Functions
Red Blood Cell Production
Vitamin B12 is essential for forming healthy red blood cells.
It helps:
Prevent megaloblastic anemia
Support oxygen delivery throughout the body
Maintain normal energy levels
Without enough B12, red blood cells become large and inefficient, leading to fatigue and weakness.
🧠 Brain & Nerve Protection
Vitamin B12 helps maintain the myelin sheath, the protective coating around nerves.
This supports:
Memory and concentration
Normal nerve signaling
Coordination and balance
Long-term deficiency can cause nerve damage if untreated.
🧬 DNA Synthesis & Cell Health
Like folate, Vitamin B12 is involved in DNA production and cell division.
It’s crucial for:
Healthy cell growth
Tissue repair
Overall metabolic function
B12 and folate work closely together, so balance matters.
⚠️ What Happens If You’re Low?
Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause:
Fatigue and weakness
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
Memory problems or brain fog
Pale skin
Mood changes
Severe deficiency can lead to permanent nerve damage if not treated early.
🥩🥚 Where Do You Get Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is found mainly in animal-based foods:
Meat and poultry
Fish and seafood
Eggs 🥚
Milk and dairy products
Fortified plant-based foods
Vegetarians and vegans may need fortified foods or supplements.
⚠️ Absorption Matters
B12 absorption depends on a substance in the stomach called intrinsic factor. Certain digestive conditions, aging, or medications can reduce absorption.
Some people may need injections or high-dose supplements under medical supervision.