Vitamin B12 is found in meat products. Chronic vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia with abnormally large red blood cells and low white blood cell count.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells, the biochemical processes of cells, the functioning of the brain and nerve cells, and the formation of genetic material such as DNA. Methylcobalamin is the most bioavailable form of vitamin B12, but hydroxycobalamin and cyanocobalamin, the forms of vitamin B12 commonly taken as dietary supplements, must be broken down into methylcobalamin before they can become bioavailable.
Vitamin B12 is found in high amounts in animal products, including red meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is also often fortified in certain foods, such as cereals and grains, and is used as a dietary supplement. For people with a vitamin B12 deficiency, สนใจสมัคร? คลิกที่นี่เพื่อเริ่มต้น doctors may recommend an injection or nasal spray.
Vitamin B12 is not found in plants. Therefore, people who do not eat meat regularly, such as vegans or vegetarians, are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. The elderly or those with problems with the body’s absorption system are also more likely to be vitamin B12 deficient because the body can store 1,000 – 2,000 times the amount of vitamin taken each day. It may take several years for a vitamin deficiency to show symptoms.
If vitamin B12 deficiency persists, it may cause anemia with abnormally large red blood cells, low white blood cell count, thrombocytopenia, inflammation of the tongue, fatigue, palpitations, muscle weakness, digestive disorders, mood swings, dementia, and nervous system disorders resulting in numbness in the hands and feet. The amount of vitamin B12 that adults should receive each day is 2.4 micrograms.
Research evidence:
Studies have been done on vitamin B12 to understand its effects on various diseases, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease:
It is believed that taking vitamin B12, along with folic acid and in some cases with pyridoxine (vitamin B6), can help lower the amount of an amino acid in the blood (homocysteine), reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease. - Dementia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to dementia and brain decline, but there is no clear evidence that taking vitamin B12 supplements can prevent or treat these conditions. - Sports activities
Taking vitamin B12 in dietary supplement form does not improve strength or athletic performance, except in cases of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Consuming a variety of foods from all five food groups will provide the body with sufficient amounts of vitamin B12. However, for the elderly, those with absorption problems, or those who do not eat meat regularly, vitamin B12 supplements can be beneficial to the body.
In women who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women, vitamin B12 supplements should be taken.
Safety and side effects
When taken in the right amounts, vitamin B12 is considered safe for the body. In adults, taking more than the recommended amount of 2.4 micrograms is not considered to be very dangerous. Our bodies will excrete excess vitamin in the urine.
Medications that should not be taken together
Taking certain medications with vitamin B12 may affect your vitamin B12 levels.
- Aminosalicylic acid
- Colchicine for gout
- The diabetes drug metformin may decrease the absorption of vitamin B12.
- Antacids such as PPIs, omiprazole , and lansoprazole
- Vitamin C dietary supplement
Vitamin C should be taken 2-3 hours after taking vitamin B12 to prevent undesirable reactions of the vitamins. Also, taking vitamin B12 and vitamin C together will reduce the body’s absorption of vitamin B12.
Your doctor may recommend changing the drug or time of taking it to avoid such drug interactions.