Alcohol contributes to deficiency in another way. Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver, and drinking alcohol can impair liver function and deplete vitamin B12 stores or make it harder for the liver to use it. Medications Some medications for indigestion and heartburn can suppress the production of stomach acid, which is needed to absorb vitamin B12. .Long-term use of oral contraceptives is associated with difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 Weight loss surgery Gastric bypass surgery results in reduced absorption of all nutrients and also of a protein called intrinsic factor which is necessary to help the body absorb B12. Because this is often a lifelong problem, people who have had surgery are prescribed supplements for the rest of their lives. Common signs and symptoms of low vitamin B12 include; • Extreme tiredness or fatigue • Lack of energy or lethargy • Shortness of breath • Feeling faint • Headache • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) • Lack of