. During the test, a healthcare professional will draw your blood, send it to a lab, and determine the amount of cobalamin present in your bloodstream.

If it is found to be lower than the normal range, you may be diagnosed as having a B12 deficiency.

Another way to check for a B12 deficiency is to take a urine test. This test checks for urine concentrations of methylmalonic acid (MMA) or homocysteine; both compounds serve as a biomarker for B12. If either of the compounds are found to be higher than normal, B12 levels are probably low.

These tests can provide an insight into B12 levels, however if a deficiency is suspected, a doctor should be consulted for official diagnosis and treatment.

What happens if your B12 is low for too long?

If your B12 levels remain low for an extended period of time, it can lead to a number of medical conditions and symptoms. Long-term B12 deficiency can cause anemia, which is a deficiency in red blood cells.

Symptoms of anemia can include fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and a weakened immune system. Additionally, low B12 levels over time can cause nerve damage and neurological changes, such as memory loss, confusion, poor concentration, and balance problems.

It can also lead to digestive problems such as stomach pains, nausea, and constipation. Low B12 levels over the long-term can even cause psychiatric changes including mood swings, depression, and an increased risk of dementia.

Untreated B12 deficiency can be serious and lead to long-term health problems, so it’s important to talk to your doctor at the first sign of any symptoms to have your B12 levels checked.

Which fruit is rich in vitamin B12?

Some of the most nutrient-dense fruits for B12 include citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits, as well as kiwifruit, bananas, pineapple, and papaya. Other fruits that provides an excellent source of vitamin B12 include mangos, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

Figs and dates are also good sources of vitamin B12, though typically in smaller amounts. Avocados, cantaloupe, honeydew, and cranberries are also sources of vitamin B12. While fruit is a great source of B12, consuming animal products such as beef, pork, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy are the best sources of this vitamin.

Can you take vitamin B12 without seeing a doctor?

Yes, in many cases, it is safe to take vitamin B12 without seeing a doctor. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that helps the body produce new red blood cells, maintain a healthy nervous system, and metabolize food.

It is present in a variety of foods, including fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products. Many people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may not get enough vitamin B12 in their diets and may require supplementation, as vitamin B12 is typically not found in plant-based foods.

In most cases, it is safe to take vitamin B12 without seeing a doctor as long as you are following the product dosing instructions and not taking more than the recommended daily amount. However, it is important to speak to your doctor if you experience any health issues after starting a B12 supplement, as vitamins can interact with other treatments and medications.

Your doctor may also recommend tests to determine whether you have a deficiency, especially if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, elderly, or have other medical conditions. Additionally, people who have certain medical conditions, such as an autoimmune disorder, pernicious anemia, or a history of kidney problems, should speak with their doctor before taking B12 supplements.

What is treatment for low B12?

Treating low B12 levels depends on the underlying cause. If a person has a vitamin B12 deficiency due to a lack of dietary intake, they may benefit from supplements. A person can take vitamin B12 in the form of an oral supplement or injection, depending on the severity of the deficiency.

In cases of a vitamin B12 deficiency due to poor absorption, a person may need to take normal doses of B12 along with a medication that helps the body absorb it. This may include certain prescription drugs such as intramuscular or sublingual cyanocobalamin or oral hydroxocobalamin.

People with low levels of intrinsic factor may need to have regular intramuscular injections of vitamin B12.

In cases of autoimmune pernicious anemia, a doctor may prescribe vitamin B12 injections as well as oral folate supplements to help combat anemia. Additionally, doctors may prescribe immunosuppressant drugs for autoimmune-related B12 deficiency.

Finally, for people with a B12 deficiency due to a vegan diet, taking a supplement and consuming a fortified food or fortified plant-based milk can help maintain healthy levels of B12. Regular monitoring of B12 levels is important to ensure that the treatment is successful.

Why would you be B12 deficient?

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is essential for many bodily functions, including the formation of red blood cells, nerve cells, and DNA. It also helps to maintain a healthy metabolism. A deficiency of B12 can have significant consequences for your physical and mental health, so it is important to understand why and how you can become deficient in this important nutrient.

The most common cause of B12 deficiency is an inability to absorb it from the diet. This can be the result of impaired absorption of the nutrient due to autoimmune conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or Celiac disease.

It can also be caused by conditions that involve the small intestine, such as inflammation, resection (surgical removal of part of the small intestine), or damage to cells that produce intrinsic factor which is necessary for absorption.

Certain medications can interfere with the absorption of B12, such as proton pump inhibitors, diabetes drugs, histamine-2 blockers, and kidney dialysis.

Other potential causes of B12 deficiency include dietary deficiencies, such as a vegan or vegetarian diet, or a diet where intake of animal products is limited due to cultural or religious dietary restrictions.

People who regularly consume alcohol are also at risk for B12 deficiency because alcohol can interfere with the absorption. Finally, those with chronic conditions, such as renal failure, liver disease, and certain cancers, are more likely to be deficient due to higher use of certain medications or other imbalances that can interfere with B12 absorption.

Is B12 deficiency serious?

Yes, B12 deficiency is definitely a serious issue. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an important nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy, as well as helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells.

Without enough B12, a person can experience fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, nerve problems, and depression. If left untreated, a person with B12 deficiency may eventually experience difficulty walking, problems with balance, and vision issues, as well as poor memory and confusion.

Severe B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, which causes symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain. In addition, B12 deficiency can lead to problems with maintaining proper levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood that may increase risk of heart disease if too high.

It’s therefore very important to get a diagnosis and proper treatment as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of very low B12?

The symptoms of very low B12 can be wide-ranging and vary from person to person. However, some common symptoms of a Vitamin B12 deficiency include tiredness and weakness, lack of energy, pale skin, breathlessness, a low red blood cell count (anaemia), nerve damage, depression, and cognitive difficulties such as memory loss and confusion.

Other symptoms may include a sore or swollen tongue, facial numbness, and even, in extreme cases, paralysis.

In addition to the physical symptoms of very low B12, people may also experience psychological and emotional changes that could be associated with the deficiency. These can range from irrational anger outbursts to low self-esteem.

Those with very low B12 may also find it difficult to focus or concentrate, as well as struggling with mental tasks, such as memory recall, reasoning skills and problem-solving.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a Vitamin B12 deficiency, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor, who can determine if you have very low B12 and develop a plan for treatment.

Treatment for very low B12 usually involves taking B12 supplements, consuming foods that are rich in B12, or receiving regular B12 injections.

How tired can low B12 make you feel?

Having low B12 levels can lead to extreme fatigue. A Vitamin B12 deficiency affects the body’s ability to produce enough red blood cells, which can make you feel tired and weak. Additionally, not getting enough B12 can result in poor energy metabolism, poor nerve cell communication and impairment of critical metabolic pathways.

All of these can make you feel exhausted, fatigued and severely tired. Symptoms of severe B12 deficiency include extreme tiredness, rapid heartbeat, pale skin, dizziness, constipation and difficulty concentrating.

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor, who can determine if B12 deficiency is the cause of your fatigue.