Because vitamin B12 is readily available as a supplement and because it's also available in many different types of food, there's a good chance that you'll never have to worry about a vitamin B12 deficiency. In fact, vitamin B12 is one of the most popular supplements in the country because it's relatively cheap and easy to take. However, many vitamin B12 supplements are taken in pill form which, in actuality, is not the best way for your body to absorb vitamin B12. Additionally, because you may not eat a "normal" diet, you may not be getting enough vitamin B12 into your body. Because of this, you may be concerned that you may be suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency.

Here are three signs that you may have vitamin B12 deficiency:

1. Low Red Blood Cell Count

Obviously, you will probably not be able to determine this yourself. But, if you make a visit to your doctor to have blood work done and find that you have a low red blood cell count, there's a good chance you're not getting enough vitamin B12 in your diet. Vitamin B12 is responsible for helping your body to create new red blood cells. These red blood cells are then used to transport oxygen throughout your body. There are a few ways to tell you might have a red blood cell count on your own, too. If you often feel weak or lightheaded, your body may not be producing enough red blood cells to move oxygen around in your body. This may be the result of vitamin B12 deficiency.

2. Lack of Energy

Though several different forms of vitamin B are in charge of helping your body to produce energy, vitamin B12 is one of the major factors when it comes to producing energy for your body. In fact, doctors will often prescribe you a vitamin B12 injection if you are constantly feeling tired. If you are weak or sluggish, call your doctor and ask if vitamin B12 deficiency might be to blame.

3. High Levels of the Amino Acid Homocysteine

The amino acid known as homocysteine can cause heart disease, especially if you have very high levels of homocysteine in your body. However, vitamin B12 is one of the supplements that can help you lower your levels of homocysteine. As a result, you will also be lowering your chances of suffering from heart disease in the future. Taking more vitamin B12 is heart healthy.

Getting More Vitamin B12

If you think you may be suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency, talk to your doctor about how you can get more into your diet. There are plenty of vitamin B12 supplements available today for you to take. To make the most of your vitamin B12 supplement, try taking a supplement that dissolves under your tongue as opposed to a supplement that comes in pill form. This should ensure that you get all the benefits of vitamin B12 and do not suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency.