Vitamin B12 for Chronic Fatigue: A Natural Energy Boost?

Who doesn’t feel disturbed by getting “that tired sensation” that hits after a long day’s work?

Getting these familiar feelings isn’t lovely and it is considered annoying even.

The reason?

Fatigue could be caused by low vitamin B12 levels inside the body.

Doing just your daily routine of playing your favourite sports, staying hydrated, and eating healthy is not enough.

Thus, vitamin B12 (with advice from your doctor) might help to make energy, healthy red

blood cells, and keep your nerves and brain working properly.

Vitamin B12 (also called cobalamin) is a vitamin that your body needs but cannot make on

its own.

It is found in foods that come from animals, such as meat, fish, milk, cheese, and

eggs.

Vitamin B12 helps your body make DNA, protect your nerves, and produce red blood

cells that carry oxygen.

When your body doesn’t get enough B12, you might not have enough healthy red blood

cells. This can lower oxygen in your body and make you feel tired, weak, forgetful, or even sad or moody.

Regular medical examination and laboratory checkup could assist you in keeping your body fit. Visit our clinic here for doctor consultation and further essential treatments.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Sometimes, that tired sensation you feel might be a sign of an underlying, more serious, condition.

Early detection of Vitamin B12 deficiency might lead patients to more comprehensive treatments and long-lasting recoveries.

So, without further ado, here are several warning signs of lacking vitamin B12 you might keep an eye on:

1. Feeling very tired

   You may feel weak or worn out even if you slept enough.

   
   

2. Tingling or “pins and needles” in hands or feet

   A numb or buzzing feeling, especially in fingers or toes.

   
   

3. Pale or yellowish skin

   Your skin may look lighter than usual or slightly yellow.

   
   

4. Trouble remembering things or focusing

   You might feel forgetful, confused, or have a hard time thinking clearly.

   
   

5. Sore or swollen tongue

   Your tongue may look smooth, feel painful, or burn when eating.

Diagnosis of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

After figuring out the symptoms of possible Vitamin B12 deficiency, the next step would be taking the suitable lab tests to confirm the condition.

Our clinic could help you with in-depth doctor consultation and laboratory blood test fitting the condition. Check out more info in the Contact Us section.

The lab parameters suggestive of vitamin B12 deficiency are as follows:

1. Blood Vitamin B12 Level– Measures how much B12 is in your blood. Low levels suggest deficiency.

   
   

2. Complete Blood Count (CBC)– Checks for large red blood cells or anemia, which can happen with low B12.

   
   

3. Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) Test– High MMA levels usually mean your body isn't getting enough B12.

   
   

4. Homocysteine Level– Elevated homocysteine can be a sign of low B12 (and sometimes low folate).

   
   

5. Intrinsic Factor / Parietal Cell Antibodies– Helps detect pernicious anemia, a common cause of B12 deficiency.

   
   

Always consult a healthcare professional to interpret results properly.

Who is more prone to suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency?

People commonly take nutritions from outside sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and their favourite vitamin tablets.

However, sometimes, the body said differently, and there are certain categories rendering more vulnerable people to the condition.

Some people are more likely to have low vitamin B12, for example:

● Adults over 50 years old (because the stomach makes less acid to absorb B12)

● Vegetarians or vegans (because they eat little or no animal products)

● People with stomach or gut problems like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or those

who’ve had stomach surgery

● People who take certain medicines, like metformin for diabetes or acid reducers for

heartburn

For those of you experiencing fatigue without clear medical reasons, a vitamin B12

supplement may be a useful first step.

The recommended Vitamin B12 supplement is methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin in

oral tablet form. A typical dose is 500–1000 micrograms daily.

Blood tests should be done before starting and during supplementation to monitor B12 levels.

Only a doctor should recommend intravenous (IV) injectable vitamin B12, usually in cases of very low Vitamin B12 body levels or poor absorption.

Oral B12 is generally safe, but taking high doses without medical advice is not suggested.

It’s important to treat the root cause of fatigue, not just the symptoms.

Doctor's Message

Vitamin B12 is important to keep your energy levels, focus, and vitality.

It is suggested to take Vitamin B12 supplements to see some positive changes in the symptoms of chronic fatigue conditions.

However, keep in mind that prior doctor consultation before starting long- term vitamin treatment is necessary to treat the root cause and detect additional health problems, if there are any.

dr Cathrine, GP, Reset Room Bali