Older adults, vegans and vegetarians, and people with certain digestive or autoimmune conditions are among those most at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Left untreated, it can leave you feeling constantly tired, affect your memory and concentration, and in severe cases cause lasting nerve damage.
In this blog, we’ll explain who is most at risk, the symptoms to look out for, and how vitamin B12 deficiency is diagnosed and treated.
What Is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency happens when your body does not have enough vitamin B12 to make healthy red blood cells and keep your nervous system working properly. Because your body cannot produce vitamin B12 itself, it must come from food and be properly absorbed in the gut.
Who Is Most at Risk of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
People over 75, vegans and vegetarians, and those with autoimmune or digestive conditions are among those at highest risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, mainly due to reduced absorption or limited dietary intake.
Older Adults
Adults aged 75 and over are more likely to become deficient because stomach acid production naturally declines with age, making it harder to absorb vitamin B12 from food.
Vegans and Vegetarians
Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Without supplements or fortified foods, people following a vegan or vegetarian diet are more likely to develop a deficiency.
People With Pernicious Anaemia or Other Autoimmune Conditions
Pernicious anaemia, where the immune system attacks the stomach cells needed to absorb B12, is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK. It is more common in women around 60 and in those with a family history of the condition, according to the NHS.
People With Digestive Conditions or Previous Stomach Surgery
Conditions such as Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease or previous stomach surgery, including a gastrectomy, can prevent the gut from absorbing enough vitamin B12.
Other people who may be at higher risk include:
- People taking certain medicines, such as metformin or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
- Pregnant women, whose B12 needs increase to support their baby’s development.
- People with another autoimmune condition, such as Addison’s disease or vitiligo.
What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include extreme tiredness, a sore tongue, and problems with memory or mood. Symptoms often develop gradually and can easily be mistaken for other everyday health issues.
- Extreme tiredness or breathlessness.
- Pins and needles or muscle weakness.
- A sore, red tongue or mouth ulcers.
- Memory, concentration, or mood changes.
- Disturbed vision.
How Is Low Vitamin B12 Diagnosed?
Low vitamin B12 is usually diagnosed with a simple vitamin B12 blood test, which measures the vitamin alongside your red blood cell size and haemoglobin level. Your GP or pharmacist may recommend further tests to identify the underlying cause, such as pernicious anaemia, in line with NHS diagnostic guidance.
How Is Vitamin B12 Deficiency Treated?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is treated with tablets or injections, depending on what’s causing it. If your deficiency is linked to your diet, tablets or fortified foods may be enough. However, if your body cannot absorb vitamin B12 properly, such as with pernicious anaemia, you’ll usually need regular injections, sometimes for life.
Get Vitamin B12 Support at Periville Pharmacy
If any of these symptoms sound familiar or you think you may be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, Periville Pharmacy can help you get tested and start the right treatment without long waits for a GP appointment. Our private vitamin B12 service includes an assessment, blood testing where appropriate, and tablet or injection treatment provided by our trained pharmacists. If you’re searching for vitamin B12 treatment in Healing or vitamin B12 treatment in Laceby, you can book an appointment at either of our Grimsby pharmacy branches.
Book your vitamin B12 consultation today so you can get your symptoms checked and get the treatment you need sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK?
Pernicious anaemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK. It is an autoimmune condition that stops the body from absorbing B12 from food.
Can vitamin B12 deficiency be reversed?
Yes. In most cases, once the underlying cause has been identified, treatment with tablets or injections can restore vitamin B12 levels. However, nerve damage may take longer to recover and can sometimes be permanent if treatment is delayed.
What foods are high in vitamin B12?
Good sources of vitamin B12 include meat, fish such as salmon and cod, eggs, milk and other dairy products, plus fortified foods like some cereals and yeast extracts.
How long does it take to correct a vitamin B12 deficiency?
Most people notice an improvement within a few weeks of starting treatment, although full recovery can take a few months, depending on the severity and underlying cause.
Are vitamin B12 injections available on the NHS?
Yes, vitamin B12 injections are available on the NHS if you are diagnosed with a deficiency, particularly one caused by pernicious anaemia. Private injections are also available at pharmacies for faster access.