A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to nerve and brain damage and anemia. Early symptoms include weakness, constipation, and depression. It can result from dietary factors, medication use, and some underlying conditions.
Vitamin B12 is vital for creating and maintaining nerve and red blood cells, it supports the nervous system, and it helps create DNA, the basis of all cells.
Without treatment, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia. It can also result in nerve and brain damage. According to the
This article looks at how to recognize B12 deficiency, who is at risk, and how to treat or prevent it.
According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, a person with vitamin B12 deficiency may develop anemia and other symptoms.
Low levels of B12
- fatigue and weakness
- constipation
- loss of appetite and weight loss
- problems with balance
- depression
- problems with thinking
- a sore mouth or tongue
In infants, signs of a deficiency include:
- not growing or developing at the expected rate
- problems with movement
- megaloblastic anemia
Anemia and neurological problems can lead to further symptoms and complications.
Anemia
Body cells need vitamin B12 to reproduce. If a person does not have enough vitamin B12, their body cannot make enough red blood cells. This can result in anemia.
The hallmark symptom of B12 deficiency is megaloblastic anemia, in which the red blood cells are immature and larger than usual. This affects their ability to deliver oxygen effectively to the body.
Common symptoms of anemia are:
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- feeling faint
- headaches
- pale or yellowish skin
- heart palpitations
- tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- reduced appetite and weight loss
Neurological symptoms
A vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to neurological symptoms, such as:
- numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- problems with thinking and memory
- confusion
- problems with balance
- changes in gait and other movements
Long-term B12 deficiency may increase the risk of various health problems. One reason for this may be that the body needs vitamin B12 to process homocysteine.
Experts have found
Dementia and thinking
Low levels of vitamin B12 may affect brain health in the long term and increase the risk of cognitive decline.
Depending on the person’s age, it may
- reduced school performance in children
- irritability
- memory loss
- depression
- dementia
Some research has found higher levels of homocysteine in people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
In 2012,
First, they tested the participants’ blood to identify levels of vitamin B12 and other markers of B12 deficiency. They also assessed their memories and other thinking skills.
After 52 months, they carried out MRI scans of the participants’ brains. They checked for brain size and any signs of brain damage.
Results showed that those with the strongest signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in the initial tests were much more likely to have lower cognitive test scores and smaller total brain volumes after 52 months.
Neurological damage
Studies have shown that
- nerve damage
- damage to the spinal cord
- neurological problems that affect mental health
Cardiovascular disease
Experts have also found high levels of homocysteine in people with coronary heart disease and stroke.
However, there is not enough evidence to recommend B12 supplementation to prevent heart disease.
Energy levels
Some people use B12 supplements to boost energy levels and athletic performance. However, supplements only
The amount of vitamin B12 an individual needs per day will depend on their age. People also need more B12 during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
According to the
| 0–6 months | 0.4 mcg |
| 7–12 months | 0.5 mcg |
| 1–3 years | 0.9 mcg |
| 4–8 years | 1.2 mcg |
| 9–13 years | 1.8 mcg |
| 14 years and over | 2.4 mcg |
| During pregnancy | 2.6 mcg |
| While breastfeeding | 2.8 mcg |
A B12 deficiency can occur if a person does not consume enough of the vitamin in their diet or if their body cannot absorb it effectively during digestion.
When a person consumes food that contains vitamin B12, the body takes
First, hydrochloric acid in the stomach separates it from the protein it binds to in food.
Then, vitamin B12 combines with another protein that the stomach produces, called intrinsic factor. Then, the intestines can absorb it.
Here are some possible
1) Pernicious anemia
Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease that affects the gut’s ability to digest vitamin B12.
When a person has pernicious anemia, their immune system creates antibodies that attack the stomach’s lining. There, they damage cells that produce intrinsic factor.
If the stomach cannot produce intrinsic factor, the intestines will be unable to absorb vitamin B12.
2) Bowel problems
Some people may have problems absorbing vitamin B12 into their bloodstream because of a condition that affects their stomach or small intestine.
Possible causes include:
- Crohn’s disease
- celiac disease
- surgery that reduces the size of the stomach or the length of the intestine
These people can experience malnutrition because they cannot absorb enough vitamins, water, and other nutrients.
3) Diet
People who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet may have a higher risk of B12 deficiency. During pregnancy, this may increase the risk of neurological damage in a fetus.
While some plant foods contain vitamin B12, it is often in a form that the body cannot absorb efficiently, according to
People who follow a plant-based diet can supplement their B12 intake by eating fortified foods, such as nutritional yeast products.
4) Medications
Some medications can affect the body’s ability to digest vitamin B12, leading to a deficiency.
Examples include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and Histamine H2 receptor agonists (H2 blockers), which doctors prescribe to treat indigestion, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
PPIs prevent the stomach from producing acid, but the body needs acid to absorb vitamin B12.
5) Functional vitamin B12 deficiency
Some people appear to have enough vitamin B12 in their blood, but they do not have the proteins they need to transport it between cells. This means the body cannot use it effectively.
They can develop neurological symptoms related to B12 deficiency.
To assess for a vitamin B12 deficiency, a doctor will likely:
- ask about symptoms
- carry out a physical examination
- do a blood test to measure B12 levels and check for anemia
- do other tests to rule out other conditions and check for pernicious anemia, if necessary
Some people will have a B12 deficiency but no symptoms. A doctor may recommend regular testing for people with long-term gastrointestinal problems to ensure a deficiency does not develop.
Getting an early diagnosis can help prevent long-term complications.
Treatment will depend largely on the cause of a deficiency.
Options include increasing vitamin B12 intake through:
- intramuscular injections
- oral medicine
- adding foods that are rich in B12 to the diet
Some people may need regular injections for the rest of their life.
Most people can prevent B12 deficiency through dietary choices, but this is not always the case.
People following a plant-based diet
People whose diet is largely or wholly plant-based should ensure their B12 intake is adequate.
Dietary options include:
- fortified breakfast cereals
- fortified nutritional yeast
- fortified soy milk
People who eat meat or fish
For those who eat meat or fish, a balanced diet containing fish, meat, and dairy foods should have enough B12 for human requirements.
Other conditions and medical treatments
Anyone who has a chronic gastrointestinal condition or believes they may have symptoms of B12 deficiency should seek medical advice.
The doctor will seek to identify the cause and treat it accordingly.
Good sources of vitamin B12 include the following:
- clams
- beef liver
- fish, such as trout, salmon, and tuna
- nutritional yeast
- dairy products
- eggs
- fortified yeasts and other foods
Vitamin B12 is essential for preventing anemia and maintaining neurological health. It may help prevent dementia and heart disease.
A balanced diet can often help prevent a deficiency. People who eat only plant-based foods may consider including fortified foods or asking a doctor about supplements.
A doctor may also recommend supplements if a person has pernicious anemia, Crohn’s disease, or another condition that affects their ability to absorb vitamin B12.