A: A comprehensive evaluation including symptom assessment and blood testing determines your B12 status and identifies any absorption issues
Your mitochondria are still running, but they're running with a missing tool
For many, these signs might lead them to wonder about their vitamin B12 levels
Conditions like pernicious anaemia (an autoimmune condition affecting a protein called intrinsic factor vital for B12 absorption), stomach issues (such as from reduced stomach acid or certain medications like proton pump inhibitors), intestinal disorders (like Crohns disease or coeliac disease), or even surgical removal of parts of the small intestine (e.g., gastric bypass surgery) can prevent proper absorption
However, for B12, if any part of that complex digestive process is compromised especially the intrinsic factor or the absorption sites in the intestine then a significant portion of the B12 from a tablet might never reach your bloodstream
A lack of vitamin B12 can often lead to fatigue and weakness due to megaloblastic anemia a blood disorder that causes unusually large red blood cells (megaloblasts) and a lower red blood cell count, which results in a lower supply of oxygen to the body