What B12 level is too low?

Below 200 pg/mL is deficient. Many practitioners consider below 500 pg/mL as suboptimal, especially with neurological symptoms.

Can low B12 cause nerve damage?

Yes. Prolonged B12 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling) and neurological damage that may become permanent if untreated.

How do I raise my B12?

Sublingual B12 (methylcobalamin 1,000-5,000 mcg daily) or B12 injections. Severe deficiency may require injections initially, then oral maintenance.

How long does it take to correct B12 deficiency?

Neurological symptoms may improve within weeks. Blood levels normalize in 1-3 months. Retest after 8-12 weeks of supplementation.

Can I retest without a doctor?

Yes. JustLabs offers B12 testing for $8. Order online and get results in 1-2 days.

Vitamin B12 Bajo: Qué Significa y Qué Hacer

Low B12 (below 200 pg/mL, or suboptimal below 500 pg/mL) causes fatigue, brain fog, numbness, tingling, and depression. B12 deficiency is common in vegans, older adults, and people taking metformin or acid reflux medications. It is easily correctable with supplementation or injections.

¿Qué Causa Vitamin B12 Bajo?

Vegan/Vegetarian Diet

B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products. Plant-based eaters must supplement.

Aging

Stomach acid production decreases with age, reducing B12 absorption. Up to 20% of adults over 60 are deficient.

Pernicious Anemia

An autoimmune condition that destroys intrinsic factor, a protein required for B12 absorption in the gut.

Medications

Metformin (diabetes), PPIs (acid reflux), and H2 blockers all reduce B12 absorption over time.

Gastrointestinal Surgery

Gastric bypass and other GI surgeries reduce the absorption area for B12.

Síntomas Asociados

FatigueBrain fogNumbness/tingling in hands and feetDepressionBalance problemsPale or yellow skinSore tongue

Qué Hacer a Continuación

1. Repetir la prueba para confirmar

Un solo resultado anormal debe confirmarse con una segunda prueba. Factores temporales como estrés, enfermedad o medicamentos pueden afectar los resultados.

Reordenar Vitamin B12

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3. Cuándo consultar un médico

Si su Vitamin B12 es significativamente anormal, si tiene síntomas severos, o si resultados repetidos confirman la anomalía, consulte a un profesional de salud para evaluación y tratamiento apropiado.

Ver rangos normales de Vitamin B12 →

Condiciones Relacionadas

Anemia

Frequently Asked Questions

Esta página es solo para fines informativos y no constituye consejo médico. Consulte a un profesional de salud para la interpretación de sus resultados.

Content reviewed for accuracy by the JustLabs editorial team.