B12 is a vitamin that helps to maintain essential systems, such as the central nervous system. A B12 deficiency in females can cause symptoms such as fatigue, tingling feet, or depression.

The symptoms of a B12 deficiency are not necessarily any different between males or females. However, B12 deficiency often affects females of reproductive age, and can cause complications during pregnancy and nursing.

A severe or prolonged B12 deficiency can cause severe neurological dysfunction and contribute to osteoporosis.

This article discusses how B12 deficiency can affect females, its causes, the sources of B12, and how doctors treat a deficiency.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

The symptoms of B12 deficiency can vary between people, regardless of sex. However, this deficiency may be more likely to affect females at certain times, such asTrusted Source during pregnancy or menstruation.

Potential symptoms of B12 deficiency in females includeTrusted Source:

Other signs of B12 deficiency

B12 deficiency can cause anemia, a condition where the body cannot create enough healthy red blood cells. B12-deficiency anemia can cause further complications, such as:

B12 deficiency and anemia can also leadTrusted Source to infertility in females due to atypical red blood cells and low white blood cell and platelet counts.

There are three main causesTrusted Source of a B12 deficiency:

  • Diet: A person whose diet does not contain enough B12 can develop a deficiency after around 3 years, after which the body may begin to run out of stored B12.
  • Malabsorption: Cells in the stomach known as parietal cells create an intrinsic factor protein essential for B12 absorption. Surgical procedures or conditions that affect the gut, such as gastric bypass surgery or celiac disease, can prevent intrinsic factors from binding to B12 and prevent the body from breaking it down before absorbing the vitamin.
  • Autoimmunity: Certain autoimmune conditions can cause pernicious anemia. This causes the body to produce antibodies that attack a protein called intrinsic factor essential for B12 absorption. This limits the body’s ability to absorb B12 and can lead to a deficiency.

The World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source recognizes pregnant or lactating people as one of the most at-risk groups for B12 deficiency. The body requires a greater amount of B12 during these times, and those experiencing deficiency are more likely to experience serious symptoms.

Heavy periods and menopause may also contribute to B12 deficiency in females.

If a person believes they may have a B12 deficiency, it is important to speak with a doctor as soon as possible. B12 deficiency symptoms usually begin gradually, but can become more serious over time.

More serious complications of B12 deficiency and anemia can lead to serious long-term complications and permanent damage.

B12 supports several systems in the body, including the production of red blood cells, releasing energy from food, and helping the body use folate to create healthy cells.

B12 offers benefits such as:

  • reduced risk of heart disease
  • reduced risk of stroke
  • reduced risk of vision loss
  • supporting neurological function
  • healthy cell growth, repair, and reproduction
  • mood regulation
  • healthy digestion

A person who eats meat, fish, or dairy usually gets enough B12 from their diet. However, individuals who eat a vegetarian or vegan may need to plan their diet more carefully to ensure they get enough B12.

Foods and drinks that contain B12 include:

  • meat (especially organ meat such as liver and kidney)
  • fish
  • eggs
  • milk

Fortified foods contain a synthetic form of B12 and may beTrusted Source helpful for vegans or vegetarians. Types of fortified foods can include:

  • plant-based milks
  • nutritional yeast
  • breakfast cereals
  • tofu
  • fruit juices
  • vegan spreads
  • dairy-free yogurt

Treating for a B12 deficiency requires building up the levels of B12 in the body and ensuring that the body can absorb the vitamin. The type of treatment a person needs will depend on the underlying cause of their deficiency.

If a person is deficient due to insufficient B12, they may need to organize their diet to include more B12-rich foods or take an oral supplement. For example, a person who follows a vegan diet may needTrusted Source to take an oral supplement to get enough B12.

Those who are pregnant or nursing may need to use oral supplements or another kind of supplementary B12, such as injections.

Those who experience a B12 deficiency due to issues absorbing B12 may requireTrusted Source regular B12 injections into the muscle. This may involve weekly injections that decrease to monthly as the body’s store of B12 increases.

Aside from the typical symptoms of B12 deficiency, developing more serious or long-lasting complications is possible. This is the result of a deficiency that remains untreated over a long period.

Possible complications includeTrusted Source:

A pregnant or nursing person with a B12 deficiency may pass itTrusted Source to their baby. This can lead to serious complications for the baby, such as failure to thrive, developmental delays, and anemia.

When a person receives treatment for a B12 deficiency, they generally recover well and cease to have symptoms, although they may need to continue to use B12 nutritional supplements. A doctor may need to take regular blood samples initially to ensure the treatment works.

It can take a few weeks or longer for a person to feel better once they begin treatment for a B12 deficiency.

Individuals must ensure they are eating foods containing B12 to prevent developing a B12 deficiency. For those who eat meat and dairy and do not have an underlying issue preventing B12 absorption, this should not be a problem.

For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or who are pregnant or nursing, an organized diet that includes food and drinks fortified with B12 is essential. Subsequently, supplementary B12 may be necessary.

The recommended daily intake of B12 for female adults is 2.4 micrograms (mcg)Trusted Source. This increases to 2.6 mcg during pregnancy and 2.8 mcg during lactation.

B12 deficiency can cause a range of mild to severe symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, and confusion. If a person does not receive treatment for their B12 deficiency, they may develop more serious complications or be at greater risk for certain long-term illnesses.

It is important for those who are pregnant or lactating to ensure they get enough B12 from their diet or supplements to avoid becoming deficient or passing a deficiency to their baby.

In most cases, treatment for B12 deficiency is effective, and a person will not continue to have symptoms. However, those who have a condition that affects the body’s ability to absorb B12 may need to continue treatment long-term to manage their B12 levels.