Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in some foods, and it is one of the water-soluble vitamins. It is also available as a prescription medication and a dietary supplement. The vitamin contains cobalt in its various forms. Hence, the origin of the name cobalamins. 5-deoxyadenosine cobalamin and methylcobalamin forms are very active in metabolism in the human body.
This is a vital nutrient in the body as it maintains the proper functioning of the body cells and nerves. The vitamin ensures adequate working of the nervous system. In remaining healthy, your body requires a given quantity of vitamin B12. Note that the amount varies with age. Children below six months of age should get 0.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily, while individuals above 14 years get 2.4 micrograms daily.
Pregnant and lactating mothers should get 2.6 micrograms and 2.8 micrograms of the vitamin, respectively. Low amounts of the vitamin lead to deficiency. It may imply that individuals with such deficits do not consume enough meals rich in vitamin B12. Some of the sources of cobalamin include poultry, meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
Causes and Risk Factors of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
The aging process interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12. The deficiency is also common after undergoing an operation to remove part of the stomach or among alcoholics. The following conditions are also risk factors for low vitamin B12:
- Lupus or Graves' disease.
- Parasitic, bacterial, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease affecting the small intestine.
- Pernicious anemia interfering with the absorption of vitamin B12. Individuals with pernicious anemia lack intrinsic factors critical in the absorption of the vitamin. Doctors correct the condition by administering vitamin B12 intramuscularly.
- In case there is thinning of the stomach lining in atrophic gastritis. In this condition, there is reduced secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The outcome is reduced absorption of vitamin B12 and normal flora growth that utilizes the vitamin, exacerbating the deficiency.
Certain medicines may also cause cobalamin deficiency because they alter the small intestine's acidity, which is necessary for vitamin absorption. Vegan diet dependents are also at risk of low vitamin B12. Additionally, this includes vegetarians who do not take eggs and dairy products that are rich in vitamin B12. In correcting the deficiency, it would be best if the vegetarians embraced fortified foods or supplements.
Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers who adhere strictly to the vegetarian diet are at risk of low vitamin B12. The vitamin is available in breast milk and crosses the placenta during gestation. Infants born of vegetarian mothers may suffer neurological damage. Hence, the need for vitamin B12 as a supplement while producing milk and the gestation period.
Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency.
Deficiency of vitamin B12 is associated with weight loss, appetite loss, megaloblastic anemia, constipation, weakness, and fatigue. Neurological changes, including tingling and numbness in the extremities, are also common. Individuals with deficiency in vitamin B12 may report soreness in their tongue, poor memory, dementia, confusion, depression, and challenge in maintaining balance. Note that neurological symptoms may exist without anemia. Early intervention and diagnosis are necessary to prevent irreversible damage. Among infants, signs of low vitamin B12 include:
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Developmental delay
- Movement disorders
- Inability to thrive
If you observe the above symptoms, contact your physician promptly. The doctor will determine the definitive cause of vitamin B12 deficiency after reviewing your health or physically examining you. During diagnosis, the physician may order a blood test. They may be interested in homocysteine concentration. A high concentration of homocysteine and low Vitamin B12 could be a risk factor for stroke and heart disease.
Complications of Vitamin B12 Deficiency.
The deficiency of cobalamin leads to neurological and hematological symptoms. The liver stores excess cobalamin, minimizing the chances of deficit. Patients at risk of developing cobalamin deficiency require routine monitoring. Examples are individuals with Celiac or Crohn's disease. Complications associated with inadequate vitamin B12 include:
- Risk of developing gastric cancer.
- Permanent neurological deficit.
- Heart failure because of anemia.
- Elevated risk of developing autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto disease, Myasthenia gravis, or type 1 diabetes.