The groups most likely to have a vitamin B12 deficiency are older adults, vegans and vegetarians, and individuals with certain gastrointestinal conditions or who have had gastric surgery.
The following groups are among those most likely to be vitamin B12 deficient.
Taking doses of vitamin B-12 might cause: Headache. Nausea. Diarrhea.
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.
Vitamin B12 is essential to human health. However, some people have inherited conditions that leave them unable to process vitamin B12. As a result they are prone to serious health problems, including developmental delay, psychosis, stroke and dementia.
Some people can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet. A diet that includes meat, fish and dairy products usually provides enough vitamin B12, but people who do not regularly eat these foods can become deficient.
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.
Medications known to interact with Vitamin B12
Common side effects
Vitamin B12 itself is vital for energy production, red blood cell formation, and nerve function. Typically, B12 cocktails include a mix of B12 injections or supplements, coconut water, citrus fruits, and other natural ingredients known to aid in weight management.
The worst symptoms of B12 deficiency involve severe neurological damage, including severe memory loss, confusion, dementia, psychosis, hallucinations, balance problems, trouble walking, and irreversible nerve damage (neuropathy), alongside serious mental health issues like severe depression or irritability, with physical signs including extreme fatigue, pale skin, and a sore, smooth tongue. These severe cognitive and neurological issues are the most concerning because they can become permanent if left untreated.
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.
In fact, some studies have even suggested the opposite. For instance, one study noted that individuals who regularly took vitamin B12 supplements gained between 2.5 to 17 fewer pounds (1.2 to 7.7 kg) over a decade than those who didn't supplement.
Who may not be able to have hydroxocobalamin
What is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia? Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is a condition in which your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells, due to a lack (deficiency) of vitamin B12. This vitamin is needed to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of your body.
Summary: As summarized in the table provided, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption and utilization by the body can be compromised with the chronic use of certain medications which include: colchicine, chloramphenicol, ethanol, histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RA), metformin, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI).
Outcome and Management. The severity of liver injury from amlodipine ranges from mild and transient serum enzyme elevations to self-limited jaundice. Complete recovery is expected after stopping the drug and recovery is usually rapid (4 to 8 weeks).
5 of the worst blood pressure medications
Who may not be able to take amlodipine
Common conflicts include calcium with iron or magnesium, zinc with iron or magnesium, and vitamin C with B12 or copper. Spacing doses prevents deficiencies and adverse effects. Supplements may also interact with medications, like calcium with thyroid drugs or herbal products with blood pressure medicines.
The 2025 U.S. guideline on hypertension does not list a warning about routine B vitamin use with blood pressure medication. However, while it is appropriate to supplement additional Vitamin B if you have a deficiency, there are no formal recommendations on Vitamin B supplementation for high blood pressure.
Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.