Are you B12 Deficient?

by janine | Apr 8, 2015 | Blog

A question I get asked sometimes, and yet not as often as the famous protein question unfortunately, is how do you get your B12?

If you did not already know the body cannot make Vitamin B12 so it needs to get it from outside sources. The main sources for getting this vitamin come from animals & animal products.

So why is it then that so many meat eaters are finding themselves deficient in this important vitamin? I’ll tell you. But first, what exactly is B12 and why is it so important?

Microorganisms, primarily bacteria, are the only known organisms that manufacture B12. SO if you thought it is important to eat animals to get B12, you’re not correct as animals themselves do not produce B12, they ingest it and then pass it on to you when you ingest the animal.

Vitamin B12 works together with folate to make red blood cells, nerves, DNA and so it supports immune system health, improves mood, protects the cardiovascular system, and maintains overall energy levels.

B12 has also been shown to reduce pain associated with neuropathy.

A deficiency in B12 can develop gradually with minimal symptoms at first leading up to more intense and dangerous symptoms, or it can come on pretty strong at once.

B12 deficiency can show up in a number of different ways, such as: 

• strange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet
• difficulty walking (staggering, balance problems)
• anemia
• a swollen, inflamed tongue
• yellowed skin (jaundice)
• difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), or memory loss
• paranoia or hallucinations
• weakness
• fatigue

The body requires a protein called Intrinsic factor in order to properly absorb B12. If you are lacking this protein then you will likely end up with a B12 deficiency, whether you are a Vegan or not.

Aside from following a Vegan or Vegetarian diet other factors that affect B12 absorption are:

• intestinal dysbiosis
• leaky gut and/or gut inflammation
• Conditions such celiac or Crohn’s disease
• atrophic gastrits or hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)
• pernicious anemia (autoimmune condition)
• medications (especially acid-suppressing drugs)
• alcohol
• exposure to nitrous oxide

So as you can see it is not as cut and dry as being a meat eater vs a Vegan.

How to correct a deficiency or avoid one: 

Taking a supplemental form of B12 is the best way to ensure your levels stay normal.

What is a normal level? It truly varies, the standard is 200 – 900 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). With the idea that anything under 200 is low. However symptoms can be present for anything under 500 pg/ml.

It is certainly individual based.

If you are wondering what your levels are you can get a test from your doctor, be sure to ask to see the results as they may see something above 200 and say you are in the clear but if you are experiencing symptoms and you are just above 200 then you may be best to supplement.

How to supplement:

There are four forms of B12 (Cobalamin): methylcobalamin, cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin & adenosylcobalamin.
Based on research studies the most active form in the body is methylcobalamin. You can find this in supplement form and I recommend taking it as a sublingual as it absorbs right into the blood stream under the tongue.

Hydroxocobalamin is the form that doctors use when B12 injections are given, this may be a necessary approach for those who are really unable to absorb B12.

If you suspect  you may have a B12 deficiency then make an appointment to see your doctor to have your levels checked.
If you have a condition that makes it hard to absorb this vitamin then there is likely more going on inside of your body.

If you would like help bringing the body back into balance and to feeling well over all please contact me at info@janineaf.come for a FREE Discovery Session.

Much Love always,

Janine ♥