What is vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 in your reports

Usually listed as vitamin B12 or cobalamin, often in pg/mL.

• The sources we checked do not give one fixed range.
• Labs set their own, so compare your number with the range printed on your report.

Why vitamin B12 matters

Low B12 can cause a type of anaemia, along with tiredness, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, poor memory and low mood.

It is more likely if you eat few animal foods, because B12 comes mainly from milk, eggs, fish and meat. The NHS also lists these causes:

• pernicious anaemia
• stomach surgery
• some medicines, including metformin and acid-reducing tablets

That is why people with diabetes or acidity on long-term treatment should get it checked.

Vitamin B12 in Indian food

B12 is found in milk, dahi, paneer, eggs, fish, chicken and meat, and in some fortified foods.

• If you are vegetarian, make dairy a daily habit, and include eggs if you eat them.
• Vegans usually need fortified foods or a supplement.
• If you take metformin or acid tablets, don't stop them; ask your doctor whether your B12 should be tested and how to correct a low level.