Vitamin B12
Vitamin
Essential for red blood cell production and nerve function.
Form: Tablet
Recommended intake: 2.4 µg/day (higher in deficiency or vegan diet)
Benefits
Corrects megaloblastic anemia, supports myelin synthesis, improves energy in deficient individuals.
Warnings
High doses are generally safe (water-soluble). Patients with pernicious anemia need intramuscular B12.
Description
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is found almost exclusively in animal products. Vegans, the elderly, and people on long-term metformin or PPIs are at risk of deficiency, which can cause megaloblastic anemia and irreversible neuropathy.