without first discussing it with a healthcare professional.

How Is Vitamin B12 Deficiency Diagnosed?

Symptoms alone cannot confirm vitamin B12 deficiency.

A healthcare professional may consider your medical history and perform a physical examination before ordering blood tests.

Possible tests include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Serum vitamin B12 level
• Methylmalonic acid (MMA)
• Homocysteine

Additional testing may be appropriate depending on the individual’s symptoms and medical history.

Blood testing helps determine whether symptoms are actually related to vitamin B12 deficiency or another condition.

Foods Rich in Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 can be obtained from a variety of foods.

Natural sources include:

• Fish
• Salmon
• Tuna
• Shellfish
• Beef
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Milk
• Cheese
• Yogurt

People who follow vegetarian or vegan diets can obtain B12 from fortified foods such as certain plant-based milks, breakfast cereals, and nutritional yeast.

Some people may also need vitamin B12 supplements depending on their diet, absorption, age, or medical circumstances.