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Itisha Arya

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Is Common In Vegetarians, AIIMS Doctor Explains Why

vitamin b12 deficiency vegetarians

One of the challenges neurologists are seeing today is the steady rise in patients who show neurological problems tied to low vitamin B12 levels, especially among people who follow a strict vegetarian diet. 

Recent findings from several PubMed studies, along with insights from practicing neurologists such as Dr Priyanka Sehrawat, who trained at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, indicate that people who follow a strict vegetarian diet face a much higher risk of developing <span>vitamin B12 deficiency</span>. 

Dr Sehrawat explains that plants do not make vitamin B12 because they have no biological need for it, so a purely plant-based diet often falls short. Research also shows that this deficiency affects vegetarians across all age groups, including children, teenagers, adults and older individuals.

Vitamin B12 plays several key roles in keeping the body functioning well. It helps the body form healthy red blood cells, which maintain strong haemoglobin levels. It is involved in the repair and formation of DNA, the genetic framework that guides every cell. Just as importantly, it helps build and maintain the myelin coating around nerves, which allows signals to travel smoothly throughout the nervous system.

In a recent Instagram video, Dr Sehrawat highlighted why strict vegetarians rank among the most susceptible. She reiterated that plants cannot produce vitamin B12 at all. As a result, those who rely only on plant foods may not receive enough of this essential nutrient, and over time the body’s reserves begin to decline.

<h2>Why Plant-Based Diets Fall Short in Vitamin B12?</h2>

The doctor noted that vegan diets are built almost entirely on plant-based foods, which do not naturally contain enough vitamin B12. This nutrient is produced by bacteria that live in animal tissues and certain fermented foods. Although some fortified items exist, they often fall short of daily needs, especially for people with faster metabolisms or digestive problems that affect absorption.

<h2>Vitamin B12: Symptoms you Should Watch Out For</h2>

<h3>Persistent tiredness and weakness</h3>

When B12 levels drop, the body struggles to produce enough red blood cells. Reduced oxygen supply to tissues leads to constant fatigue, even after good rest, and a general decline in stamina.

<h3>Numbness, tingling or nerve sensitivity</h3>

Because B12 supports the maintenance of the myelin sheath, a deficiency may cause unusual sensations, such as tingling, numbness or heightened nerve sensitivity, especially in the hands and feet.

<h3>Memory lapses, mood swings or mental fog</h3>

Low B12 levels can affect concentration and memory and may contribute to mood changes or a sense of mental dullness.

<h3>Pale skin, shortness of breath, slow healing</h3>

Anaemia caused by inadequate red blood-cell production may appear as paler-than-usual skin, difficulty catching your breath during activity, or wounds healing more slowly than normal.

<h2>Tips On How Vegetarians Can Stay Safe</h2>

To prevent this hidden deficiency, vegetarians may consider the following steps:

• Choose fortified items, such as cereals or plant-based milk with added B12

• Add dairy or eggs, if compatible with their dietary preferences

• Use supplements or oral B12 tablets when food sources are limited

• Go for routine blood tests to monitor B12 levels, particularly if symptoms begin to show

Choosing a vegetarian lifestyle can be meaningful and fulfilling, but good nutrition requires attention. Dr Sehrawat’s reminder makes it clear that although plant-based diets have many benefits, they must be paired with reliable B12 sources to prevent a shortage that could affect long-term health.

<h2>Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatment Options</h2>

Doctors are now seeing more individuals with low B12 levels who come in with unexplained nerve pain, cognitive decline or constant fatigue. The deficiency tends to progress slowly, which means many symptoms only appear after nerve damage has already started.

The doctor added that a simple blood test can detect the deficiency early enough to avoid long-term damage. Since vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most reversible neurological conditions, timely supplements taken by mouth or through injections can restore levels and protect nerve function. Recovery may take longer if the deficiency is already severe.

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One of the challenges neurologists are seeing today is the steady rise in patients who show neurological problems tied to low vitamin B12 levels, especially among people who follow a strict vegetarian diet. Recent findings from several PubMed studies, along with insights from practicing neurologists such as Dr Priyanka Sehrawat, who trained at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, indicate that people who follow a strict vegetarian diet face a much higher risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency. Dr Sehrawat explains that plants do not make vitamin B12 because they have no biological need for it, so a purely plant-based diet often falls short. Research also shows that this deficiency affects vegetarians across all age groups, including children, teenagers, adults and older individuals.Why Vitamin B12 MattersVitamin B12 plays several key roles in keeping the body functioning well. It helps the body form healthy red blood cells, which maintain strong haemoglobin levels. It is involved in the repair and formation of DNA, the genetic framework that guides every cell. Just as importantly, it helps build and maintain the myelin coating around nerves, which allows signals to travel smoothly throughout the nervous system.In a recent Instagram video, Dr Sehrawat highlighted why strict vegetarians rank among the most susceptible. She reiterated that plants cannot produce vitamin B12 at all. As a result, those who rely only on plant foods may not receive enough of this essential nutrient, and over time the body’s reserves begin to decline.Why Plant-Based Diets Fall Short in Vitamin B12?The doctor noted that vegan diets are built almost entirely on plant-based foods, which do not naturally contain enough vitamin B12. This nutrient is produced by bacteria that live in animal tissues and certain fermented foods. Although some fortified items exist, they often fall short of daily needs, especially for people with faster metabolisms or digestive problems that affect absorption.Vitamin B12: Symptoms you Should Watch Out ForPersistent tiredness and weaknessWhen B12 levels drop, the body struggles to produce enough red blood cells. Reduced oxygen supply to tissues leads to constant fatigue, even after good rest, and a general decline in stamina.Numbness, tingling or nerve sensitivityBecause B12 supports the maintenance of the myelin sheath, a deficiency may cause unusual sensations, such as tingling, numbness or heightened nerve sensitivity, especially in the hands and feet.Memory lapses, mood swings or mental fogLow B12 levels can affect concentration and memory and may contribute to mood changes or a sense of mental dullness.Pale skin, shortness of breath, slow healingAnaemia caused by inadequate red blood-cell production may appear as paler-than-usual skin, difficulty catching your breath during activity, or wounds healing more slowly than normal.Tips On How Vegetarians Can Stay SafeTo prevent this hidden deficiency, vegetarians may consider the following steps:• Choose fortified items, such as cereals or plant-based milk with added B12• Add dairy or eggs, if compatible with their dietary preferences• Use supplements or oral B12 tablets when food sources are limited• Go for routine blood tests to monitor B12 levels, particularly if symptoms begin to showChoosing a vegetarian lifestyle can be meaningful and fulfilling, but good nutrition requires attention. Dr Sehrawat’s reminder makes it clear that although plant-based diets have many benefits, they must be paired with reliable B12 sources to prevent a shortage that could affect long-term health.Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatment OptionsDoctors are now seeing more individuals with low B12 levels who come in with unexplained nerve pain, cognitive decline or constant fatigue. The deficiency tends to progress slowly, which means many symptoms only appear after nerve damage has already started.The doctor added that a simple blood test can detect the deficiency early enough to avoid long-term damage. Since vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most reversible neurological conditions, timely supplements taken by mouth or through injections can restore levels and protect nerve function. Recovery may take longer if the deficiency is already severe.

vitamin b12 deficiency is common in vegetarians, aiims doctor explains why

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Vitamin B12 Deficiency Is Common In Vegetarians, AIIMS Doctor Explains Why

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