Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause a variety of symptoms, from fatigue to dementia. Those with vitamin B12 deficiency may need to consider more than one approach to increasing this important water-soluble vitamin. Treatment options range from treating underlying causes to dietary changes or supplements to administration of vitamin B12 shots.
Improve Vitamin B12 Levels by Treating Other Medical Conditions
Vitamin B12 depends on several factors of the stomach and intestines in order for the body to absorb the nutrient. Properly treating these pre-existing conditions may return the body to such a state that it can properly absorb vitamin B12 and may decrease or eliminate the need for vitamin B12 supplementation.
For example, someone may take a daily antacid due to pain from a stomach, or peptic, ulcer. If the ulcer is caused by a common bacterium called H. pylori, treating the infection may relieve the cause of indigestion and the person may no longer need to take acid reducers. This more natural acidic environment may help the body to better absorb vitamin B12.
People who have celiac disease may achieve healing of the intestinal lining with a consistent gluten-free diet with resulting better absorption of B12. Crohn’s disease can also affect vitamin B12 absorption, and proper treatment of the intestinal condition may result in increased vitamin B12 absorption. Successful treatment of alcoholism may also improve absorption of vitamin B12.
Change in Diet May Improve Vitamin B12 Levels
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in a variety of foods from animals, including:
- meat, poultry, shellfish
- milk products
- eggs
Eating a well-balanced diet that includes natural sources of vitamin B12 may improve a deficiency in some people. Natural sources of vitamin B12 may not absorb well in some people, particularly seniors, but foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as cereal, may absorb better. The amount of B12 in fortified foods varies greatly, so it is important to read food labels and select products according to individual needs.
OTC Dietary Supplements May Help People with B12 Deficiency
A physician may recommend dietary supplements containing vitamin B12. These supplements typically contain vitamin B12 in a form that the body can easily convert to active forms. These supplements are limited by whether or not the body produces sufficient amounts of intrinsic factor, which is needed to absorb B12. Healthy people typically absorb 10mcg of vitamin B12 from a supplement containing 500mcg of the nutrient. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4mcg, with slightly higher levels suggested for women who are pregnant or lactating.
Vitamin B12 supplements are available in oral (by mouth) form or sublingual (under the tongue) form. The data available at this time suggests that both of these forms provide approximately the same bioavailability.
Prescription Vitamin B12 May Increase Serum Levels
If the body cannot adequately absorb vitamin B12 due to reasons such as pernicious anemia, celiac disease, surgical removal of certain parts of the intestine, atrophic gastritis, and other known or unknown conditions, a physician may recommend prescription forms of the vitamin.
Some people may start daily B12 shots, tapering to once weekly and then once a month. A newer option that is still being studied is an intranasal vitamin 12 gel, which may be preferred over the shots by many.
Some people may continue to take replacement therapy indefinitely, but others may only need a temporary course of treatment if they are undergoing treatment for underlying causes. After proper treatment, they may discover that their vitamin B12 levels have returned to normal limits.
Ways to Correct Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Increasing vitamin B12 levels may be accomplished through a variety of options, such as treating pre-existing conditions leading to the deficiency, eating a natural or fortified diet with adequate levels of vitamin B12, taking B12 supplements, or through prescription replacement therapy. An assessment by a healthcare provider can help determine the best course of action and whether or not therapeutic levels have been achieved.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health online article “Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B12”
U.S. Library of Medicine MedLine Plus online article “Anemia – B12 deficiency”
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) online article “H. pylori and Peptic Ulcers”
Hawaii Med J. November 2006 online article “Patient acceptance of intranasal cobalamin gel for vitamin B12 replacement therapy” by Suzuki DM et al.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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