How to Cure B12 Deficency

Vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by malabsorption as well as a vegan diet. Malabsorption occurs when your small intestines cannot absorb nutrients. I you're a vegan, malabsorption may intensify because you're already not getting the necessary nutrients you need from your diet. This ultimately results in B12 deficiency. Some of the symptoms range from physical (difficulty of breathing, digestive problems, consistent headaches) to mental (depression, hallucinations, insomnia, loss of memory). B12 deficiency can be treated with the help of your doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Supplements/vitamins
• Injections

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Instructions

Curing B12 Deficency

• 1

  See your doctor first. If you have a B12 deficiency, your doctor will prescribe Vitamin B12. You also will have to incorporate B12 into your diet. Typically, your doctor will prescribe you to take at least 3 to 4 mcg of B12 a day. In addition, your doctor will prescribe supplements that will help make up for the B12 that was lost in your diet. Do not try to take the supplements without consulting a doctor. The dosage has to be perfect.

• 2

  Change your diet. B12 deficiency usually affects vegans because they lack proper dairy and meat nutrition. Along with the supplements that were prescribed by your doctor, consuming more B12 foods such as chicken, eggs, milk, cheese, shellfish and meats will help you gain the necessary B12 that is needed to cure your B12 deficiency. If you are a die-hard vegetarian, at least consume some dairy and/or eggs on a daily basis.

• 3

  Get B12 injections. If you have taken the supplements the doctor has prescribed and your B12 deficiency persists, go back to your doctor. She will prescribe B12 injections that you will have to take for approximately six weeks. After six weeks, the deficiency usually is cured. Make sure not to go over the dosage that your doctor gives you since B12 injections are extremely strong.