The short explanation
Yes, it is still possible, though milk and curd do help. B12 is found naturally only in animal foods. Dairy provides some, but many vegetarians in India still have low levels, partly because the amount from dairy may not meet needs, and partly because some people absorb B12 poorly. Absorption depends on stomach acid and a protein made in the stomach. Long-term acidity medicines, some diabetes medicines, stomach surgery, certain autoimmune conditions and gut problems can reduce it. A simple blood test tells you whether your level is low.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Symptoms of low B12 can include tiredness, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, mouth ulcers, memory problems, low mood and anaemia.
- Some fortified foods such as certain cereals contain added B12; your doctor or a dietitian can advise.
- B12 is especially important before and during pregnancy, so it is worth checking if you are planning one.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This cannot tell you whether your B12 is low. Only a blood test can show that.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Should I have my B12 level checked?
- Is my diet enough to maintain my B12?
- Could any of my medicines affect absorption?
- Would a supplement be useful for me?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Book an appointment soon
- See a doctor within a few days if you notice tingling, numbness or difficulty walking.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book a routine blood test for B12, especially if you are planning a pregnancy.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
- Vegetarian diet MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- The vegetarian diet NHS
- Anemia MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
Who wrote and reviewed this
Every AskHer answer names its author. A clinically reviewed answer also names the clinician who signed it off — if no clinician is named below, it has not been clinically reviewed.
- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
Substantive changes are listed, not quietly edited away.
No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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