An overview of Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 (also called cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin
Symptoms of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency anemia include: Shortness of breath Headache Indigestion Loss of appetite Heart palpitations Vision problems Feeling weak or tired Diarrhea Pain or redness of the tongue, sometimes with mouth sores Problems with memory, comprehension, and judgment (cognitive changes) Some of these symptoms may also occur in people who are deficient in vitamin B12 or folic acid but are not anemic
Individuals with pernicious anemia might start with 100 mcg injections daily or every other day, transitioning to a maintenance dose of 100 to 1000 mg monthly
If you let it go for too long, it can cause problems in your nervous system such as: Vision problems Memory loss A pricking or numbing sensation Difficulty speaking or walking due to ataxia (loss of physical coordination) Damage to your extremities (hands, feet, arms, etc.), particularly your legs Other problems could include Infertility (this should go away with B12 treatment) Stomach cancer Bleeding and infections Damage your heart, brain, bones, and other organs in your body If you're pregnant and don't get enough vitamin B12, your baby is at risk of a serious birth defect called a neural tube defect
Always tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including any prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products
For pre-filled pens or auto-injectors, follow the manufacturer's instructions to prepare the device for injection