Researchers in Saudi Arabia surveyed over 1,300 adults to see how much they knew about vitamin B12 and its effects on the nervous system. While most people recognized that B12 is important, many didn’t know where to find it in food or understand the serious brain and nerve problems it can cause when levels get too low. Women knew more about B12 than men, and working adults were more informed than students. The study found that people need better education about B12 sources and how to prevent deficiency, especially since low B12 can lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How much adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia know about vitamin B12 and the nerve and brain problems that happen when B12 levels drop too low
  • Who participated: 1,314 adults aged 18 and older living in Riyadh, recruited through social media between March and April 2024. About 62% were women. The researchers excluded healthcare workers to get a more honest picture of what regular people know
  • Key finding: About 63% of people knew that low B12 can cause nerve problems, but only 39% could name a food source of B12, and just 30% took B12 supplements. Women were significantly more aware than men about B12’s importance
  • What it means for you: If you live in or near Riyadh, this suggests many people around you may not fully understand how important B12 is for brain and nerve health. You might benefit from learning more about B12 sources and checking your levels, especially if you experience tingling, weakness, or vision problems

The Research Details

This was a snapshot study where researchers asked people questions at one point in time rather than following them over months or years. Between March and April 2024, researchers recruited 1,314 adults from Riyadh through social media and asked them to complete a questionnaire about their knowledge of vitamin B12. The questionnaire covered basic facts about B12, where to find it in food, symptoms of deficiency, and how to prevent problems. The researchers deliberately excluded healthcare workers because they would naturally know more about health topics, which could skew the results.

The researchers used straightforward math to analyze the answers. They looked at what percentage of people gave each answer and used a statistical test called chi-square to see if differences between groups (like men versus women) were real or just due to chance. They considered a difference “real” if the probability of it happening by chance was less than 5%.

This type of study is useful for understanding what the general public knows about health topics. By surveying a large, random group of people, researchers can identify gaps in knowledge that might lead to health problems. In this case, understanding what people know about B12 helps public health officials decide what kind of education campaigns they need to run. The study’s strength is that it included many people and used a validated questionnaire, making the results more trustworthy.

The study has several strengths: it included a large number of people (over 1,300), used a validated questionnaire that had been tested before, and excluded healthcare workers to avoid bias. However, because people were recruited through social media, the sample might skew toward people who use social media more, which could be younger or more educated. The study only looked at one city in Saudi Arabia, so results might not apply everywhere. Additionally, the study only measured what people said they knew, not whether they actually understood the information or would use it.

What the Results Show

The survey revealed moderate awareness of vitamin B12 overall. About two-thirds of people (65.6%) recognized that B12 is important for health, and nearly two-thirds (63.4%) knew that low B12 can cause problems with nerves and the brain. However, knowledge of practical information was much lower: only 38.7% could name a food source of B12, and just 29.9% reported taking B12 supplements.

There were clear differences between groups. Women showed significantly better knowledge than men across most topics. People who were employed or in other occupations were more aware than students. Interestingly, despite moderate awareness of B12’s importance, many people held incorrect beliefs—for example, thinking that fruits and vegetables are good sources of B12 when they actually contain very little.

The study found that while people generally understood B12 matters, they lacked specific knowledge about prevention strategies and dietary sources. This gap between general awareness and practical knowledge is important because it means people might not take steps to prevent deficiency even if they know it’s a problem.

The research identified several misconceptions that were common among participants. Many people incorrectly believed that plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables were reliable sources of B12, when in reality B12 is primarily found in animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. This misunderstanding could be particularly problematic for vegetarians and vegans who might rely on these foods without realizing they need supplementation. The study also found that supplement use was relatively low (under 30%), suggesting that even among people aware of B12’s importance, many weren’t taking preventive action.

This study adds to a growing body of research showing that public awareness of B12 deficiency is limited in many parts of the world. Previous studies have documented that B12 deficiency is surprisingly common, especially in older adults, vegetarians, and people with certain digestive conditions. This Saudi Arabian study suggests that lack of public knowledge about B12 sources and prevention may contribute to the problem. The finding that women have better awareness than men aligns with some previous research suggesting women tend to have higher health literacy in certain areas.

The study has several important limitations to consider. First, participants were recruited through social media, which means the sample might not represent all adults in Riyadh—it likely skews toward younger, more educated, and more digitally connected people. Second, the study only measured what people reported knowing, not their actual understanding or behavior. Someone might say they know about B12 but not actually understand what it does or how to get enough. Third, the study was conducted in one city in Saudi Arabia, so results may not apply to other regions with different diets and healthcare systems. Finally, the study is a snapshot in time and doesn’t show whether awareness changes or whether people’s knowledge actually prevents deficiency.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, here are evidence-based steps you can take: (1) Learn about reliable B12 sources—primarily animal products like meat, fish, eggs, cheese, and milk; (2) If you’re vegetarian or vegan, consider taking a B12 supplement or eating fortified foods, as plant-based sources are unreliable; (3) Talk to your doctor about your B12 levels, especially if you experience tingling, weakness, fatigue, or vision problems; (4) Share accurate B12 information with friends and family, since many people hold misconceptions. These recommendations have moderate confidence because they’re based on what people know rather than direct health outcomes.

Everyone should care about B12, but especially: vegetarians and vegans (who don’t eat animal products), older adults (whose bodies absorb B12 less efficiently), people with digestive disorders like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, people taking certain diabetes medications, and anyone experiencing unexplained tingling, weakness, or fatigue. If you eat a balanced diet with animal products and have no digestive issues, your risk is lower, but it’s still worth being aware. You should NOT rely on this study alone to diagnose or treat B12 deficiency—that requires a blood test and medical evaluation.

If you’re deficient in B12, symptoms can develop over weeks to months, but nerve damage can become permanent if left untreated for years. If you start taking B12 supplements or eating more B12-rich foods, you might feel more energetic within weeks, but it can take months for nerve-related symptoms to improve. If you already have nerve damage from long-term deficiency, some effects may be permanent even with treatment.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your B12 intake by logging servings of B12-rich foods (meat, fish, eggs, dairy) or supplement doses. Set a goal of getting B12 from food or supplements at least 5 days per week, and monitor whether you experience energy changes or symptom improvement over 8-12 weeks
  • Add one B12-rich food to your daily routine—for example, eat an egg at breakfast, add cheese to lunch, or include fish twice a week. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, set a reminder to take a B12 supplement daily. Track this habit in the app to build consistency
  • Over 3 months, monitor energy levels, mental clarity, and any nerve symptoms (tingling, weakness) using a simple daily rating scale (1-10). If symptoms improve, continue the behavior. If they don’t improve after 3 months or if symptoms worsen, consult a doctor for blood work to check B12 levels

This study measures public awareness of B12, not actual health outcomes. It does not diagnose or treat B12 deficiency. If you experience symptoms like tingling, weakness, fatigue, vision problems, or memory issues, consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and blood testing. B12 deficiency requires medical diagnosis and treatment. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. Pregnant women, people with digestive disorders, and those taking certain medications should discuss B12 needs with their doctor.