Vitamin B12 provides fuel for the body by helping to form red blood cells, DNA synthesis and supporting nerve cell function. Naturally, falling short of the vitamin can deal a hammer blow to the body. There are a spate of neuropsychiatric symptoms that can accompany B12 deficiency.
Holland and Barrett explains: “Vegans and vegetarians are at risk because they don’t eat meat, while older people may not absorb vitamin B12 properly from their food due to declining levels of stomach acid.”
According to the health body, if you’re following a plant-based diet, taking a vitamin B12 supplement can help prevent a deficiency.
How is B12 deficiency treated?
The treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency depends on what’s causing the condition. Most people can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12.
There are two types of vitamin B12 injections:
- Hydroxocobalamin
- Cyanocobalamin.
“At first, you’ll have these injections every other day for two weeks or until your symptoms have started improving,” adds the NHS.
