What are the two main causes of B12 deficiency?

The two main causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency are inadequate dietary intake, common in strict vegans, and malabsorption due to issues like pernicious anemia (lack of intrinsic factor), digestive diseases (Crohn's, celiac), stomach inflammation (gastritis), or gastric surgery. Essentially, you either don't get enough B12 in your diet, or your body can't properly absorb the B12 you consume.

What is the fastest way to fix B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be treated with B12 supplements (oral, sublingual, or injections) and by consuming B12-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Prevention includes a balanced diet, fortified foods (for vegans), and regular monitoring, especially for older adults or those with absorption issues.

What disease can cause low B12?

Pernicious anaemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK. Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition that affects your stomach. An autoimmune condition means your immune system (the body's natural defence system that protects against illness and infection) attacks your body's healthy cells.

Does vitamin B12 interact with amlodipine?

No direct, significant interactions are commonly reported between Vitamin B12 and amlodipine, meaning they are generally considered safe to take together when treating a deficiency, but always confirm with your doctor, especially since multivitamins or high doses might affect blood pressure, requiring more frequent monitoring. 

Can B12 cause nausea?

Taking doses of vitamin B-12 might cause: Headache. Nausea. Diarrhea.

B12 Deficiency (7 Signs Doctors Miss) 2024

What are the worst symptoms of B12 deficiency?

The worst symptoms of B12 deficiency involve severe neurological damage, including difficulty walking, memory loss (potentially dementia), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, and severe numbness/tingling (peripheral neuropathy), alongside debilitating fatigue and anemia; these issues can become permanent if untreated, affecting nerves, cognitive function, and coordination.
 

What kind of B12 is best for seniors?

Active B12 is generally considered to be the best form of B12 for seniors for several reasons. Metabolically active forms of B12 such as methylcobalamin and adenocobalamin require no further conversion in the body.

What medications cannot be taken with B12?

You should be cautious taking Vitamin B12 with medications that reduce stomach acid (like omeprazole, famotidine), diabetes drugs (metformin), certain antiseizure meds (phenytoin, carbamazepine), colchicine (for gout), and aminosalicylic acid, as these can lower B12 absorption; also, Vitamin C supplements can decrease B12's availability. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions before combining them, as timing or dose adjustments may be needed. 

What is the biggest side effect of amlodipine?

The most common major side effect of amlodipine is swelling (edema), particularly in the ankles, feet, and legs, due to blood vessel dilation, with dizziness, flushing (redness/warmth), fatigue, and palpitations also frequent; while usually mild, severe swelling or new/worsened chest pain requires immediate medical attention.
 

What supplements should you not take with amlodipine?

You should be cautious with supplements like St. John's Wort, Ginkgo biloba, and Ginseng**, as they can alter amlodipine levels (either lowering or raising them), while Fish Oil, Magnesium, and Calcium Carbonate can cause dangerously low blood pressure when combined with amlodipine; always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new supplement with amlodipine to prevent serious interactions. 

What do you crave when your B12 is low?

B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, often for animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, because the body seeks these rich sources to compensate for the lack of the vitamin, which is crucial for energy, nerve, and brain health. You might also experience cravings for salty foods, sugar, or even non-food items (pica) due to related iron deficiencies or impacts on neurotransmitters, alongside fatigue, mood changes, and neurological symptoms like tingling. 

Why have I suddenly got low B12?

Some people can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet. A diet that includes meat, fish and dairy products usually provides enough vitamin B12, but people who do not regularly eat these foods can become deficient.

Who suffers most from B12 deficiency?

Being older than 75 years: People over 75 are more at risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency because their bodies are often unable to fully absorb vitamin B12. Having a digestive system disorder: Digestive disorders can make it more difficult for your body to absorb vitamin B12.

Which juice is rich in vitamin B12?

One of the easiest ways to get B12 through juice is by drinking orange juice fortified with this essential vitamin. Many brands offer B12-fortified juices, making them a convenient way to boost your intake.

What raises B12 quickly?

To quickly boost B12, focus on high-B12 animal foods (liver, clams, salmon, eggs, dairy) or fortified options (cereals, nutritional yeast, plant milks) and consider supplements or injections if deficiency is severe, especially if diet isn't enough, as injections work fastest for absorption. 

Which dry fruit is rich in vitamin B12?

Here are the 9 best vitamin b12 rich dry fruits you should consider adding to your diet:

1. Fortified Almonds. Almonds, when fortified, can be a surprising source of vitamin B12. ...
2. Raisins. ...
3. Dates. ...
4. Pistachios. ...
5. Figs. ...
6. Dried Apricots. ...
7. Cashews. ...
8. Walnuts.

What organ is amlodipine hard on?

Amlodipine primarily affects the heart and blood vessels by relaxing them to lower blood pressure and ease chest pain, but it is processed by the liver, which can be affected in rare cases, leading to elevated enzymes or jaundice, though long-term damage is uncommon. Its main action is relaxing vascular muscles, reducing the heart's workload, and improving blood flow, but it can cause side effects like leg swelling (edema) due to fluid shifts in the vessels. 

What are the worst blood pressure drugs to take?

5 of the worst blood pressure medications

• Beta blockers. Beta blockers aren't usually a first-choice blood pressure medication. ...
• Loop diuretics. Furosemide (Lasix) is a type of diuretic (water pill) known as a loop diuretic. ...
• Alpha blockers. ...
• Vasodilators. ...
• Alpha-2 agonists.

Why should amlodipine be taken at night?

Taking amlodipine at bedtime can be beneficial as some studies show it better controls nighttime blood pressure, reduces cardiovascular risk (like stroke/heart attack), and may help with side effects like morning dizziness, though consistency is most crucial; however, consult your doctor as timing can vary, and older research suggested mornings, making consistent dosing the primary goal. 

Can you take B12 with blood pressure meds?

The 2025 U.S. guideline on hypertension does not list a warning about routine B vitamin use with blood pressure medication. However, while it is appropriate to supplement additional Vitamin B if you have a deficiency, there are no formal recommendations on Vitamin B supplementation for high blood pressure.

Who should not get B12 injections?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Kidney disease.
• Leber's disease.
• Megaloblastic anemia.
• An unusual or allergic reaction to cyanocobalamin, cobalt, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• Breast-feeding.

What happens to your weight when you take B12?

In fact, some studies have even suggested the opposite. For instance, one study noted that individuals who regularly took vitamin B12 supplements gained between 2.5 to 17 fewer pounds (1.2 to 7.7 kg) over a decade than those who didn't supplement.

What vitamin deficiency is linked to dementia?

Our results confirm that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantially increased risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease.

What brand has the best B12 vitamin?

There's no single "best" brand, as it depends on your needs (vegan, budget, form), but top-rated brands often include Nature Made, Nature's Bounty, and quality-tested Thorne for reliable options, with popular choices also being Pure Encapsulations, MegaFood, and Jarrow Formulas. For bioavailability, methylcobalamin (like Thorne or Jarrow) is often preferred over cyanocobalamin (like many Nature Made/Nature's Bounty), but cyanocobalamin is common and effective for many, especially those needing budget-friendly, stable forms, with options from trusted names like Nature Made or Nature's Bounty.
 

What B12 do doctors recommend?

Doctors often recommend B12 supplements for vegans, older adults, and those with absorption issues, with common forms being cyanocobalamin (synthetic, stable, widely used) or methylcobalamin (natural form). Brands like Nature Made, Doctor's Best, and Jarrow Formulas are popular, but always consult your doctor for the right type (capsule, spray, gummy) and dosage (often higher than 2.4 mcg RDA for deficiency).