All the key facts about vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin. Compared to other vitamins, the human body only needs very little vitamin B12 as it is good at storing it. 

Vitamin B12 is almost exclusively found in animal sources like meat, fish and dairy products. These foods are rich in vitamin B12 (values in micrograms per 100 g):

• Calf’s liver, raw: 60
• Farmed salmon: 6.9
• Trout, raw: 5
• Beef, raw: 2.9
• Sbrinz cheese: 2.1
• Fried lamb fillet: 2.1
• Landjäger sausage: 2.0
• Camembert: 1.9
• Dried meat: 1.6
• Mozzarella: 1.4

Do plant-based foods contain vitamin B12?

Researchers have found that mushrooms, algae, fermented soybeans and leafy vegetables contain traces of vitamin B12. However, the amounts are so small and vary so greatly that these can’t be considered reliable sources of vitamin B12. 

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

The body stores vitamin B12 in the liver. Even if someone isn’t getting enough vitamin B12, it will take time for the deficiency to show its effects. The body can continue using its stored reserves for years. The symptoms aren’t always clear. Signs of a deficiency can include:

• Sensory problems or even temporary paralysis
• Burning tongue
• Tingling in the arms and legs
• Unsteady gait
• Muscle weakness
• Tiredness, poor concentration
• Headache
• Depression
• Confusion
• Hair loss

Vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to anaemia and nerve damage.

What causes vitamin B12 deficiency?

People who regularly eat meat or fish don’t usually get vitamin B12 deficiency. Vegetarians and vegans are at a higher risk of developing the deficiency. However, a study has shown that vegetarians and vegans are aware of this, so they often take supplements to compensate. 

There are many different causes for vitamin B12 deficiency. As well as poor nutrition or a reduced ability to absorb it (absorption disorders), other reasons for not getting enough vitamin B12 can include:

• Not enough intrinsic factor (a glycoprotein)
• Chronic inflammation of the stomach or intestine
• Taking medication to treat excess stomach acid
• High alcohol consumption

All of these can reduce vitamin B12 uptake in the body or sometimes prevent it almost entirely.

How do you find out if you have vitamin B12 deficiency?

There are three different ways of checking for a vitamin B12 deficiency.

• First, the doctor will analyse vitamin B12 levels in your blood. However, this value doesn’t tell the doctor how much of the vitamin B12 your body’s cells can actually use. If your vitamin B12 levels are noticeably low, you’ll have the next test.
• The holoTC test measures the concentration of holotranscobalamin (holoTC) in your blood. If vitamin B12 from food binds with the protein transcobalamin, it becomes holotranscobalamin, also referred to as active vitamin B12. It can be taken up by receptors in the cells, allowing the body to use it. A low value indicates that the body is using up its vitamin B12 reserves.
• The most specific test is one that measures methylmalonic acid, a metabolic by-product. If someone has vitamin B12 deficiency, they will have more of this acid in their blood.

People who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet should get their vitamin B12 levels checked on a regular basis. This is particularly important during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, when the body needs more vitamins.

How do you treat vitamin B12 deficiency?

If the deficiency is due to insufficient vitamin B12 in the diet, oral treatment is an option. Daily vitamin B12 will be prescribed in the form of tablets, capsules or drops. They usually contain a much higher dose than the reference value of 4 micrograms. This is because the body can only absorb and use part of that amount.

If the body cannot absorb vitamin B12, tablets won’t help. It means the body also can’t use the vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 will therefore be given as an intramuscular injection. The frequency of these injections will vary depending on the person.