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Vitamin B12 and Anaemia: How Low B12 Affects Your Blood

Team Niroza2 Nov 20264 min read

When people hear "anaemia", they usually think of iron. And iron deficiency is a well-known cause. But low vitamin B12 can cause anaemia too. Here's how, in simple words.

What is anaemia, anyway?

Anaemia means your blood can't carry enough oxygen around your body, usually because you don't have enough healthy red blood cells. Less oxygen reaching your body is a big reason people with anaemia feel so tired.

Where B12 comes in

Your body needs vitamin B12 to make healthy red blood cells. The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that without enough B12, some people develop a type of anaemia called megaloblastic anaemia, where red blood cells don't form properly.

Signs to watch for

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) lists symptoms like:

extreme tiredness and a lack of energy
pins and needles
a sore, red tongue and mouth ulcers
muscle weakness
problems with eyesight
low mood, and trouble with memory or concentration

What causes it?

The NHS mentions three main groups of causes:

Pernicious anaemia, where the immune system stops the body absorbing B12. In the UK, it's the most common cause.
Not getting enough from food, for example a vegan diet without supplements or fortified foods.
Some medicines, like certain anticonvulsants and acid-reducing tablets called proton pump inhibitors.

How it's diagnosed

The NHS says it can often be diagnosed from your symptoms and a blood test. Low folate, another B vitamin, can cause a similar type of anaemia, so doctors often check both.

How it's usually treated

Treatment depends on the cause. According to the NHS:

Many people start with B12 injections, often every other day at first.
If the cause is diet, it may be daily B12 tablets or an injection twice a year.
If the cause isn't diet, like pernicious anaemia, injections every 2 to 3 months are usually needed for life.

The NHS also notes that folic acid can hide a B12 deficiency, which is why doctors check B12 before giving folic acid.

Iron or B12? Clues your doctor looks at

In many Indian homes, "anaemia" means a strip of iron tablets. But the right treatment depends on the cause, so it helps to know the type.

One clue is on your CBC (complete blood count) report: MCV, the average size of your red blood cells. MedlinePlus says a high MCV can point to low B12 or folate. A low MCV can point to low iron or thalassaemia.

Symptoms give clues too. Cleveland Clinic notes that low B12 sometimes affects the nerves, causing tingling.

Your doctor puts these clues together with other tests. So don't start iron or B12 tablets on a guess. Ask which type of anaemia you have and why.

The short version

Low B12 can cause a type of anaemia that leaves you tired and weak.
Causes include pernicious anaemia, low intake and some medicines.
A blood test confirms it, and treatment depends on the cause.

What makes a healthcare brand worth trusting?

Lots of brands call themselves the best healthcare brand in India. A better question to ask is: does this brand tell me everything I need to know? For a supplement, that means:

The FSSAI logo and licence number on the label.
Clear amounts, a clear dose and a "do not exceed" warning.
Honest warnings, including medicine interactions where they apply.
No promises to treat or cure a disease. Nutraceutical labels aren't allowed to make them.

The same checks work for any of the plant-based supplements in India you might be comparing, not just B12.

Want to know why some people can't absorb B12 well? Read How Your Body Absorbs Vitamin B12.

Where Niroza Vitamin B12 fits in

Anaemia needs a doctor's diagnosis and treatment. For everyday diet support, if your doctor agrees, Niroza Plant-Based Vitamin B12 gives 2.2 µg of vitamin B12 in 2 veg capsules (as stated on the label). The label suggests 1 capsule twice a day with lukewarm water, or as your doctor advises, for adults over 18. If you've been diagnosed with a deficiency, follow the treatment your doctor prescribes.

This post is for general information, not medical advice. Niroza products aren't meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and they don't replace a varied diet.