Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that helps the body make new red blood cells and DNA (genetic material of the cells) along with keeping nerve cells healthy.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, nerve damage, and cognitive issues and other symptoms.

This vitamin is naturally found in only animal products like eggs, meat, fish, and dairy. Its deficiency is often caused by poor dietary intake of these items.

Vitamin B12 also needs a special agent called "intrinsic factor" for it to be absorbed. Conditions, such as pernicious anemia, celiac disease, and crohn's disease, and surgeries like gastric bypass that interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 can also cause its deficiency.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is mostly preventable. Consume a balanced diet that includes a healthy mix of animal products. If you are following a vegetarian diet, you can eat products that are fortified with vitamin B12 or take a daily oral supplement.

Severe deficiency can be managed by I.V. B12 injections and addressing underlying causes like gastrointestinal disorders.