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The #1 Warning Sign You Have a Vitamin B12 Deficiency
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- Plant-forward diets like vegetarianism and veganism increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, as B12 is primarily found in animal-based foods or supplements.
- Vitamin B12 is essential for brain and nervous system function, red blood cell formation, DNA production, and bone health, especially important for women at risk of osteoporosis.
- Symptoms of B12 deficiency include fatigue, muscle weakness, neurological issues, and psychological problems such as depression and irritability.
- Diagnosis is done through blood tests, with levels below 200 pg/mL indicating deficiency; treatment involves increasing B12 intake via supplements, fortified foods, or injections.
- Best dietary sources of B12 are animal products like beef liver, clams, and salmon, while fortified plant-based foods and supplements serve as alternatives for those avoiding animal products.
