Why you need B12 and who’s at risk of deficiency

What happens if you don’t get enough vitamin B12?

“Vitamin B12 deficiency causes tiredness, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss and megaloblastic anemia,” the National Institutes of Health says.

“Nerve problems, such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, can also occur.

“Other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include problems with balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory and soreness of the mouth or tongue.”

“A B12 deficiency can go undiagnosed for years,” J.J. Virgin writes in Prevention magazine.

Symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and forgetfulness might point to such a deficiency and should not be ignored.

Certain people are more likely to be deficient in B12, Virgin writes:

Vegetarians and vegans: B12 is found naturally only in animal products (most notably beef liver and clams, NIH notes). People older than 50. People who drink alcohol regularly: B12 is stored in your liver, and that is stressed by too much alcohol.

People with acid reflux: Both stomach problems and the medications used to treat them prevent your body from absorbing B12.

People with diabetes or an autoimmune disease: These conditions prevent your body from absorbing the vitamin.

Fortunately, B12 supplements are easily available, by shots, lozenges, additives in food and even fortified breakfast cereals.