Low on Vitamin B12

[Megan_07]

I had a doctors appointment early this week and mentioned to the nurse I had been having some dizzy spells and headaches. The doctor decided to run some blood work and they called me yesterday to say that I was low on vitamin B12 and want me to come in to get a shot. I am not vegan but try to eat more of a plant based diet (no cows milk, only occasionally eat poultry or fish as far as animal meats, do eat eggs, yogurt, and some cheese). Anyway, my prenatal vitamin says it has 100% daily dose of B12 and my almond milk is fortified with vitamin B12. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to help prevent becoming deficient when I don't eat red meats? This is my second pregnancy and I didn't have this problem the first time around but I was still drinking cows milk the last time so I don't know how much of a difference that would make. Maybe I should try a better quality vitamin? I'm 23 weeks pregnant with a boy (first one was a girl, don't know if that makes a difference either).

[AnnieBrooke]

Here is a link that discusses the issue; scroll down to the part where they write about what vegetarians face when trying to get B12.  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=107

I'd suggest you the least offensive source of B12 that you can given your dietary intent (eggs, sardines, salmon, poultry) and eat a lot of it during your pregnancy even if it is not totally unoffensive to your rules, because clearly your supplements aren't doing the trick.  Some people only really benefit from the nutrients in their food versus what a supplement can provide, and it's possible you simply can't get enough from non-animal sources.  You've got a baby to think of, not just yourself, and it's only a short time in your life.  It's worth it to keep you both healthy.

[AnnieBrooke]

I'd suggest you *find* the least offensive source

[Megan_07]

Thank you for the website suggestion! I will definitely check it out! I've been trying to eat more eggs, especially since my daughter enjoys them as well. I know natural sources are better then taking supplements so I really want to try to incorporate more of these vitamin rich foods in my diet. Thank you again for the suggestions!

[jessava1]

Some peoples bodies just don't absorb the b12 even if they do eat meat, I do and was told i was deficient in b12 and iron. So i went and got the shots and not take an added b12 vitamin along with my prenatal, and feel so much better than i did before the shots.
I was sluggish and tired and it made me feel alive again and so much less exhausted. So if they think you should get the shot i would really consider it.

[Megan_07]

I am going to ask my doctor about supplementing with an additional B12 vitamin. I picked up the shot from the pharmacy yesterday and had my mom give it to me and I felt like it has already helped me feel more energetic!

[jessava1]

I'm glad it's helped! I swear by it, the days i forget to take it i feel horrible. It definitely makes a world of difference. And with little ones you need all the energy you can get.