What are the treatments for vitamin B12 deficiency?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 32-year-old woman. I have been feeling tired and having sudden headaches and breathing issues for the past few weeks. I checked and found it to be a B12 deficiency. Can this be treated completely? What are the ways to maintain proper B12 levels?? Should I be taking any supplements for it, or can this be corrected with dietary modifications? Will my symptoms reduce after dietary changes? Can you please suggest a diet plan to improve B12 levels?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. Thank you for posting your query.

The treatment for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia depends on what is causing the condition. Most people can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins. You will usually take Cyanocobalamin tablets every day to prevent or treat vitamin B12 deficiency. However, you may also need vitamin B12 injections at first to boost your levels. It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve.

Good sources of vitamin B12 are meat, fish, milk, cheese, eggs, and some fortified breakfast cereals, mussels, crab, and sardines. The most common way to treat B12 deficiencies is by adjusting your diet. If this is unsuccessful, vitamin supplements may be recommended.

Taking Omeprazole, Lansaprazole, or other stomach acid-reducing drugs might decrease your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements. Taking vitamin B-12 with vitamin C might reduce the available amount of vitamin B-12 in your body.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

Take care.

Thank you.