Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for many important body functions.
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Office of Dietary Supplements
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What does vitamin B12 do?
Helps produce healthy red blood cells
Supports brain and nervous system function
Helps make DNA, the genetic material in cells
Plays a key role in converting food into usable energy (it doesn't directly provide energy but helps your body use it efficiently).
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Office of Dietary Supplements
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Daily recommended intake
Adults: 2.4 micrograms (mcg)
Pregnant women: 2.6 mcg
Breastfeeding women: 2.8 mcg
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Office of Dietary Supplements
Good food sources
Fish (salmon, tuna, sardines)
Meat (beef, liver)
Poultry
Eggs
Milk, yogurt, and cheese
Fortified breakfast cereals and fortified plant-based milks
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Office of Dietary Supplements
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Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
Fatigue and weakness
Pale skin
Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
Difficulty walking or balance problems
Memory problems or confusion
Sore tongue
Megaloblastic anemia
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Office of Dietary Supplements
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Who is at higher risk?
Vegans and some vegetarians
Adults over age 50
People with stomach or intestinal disorders (such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease)
People taking certain medications, including long-term metformin or acid-reducing medicines
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Mayo Clinic
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Supplements
Vitamin B12 is available as tablets, sublingual (under-the-tongue) tablets, nasal sprays, and injections. Most people who eat a balanced diet get enough B12, but supplements or injections may be needed if a deficiency is confirmed by a healthcare professional.
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Office of Dietary Supplements
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If you're concerned about low B12 levels, a doctor can diagnose deficiency with a blood test and recommend the most appropriate treatment.in nidan pathology laboratory @location
