Vitamin B12 Effects & Deficiencies - Questions & Answers

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy nervous system, forming red blood cells, and keeping the body's metabolism in good working order. It's an essential nutrient that can only be obtained through consuming food or supplements, and it's essential for human health.

Popular questions about Vitamin B12

Can I give blood if I have Vitamin B12 deficiency?

If you have a Vitamin B12 deficiency, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before giving blood.

Can Lyme disease cause Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Yes, Lyme disease can cause vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is found in many foods and is necessary for proper cellular functioning. When someone has Lyme disease, the body's response to the infection can make it difficult for the body to absorb and use vitamin B12, leading to a deficiency.

Can Vitamin B12 injections delay your period?

Vitamin B12 injections may not necessarily delay your period. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. However, it is not clear if taking B12 injections can have an effect on the timing of a woman's period.

Can Vitamin B12 affect pregnancy test?

Vitamin B12 does not affect pregnancy tests.

Can Vitamin B12 deficiency cause Raynaud's?

Yes, Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause Raynaud's phenomenon, which is a condition where the small blood vessels in the hands and feet constrict, reducing blood flow, and causing numbness and tingling.

Can Vitamin B12 deficiency cause TMJ?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain and headache, but it is generally not a direct cause of TMJ.

Can Vitamin B12 deficiency cause UTI?

Yes, Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a urinary tract infection (UTI)

Can Vitamin B12 deficiency cause blood in stool?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, including anemia, fatigue, and tingling in the extremities. In rare cases, it can also cause blood in the stool due to the intestinal inflammation caused by the deficiency.

Can Vitamin B12 deficiency cause blue lips?

Yes, a Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause blue lips. This can occur when the body is not getting enough oxygen, which can be caused by a lack of Vitamin B12. Other symptoms of a Vitamin B12 deficiency can include fatigue, pale skin, and tingling in the arms and legs.

Can Vitamin B12 deficiency cause burping?

Yes, Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause burping, as well as a variety of other gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.

Key facts about Vitamin B12

  1. Vitamin B12 is naturally occurring only in animal products, such as meat, fish, and dairy. Vegetarians and vegans often require supplements to meet their daily needs.
  2. A lack of Vitamin B12 can cause anemia, fatigue, and nerve damage.
  3. People with certain medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease, are more prone to B12 deficiency due to malabsorption.
  4. Vitamin B12 can be absorbed by the body in two different ways, passive diffusion, and active transport. Passive diffusion occurs in the stomach, and active transport happens in the ileum.
  5. Vitamin B12 helps to protect the brain from aging and cognitive decline.
  6. Some studies suggest that Vitamin B12 supplements may aid in the prevention of depression and other mental illnesses.
  7. B12 is also important for pregnant women as it aids in healthy fetal development.
  8. The recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms per day, but this can vary depending on age, lifestyle, and medical history.