Vitamin B12 absorption is blocked by a lack of stomach acid or intrinsic factor (a protein needed for binding), often due to aging, stomach surgery, or acid-reducing drugs (PPIs, H2 blockers). Digestive issues like Crohn's, SIBO, tapeworms, certain medications (metformin, antiseizure drugs), or a vegan diet can also interfere, preventing the B12 from being released from food and absorbed in the small intestine.
Some conditions that affect your intestines can also stop you absorbing the necessary amount of vitamin B12. For example, Crohn's disease, a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system, can sometimes mean your body does not get enough vitamin B12.
No direct, significant interactions are widely reported between Vitamin B12 and amlodipine, but it's crucial to consult your doctor because general vitamin supplements (especially multivitamins with minerals) can affect blood pressure medications, potentially reducing amlodipine's effectiveness, and your healthcare provider knows your full health picture. Always discuss all supplements with your doctor before combining them with amlodipine.
Medicines: Taking certain medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B12 over time. These include some heartburn medicines and metformin to treat diabetes. Medical conditions: Some medical conditions can raise your risk of vitamin B12–deficiency anemia.
Diet-related
Although it's less common, people with vitamin B12 deficiency caused by a prolonged poor diet may be advised to stop taking the tablets once their vitamin B12 levels have returned to normal and their diet has improved. Good sources of vitamin B12 include: meat. salmon and cod.
Pernicious anemia is a relatively rare autoimmune disorder that causes diminishment in dietary vitamin B12 absorption, resulting in B12 deficiency and subsequent megaloblastic anemia. It affects people of all ages worldwide, particularly those over 60.
That said, there are no known risks of taking Vitamin B in combination with blood pressure medication, as long as you are treating a vitamin deficit and not going above the recommended daily dose.
Key points about vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Without enough red blood cells, your tissues and organs don't get enough oxygen. Without enough oxygen, your body can't work as well. Symptoms include weak muscles, numbness, trouble walking, nausea, weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and increased heart rate.
Amlodipine interactions with supplements. Amlodipine may interact with fish oil supplements, which could lower blood pressure when used at high doses. Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure. Combining these products may lower your blood pressure even further.
Vitamin B12 is involved in the breakdown of a protein called homocysteine. High homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke as it may promote the formation of blood clots and excess free radical cells, and may impair normal blood vessel function.
Magnesium Deficiency
Neurologist Dr. Joshua Daniel of Shore Physicians Group said many migraine headache sufferers are found to be deficient in magnesium when they have blood work done.
Active B12 is generally considered to be the best form of B12 for seniors for several reasons. Metabolically active forms of B12 such as methylcobalamin and adenocobalamin require no further conversion in the body.
Two common types of GERD medicines have been linked to vitamin B-12 deficiency:
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause symptoms that affect your brain and nervous system (neurological symptoms), including: numbness. muscle weakness. psychological problems, which can range from mild depression or anxiety, to confusion and dementia.
The following can cause absorption to be inadequate:
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
People need vitamin B-12 for the brain to work well. If not treated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to issues with the nerves, brain or spinal cord. These might include lasting tingling in the hands and feet or trouble with balance.
If you have low levels of certain vitamins or nutrients, it could cause numbness in your lips. With low levels of vitamin B12, for example, you might have a burning sensation in your lips or mouth or cheilitis, which is inflamed or chapped lips. Iron deficiency anemia can also cause burning or numbness in your mouth.
Alpha-blockers and Alpha-2 agonists are not recommended as first-choice treatment for high blood pressure. Beta-blockers can worsen asthma symptoms and other lung conditions. Vasodilators and loop diuretics present a risk of serious side effects.
Possible interactions include:
There were no interactions found between amlodipine and Vitamin B12. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
If your B12 deficiency is because of your diet, you can start eating more meat, fish, and dairy products. If you don't eat animal products, you can change your diet to include vitamin B12-fortified breads and cereals or B12 supplements. Taking certain medicines can interfere with how your body absorbs vitamin B12.
Causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency
Some symptoms related to B12 deficiency are also common in other conditions, as well as from lifestyle factors such as stress, poor sleep and diet. Therefore your GP may want to explore this with you before testing your B12 levels or suggesting treatment.