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What Causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is one of the most important water-soluble vitamins since it is essential for blood cell production, DNA synthesis and to keep our nervous system functioning normally. It is generally stored in small amounts in our active body tissues like the liver, kidneys, heart, muscles and pancreas.

  1. Deficiency of Vitamin B12

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Low vitamin B12 levels occur among one in 31 adults 51 years of age and older in the U.S. population." Its deficiency leads to macrocytic anemia, neurological disorders and some genetic childhood diseases like homocystinuria and methymyonic aciduria. It is diagnosed by measuring the serum B12 levels, which normally should be more than 150 peta mole per liter. A urine test for methylmalonic acid is also used to diagnose deficiency.

    Signs and Symptoms

    • Tiredness, lack of concentration and paleness are signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.

      If you suffer from macrocytic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency, you will experience tiredness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, paleness of skin, loss of vision and lack of concentration. Kids with vitamin B12 deficiency do not grow to their maximum potential and are less active.

    Causes

    • Chronic alcoholism may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

      To digest it completely, vitamin B12 first combines with a protein, known as intrinsic factor, in our intestines. In case this intrinsic factor is absent in our body, it leads to vitamin B12 deficiency. Surgery of the abdomen or the intestines, where the intrinsic factor is produced, can impair our ability to absorb vitamin B12 from our diet. Intestinal disorders like Crohn's disease also lead to its deficiency. Your chances of being deficient in B12 also increase if you are an alcoholic. We can also be lacking vitamin B12 in our body due to our diets. Vitamin B12 is only produced by animal sources, so a pure vegetarian is at risk to develop vitamin B12 deficiency.

    Treatment

    • A well-balanced diet and supplements help overcome vitamin B12 deficiency.

      According to a study published by Dr. Robert C. Oh in the Journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians, "even when intrinsic factor is not present to aid in the absorption of vitamin B12 in the terminal ileum, oral therapy remains effective." Hence, a balanced diet rich in vitamin B12 sources, along with supplements and injections, are an effective way to treat this deficiency.

    Sources

    • Meat is a good source of vitamin B12.

      Dietary vitamin B12 is supplied mainly by animal products like meat, liver, eggs, cheese, milk and milk products. Recommended daily allowances for vitamin B12 is 3 micrograms per day.

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