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What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency means that your body is not getting enough vitamin B12. Your body needs vitamin B12 for important bodily functions. If you do not have enough vitamin B12 in your body, you can have health problems.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take supplements only as told by your doctor. Follow the directions carefully.
- Get any shots (injections) as told by your doctor. Do not miss your visits to the doctor.
- Eat lots of healthy foods that contain vitamin B12. Ask your
doctor if you should work with someone who is trained in how food affects
health (dietitian).
Foods that contain vitamin B12 include:
- Meat.
- Meat from birds (poultry).
- Fish.
- Eggs.
- Cereal and dairy products that are fortified. This means that vitamin B12 has been added to the food. Check the label on the package to see if the food is fortified.
- Do not drink too much (do not abuse) alcohol.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.
Contact a doctor if:
- Your symptoms come back.
Get help right away if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have chest pain.
- You get dizzy.
- You pass out (lose consciousness).
