B12 deficiency is one of the MOST common nutrient deficiencies – and one that is not taken as seriously as it should be. Vitamin B12 is essential for the synthesis of DNA – which is only important in cells that have DNA (i.e. ALL OF THEM). If you don’t have B12, your cells can’t divide and grow appropriately and you feel terrible.
B12 is also essential for the healthy of the nervous system, being essential for the formation of myelin – the protective coating around our nerve cells.
B12 is also necessary for carbohydrate metabolism – using sugar for food in both the nervous system and to create abundant energy in our bodies.
If you are concerned your B12 levels may be low, take the quiz below. If you answer YES to more than SIX questions, get your tired ass to your Naturopath for a blood test. And if you know your B12 levels are low, do something about it! It may be as simple as a daily supplement, or it may require B12 injections. Talk to your ND to determine the best course of action for you. 
Disclaimer
The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed health care provider. Consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.
References:
British Columbia Medical Association. B12 Deficiency – Investigation and Management of Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency. Victoria, Canada: Guidelines and Protocols Advisory Committee; 2007.
First Consult: Megaloblastic Anemia www.mdconsult.com
Rakel: Textbook of Family Medicine, 7th Ed. 2007. Common Laboratory Testing.
[…] Do You Have a B12 Deficiency? – Quiz […]
I actually answered 15 of the questions with a yes. Does this mean that mine is worse than most cases? I do receive a B12 shot once every two weeks but it doesn’t seem to getting better.
Yes, it does mean that you may have a more pronounced B12 deficiency. You may want to talk to your doctor about increasing frequency of injections as well as taking sublingual (under the tongue) B12. B12 deficiency is a serious issue, advocate for your health! ~Lisa
Can a b12 deficiency cause acne? Im mostly vegan and although i drink a lot of water i still break out all the time.
There are a variety of things that can cause acne. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, food sensitivities, hormone imbalances – it’s most important when treating acne to understand the underlying cause and address that.
Vitamin B12 deficiency has not been linked directly to acne. In fact the opposite has been demonstrated – over-supplementation with vitamin B12 can worsen acne.
If you are struggling to manage your acne on your own, get in touch with a Naturopathic Doctor in your area and get the help that you need! Find one through http://www.cand.ca in Canada and http://www.aanp.org in the USA.
~Lisa
[…] Take this quiz: drlisawatson.com/b12-deficiency-quiz. […]
I am experiencing ADHD symptoms like absentmindedness, Slow thinking, memory loss.. thinking something and writing something else or saying something else, day dreaming while working, not remembering spellings while I was pretty good at it before.. I was diagnosed with b12 deficiency a month ago and it was 67pg/ml and got 5 b12 shots in 10 days along with b12 tablets. Is it possible to develop adhd at my age (20) ? What should I do?
Symptoms similar to ADHD can develop at any age, but tend to begin in childhood. Many other conditions could be contributing to the symptoms you describe – including B12 deficiency. I suggest you see a Naturopathic Doctor in your town, and in the meantime you can read about Adult ADHD in my article: http://drlisawatson.com/adult-adhd
~Lisa
My amazing saved-my-life Natureopath, Dr. Wagstaff, died last October 2014. His wife is a Natureopath as well but I don’t find her to be as intuitive or effective as he was.
I live in Williams Lake, BC. Who/where is the nearest Natureopathic Physician to me?
Thank you for this site I came across in winter 2012 issue of Canadian Health & Lifestyle magazine.
TD
You are lucky to have many wonderful Naturopathic Physicians in British Columbia. You can find a licensed doctor through the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia. http://www.cnpbc.bc.ca/
Be well
~Lisa
lm anemic, just had blood tests done waiting on results. my iron level is 5 so l dont know if its iron or b12 causing these symptoms. fatigue, ringing in years, heart palpitations, burning toes, restless legs, agitation, weakness, Difficulty walking ,Diarrhea, anxiety. also how long dose a b12 supplement last before you need to take more, 1 2 3 hours
An iron level of 5 is VERY low! It would be the most likely cause of your symptoms. But be sure to have your medical doctor test your B12 levels as well. Vitamin B12 is typically dosed once per day or an injection is given once per week. ~Dr. Lisa
i have b12 deficiency from last two month , and b12 level is 75 , now i have start b12 injection , i have taken 3 injection but mejor issue i face that is i am not sleeping well . please suggest ?
Be sure to do your B12 injections in the morning if possible. Some people do experience restlessness when they have the injection later in the day. Good luck getting your levels up – you’ll feel much better when you do! ~Dr. Lisa