Title: Vitamin B12 Deficiency: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment | Chris Kresser
Headings: A Silent Epidemic with Serious Consequences—What You Need to Know about B12 Deficiency
A Silent Epidemic with Serious Consequences—What You Need to Know about B12 Deficiency
Page Contents: [ hide]
An Invisible Epidemic
Why Is It Underdiagnosed?
What Is Vitamin B12 and Why Do You Need It?
The Stages of a Deficiency
Common B12 Deficiency Symptoms
Here are some of the most common vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms:
Why Is It So Common?
Who Is at Risk for a Deficiency?
Note to Vegetarians and Vegans: B12 Is Found Only in Animal Products
The Impact of a Deficiency on Children
How to Treat a Deficiency
Try Supplementing
Change Your Diet
What to Do if You’re Experiencing Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms

Content: 8, 9)
Seaweed is another commonly cited plant source of B12, but this idea is controversial. Research indicates that there may be important differences in dried versus raw purple nori; namely, raw nori may be a good source of B12, while dried nori may not be. One study indicated that the drying process used for seaweed creates B12 analogs, making it a poor source of the vitamin, while animal research suggests that dried nori can correct a B12 deficiency. ( 10, 11) Seaweed may provide B12, but it’s not clear if those benefits are negated when that seaweed is dried. I recommend caution for that reason. The Impact of a Deficiency on Children
The effects of B12 deficiency on kids are especially alarming. Studies have shown that kids raised until age six on a vegan diet are still B12 deficient even years after they start eating at least some animal products. In one study, the researchers found an association between a child’s B12 status and their performance on testing measuring: Spatial ability
Fluid intelligence
Short-term memory
Researchers found that formerly vegan children scored lower than their omnivorous counterparts in each area. (