Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 is one of the essential vitamins for the human body, as it has many benefits, especially in the production of red blood cells. Therefore, Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to several health problems. It is a water-soluble vitamin; as a result, a person must obtain a certain amount of Vitamin B12 daily because it is not stored for long periods in the body.
What is Vitamin B12?
The scientific name for Vitamin B12 is (cobalamin). It is available in several forms, including active forms such as (methylcobalamin) and inactive forms such as (cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin), which are converted into active forms within the human body.(1)
Daily Vitamin B12 Requirements for the Human Body
The human body cannot produce Vitamin B12, but obtains it through eating healthy foods that contain it or through dietary supplements. The amount of Vitamin B12 needed varies from person to person based on age. This table shows the exact recommended amounts for most people.(2)
| Person | Age | Daily Requirement (mcg) |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | Up to 6 months | 0.4 |
| Infant | 7 to 12 months | 0.5 |
| Child | 1 to 3 years | 0.9 |
| Child | 4 to 8 years | 1.2 |
| Child | 9 to 13 years | 1.8 |
| Adolescent | 14 to 18 years | 2.4 |
| Pregnant Women | - | 2.6 |
| Breastfeeding Women | - | 2.8 |
| Adults | - | 2.4 |
Eight Essential Benefits of Vitamin B12
Based on studies conducted by therapeutic nutrition specialists and doctors specializing in Diet Therapy, the human body needs Vitamin B12 for multiple benefits: Read also about the Importance of Therapeutic Nutrition Specialists in Public Health.
First: Aids in Red Blood Cell Formation
It protects against anemia and megaloblastic anemia, which causes constant fatigue due to lack of oxygen.
Second: Protects Against Birth Defects
Pregnant women must obtain the correct amount, and consultation with a nutrition specialist is recommended. Read also about Therapeutic Nutrition for Pregnant Women week by week and Secrets of Weight Loss After Childbirth.
Third: Maintaining Bone Health
It protects against osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.
Fourth: Reduces Risk of Macular Degeneration
It reduces homocysteine levels, which protects the center of vision in the eye as we age.
Fifth: Improving Mood
It plays an important role in synthesizing the happiness hormone (serotonin).
Sixth: Maintaining Brain and Nerve Health
It reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease, forgetfulness, and peripheral neuropathy.
Seventh: Maintaining Heart Health
By reducing levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the body.
Eighth: Hair and Nail Health
Deficiency can lead to vitiligo and changes in nail color.(3)
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Therapeutic Nutrition specialists have outlined the symptoms as follows:
- Constant fatigue, shortness of breath, and headaches.
- Irregular heartbeat and yellowing of the skin.
- Loss of appetite, weight loss, and mouth ulcers.
- Numbness in extremities, blurred vision, depression, and forgetfulness.(4)
Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Strict vegan diet.
- Pernicious anemia and stomach absorption issues.
- Use of Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) medications.(5)
Treatment and Optimal Nutrition
Treatment is administered through supplements (tablets or injections) and focusing on foods such as: red meat, fish (salmon and tuna), poultry, eggs, and dairy products.(6)
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8. References: (1) NIH (2) WebMD (3) Healthline (4, 5, 6) NHS
Updated at: 2026-04-07 12:16:43