Doctor Shares Signs You Need More Vitamin B12 in Your Diet

Since your body doesn’t make vitamin B12, it’s important to make sure you get enough from your diet to stay healthy. B12 plays a role in the development of brain and nerve cells. It’s also important for boosting your energy, improving your memory, and helping prevent heart disease.

If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, you could become anemic, and if untreated, it may lead to a variety of unwanted symptoms.

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Dr. Kerry-Anne Perkins shares some common signs to look out for that may indicate you’re deficient. Heart palpitations, pale skin, a smooth tongue, nerve problems (such as numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness), and mental problems (such as depression and memory loss) are common symptoms seen in females.

The recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12 for healthy adult women is 2.4 mcg. Although it is not found naturally in most plant foods, it can be found in plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, spirulina, and some fortified cereals. You can also take B12 supplements. If you think you might be at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, the best way to be sure is to get your blood levels tested.

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