B-12 & SIBO

B-12 & SIBO

SIBO or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth seems to have very many triggers and causes. It is true that we need beneficial bacteria in the proper places of our gut in order for our digestion process to work at its best. The bacteria help break down food and send it where it needs to go but when there are too many bacteria in the gut it leads to digestive health issues and it can also lead to a few other gut health issues like leaky gut syndrome for example.


An overgrowth of bacteria that isn’t addressed as soon as possible can lead to other health issues which includes a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Gut health issues Digestive disorders, in general, can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B-12. This is because those with digestive disorders tend to lose more nutrients, including both macro and micronutrients, due to the increase of bowel movements.


People with SIBO often have too little stomach acid, in some cases there may be too much stomach acid. We need an adequate amount of stomach acid in order to properly convert B-12 so when it is lacking it leads to the deficiency.

What To Look For

If you know you have SIBO and think you may be dealing with a deficiency of vitamin B-12 here are some of the signs and symptoms.


  • Chronic Fatigue or Feeling Exhausted Frequently
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Muscle Aches & Joint Pain
  • Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing
  • Feeling Dizzy
  • Memory Issues
  • Can’t Concentrate
  • Mood Changes
  • Abnormal Heart Issues
  • Digestive Problems
  • Poor Appetite
  • Poor Dental Health

  • SIBO supplements and SIBO natural treatment options are available and can help some of the various side issues triggered by the bacterial overgrowth. You may even notice that some SIBO symptoms and some of the symptoms of various other digestive health and overall health issues are the same. This is why it is so important to get tested for SIBO whether it is using an at-home test kit or going to see a doctor or specialist. 


    A doctor can test your vitamin and mineral levels and results come back pretty quick. Before you start any form of healing or self-care be sure you have all of the facts. Some patients with SIBO have increased stomach acid and higher levels of some vitamins like B-12 which is why it’s essential to get your levels checked before beginning any new SIBO supplements or medications.

    Why Is B-12 So Important?

    Vitamin B-12 is a nutrient that keeps your body’s nerve and blood cells healthy. It also helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of the cells in our body. B-12 is also responsible for preventing a certain type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia makes you feel tired and weak, you could even say exhausted. Without the required amount of B-12 we have limited energy both mentally and physically, that’s part of the reason it is in energy drinks.

    How Can I Get B-12?

    B-12 can be found in natural supplements such as multi-vitamins or all on its own. B-12 is also naturally present in meat products and some fortified breakfast cereals. This vitamin isn’t found in any plants so for vegetarians or vegans a natural supplement is generally the best way to get the vitamin. For those of you that do eat meat you can get healthy doses of the vitamin from fish, red meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products.


    So, the short answer is to get some B-12 supplements or increase the vitamin intake through your daily diet. If you have a really bad deficiency it may be best to get B-12 injections from your doctor, but again, you would have to speak to a medical professional and get tested to see what would be the best approach for you and your body.


    SIBO can be a frustrating digestive issue and some of the health issues that come along with it only make matters worse. If you are dealing with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth talk to your doctor about how to treat SIBO using natural SIBO treatment methods. Pharmaceutical medications can sometimes lead to further or increased digestive and gut health issues which is why so many are trying to take the natural approach to healing.