Michael Greger: Podcast: Everything You Wanted to Know About B12 (Part 1)

Key Takeaways

• Supplement with B12 daily if you follow a plant-based diet to prevent deficiency symptoms ranging from neurological issues to life-threatening conditions.
• Test B12 status annually if vegan/vegetarian, but don’t rely solely on blood B12 levels—request MMA (methylmalonic acid) and homocysteine tests for accuracy.
• If experiencing neuropathy (numbness, tingling) or other deficiency symptoms, try B12 supplementation even if blood tests appear normal.
• Pregnant women on plant-based diets must prioritize B12 supplementation to prevent severe infant complications like brain damage.
• B12 deficiency can develop within months (not years) if unsupplemented—don’t assume liver stores will last.

Supplements & Protocols Mentioned

• B12 supplements: Oral pills, sublingual lozenges, or injections (for severe deficiency). No specific dosage mentioned, but aim for blood levels ≥400 pg/mL.
• Folate-rich foods: Greens and fruits (to support homocysteine detoxification alongside B12).

Notable Quotes

“A diagnosis of B12 deficiency should not be dismissed based solely on a single measurement of B12 levels in the blood.”

“Vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnancy is a diagnosis not to miss.”

Bottom Line

If you’re plant-based, take B12 daily, test comprehensively (including MMA/homocysteine), and treat symptoms aggressively—deficiency risks are too severe to ignore.

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