Low B12 levels in the body result in B12 anemia. This disorder is most damaging to the body’s nervous system and immune system. In fact, immune disorders like AIDS have been linked to low B12 count or B12 anemia. Alzheimer’s disease is also commonly linked to a low B12 count. Vitamin B12 is essential to the nervous system and provides immune support to the entire body.

B12 combines with folic acid to synthesize DNA and red blood cells. It also forms a protective shield around nerve cells to guard against damage. Because this nutrient is so important to the nervous system, it is imperative that a low B12 count be prevented. After B12 anemia has been diagnosed, nerve cell damage can only be arrested. It cannot be repaired by taking B12 supplements or folic acid supplements. Damage to the nervous system is serious and often irreversible. Low B12 levels detected now must be corrected immediately to avoid medical disaster.

Correcting low B12 levels can be done by eating a diet high in B12-rich foods. Liver, especially lamb’s liver, is very high in B12. Most proteins found in meats contain B12, as does cheese, eggs and some fish. Because absorption rates are poor for B12, the diet must include an over-abundance of these foods in order to ensure adequate intake. The easier method for correcting B12 deficiency is taking B12 supplements each day or each week. These supplements are usually in liquid or chewable form to provide for effective absorption. Even greater absorption can be achieved by holding the liquid or chewed supplement under the tongue for several seconds before swallowing.

Even though the body seems reluctant to absorb enough B12, it is still possible to overdose on supplements. The recommended daily amount of B12 for the average person is about 2 micrograms. That’s a meager 2 millionth of a gram per day. Daily supplements containing ten micrograms should be sufficient to prevent low B12 levels. Consulting a physician, however, is the best way to know one’s individual B12 needs.

Vegetarians should be particularly careful in maintaining proper B12 levels, as fruits and vegetables do not contain much vitamin B12. Older persons should be on alert as well, for absorption rates decline in aging bodies. Detecting low B12 levels may be more relative to one’s diet over long periods of time rather than short-term. B12 is stored for years in the tissues, kidneys and liver, so the current levels of B12 detected do not reflect the current diet. Rather they reflect the diet from several years earlier. Long-term vegetarians are at the greatest risk for low B12 levels. Diets that vary greatly from year to year do not provide a clear trend-line for diagnosing B12 anemia.

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