This Specific Food Craving Could Mean You're Vitamin B12 Deficient, Nutritionists Warns ...Saudi Arabia

Have you been feeling waves of fatigue lately? Trouble focusing on tasks? Sure, it could be stress or a bad night’s sleep. But if you're also dealing with an intense food craving that just won't go away, the cause might be more specific.

According to Jennifer Pallian, RD, a registered dietitian at Foodess, symptoms like irritability, memory problems, depression and even dementia-like changes can be early indicators of a B12 deficiency. "Because these effects are broad and sometimes subtle, B12 deficiency can be easy to miss," she explains.And while it’s not the most reliable indicator, experts say that craving a specific type of food could be your body’s way of hinting at low B12.Related: Vitamin B12 Deficiency May Be Linked to Dementia Risk

If you're suddenly craving meat for no clear reason, it could be your body's way of signaling a vitamin B12 deficiency. According to Pallian, people low in B12 may also find themselves unusually hungry for fish or eggs. This is especially important to note for older adults, who are more vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Why this matters: Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in your overall health, helping to form red blood cells, support brain function and aid in DNA synthesis, explains Dr. Annie Lin, DCN, an assistant professor of nutrition at Nova Southeastern University.

?SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week?All of that being said, craving meat doesn’t mean you definitely have a B12 deficiency. "While people might crave nutrient-dense foods like meat when B12 is low, studies show cravings are usually driven by emotions and habits, not direct nutrient needs," Dr. Lin explains. What's more, unlike food cravings for sodium or magnesium, the connection between food cravings and B12 deficiency is weaker."Practitioners sometimes consider strong, unexplained cravings for meat as a potential clue when checking for deficiencies in B12, iron or zinc, but they always confirm with clinical testing rather than relying on cravings alone," she continues.Related: This Common Vitamin Deficiency Might Be Making You Go Gray Faster

These Everyday Foods Can Help Boost Your B12 Levels

The good news? It’s easy to boost your vitamin B12 levels, since it’s found in plenty of everyday foods. According to Giana DiMaria, MS, RD, CNSC, CCMS, a registered dietitian specialist and instructor of Medicine at New York Medical College, good sources of vitamin B12 include:

Plant-based sources of vitamin B12

Vegetarians and vegans should take note, since not consuming animal products puts them at a greater risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. While most B12-rich foods are animal-based, there are some plant-based sources and fortified options to consider, including:

Not sure if you’re low on vitamin B12? DiMaria recommends seeing your doctor, who can check for elevated levels of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, which are two biomarkers that offer a more reliable picture of your B12 status.

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Related: If You’re Craving Salty Foods, You Could Be Deficient in This Key Nutrient

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