Vitamin B12 Deficiency Can Lead To Anemia And Nerve Impairment

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be a serious issue, but fortunately for most of us it is easy to avoid by eating a balanced diet and taking a complex vitamin supplement on a daily basis. For those who fail to take in the proper amount of this most crucial of vitamins, the results can be devastating. As a result, most supplements will include some level of vitamin B12.

Since it works primarily to regulate the blood, the first sign of vitamin B12 deficiency is usually anemia. Anemia occurs when there is abnormal formation of red and white blood cells. In persons suffering from this condition, the red blood cells will be abnormally large and the white blood cells can form abnormal nuclei. All of this can lead to some of the most common vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms including paleness, weakness, fatigue, and in severe cases, dizziness and shortness of breath.

Vitamin B12 can be found in foods which come directly from animals, including meat and dairy products. Unlike most vitamins, it is stored in large quantity within the body, primarily in the liver. Because of this, vitamin B12 deficiency may take some time to manifest itself, as the supply of B12 in most people will last for 3 to 5 years.

Normally, vitamin B12 is absorbed in the ileum, or the part of the small intestine just before it joins the large intestine. In order to be properly absorbed, however, it must be combined with intrinsic factor, a protein secreted by the stomach. Individuals who have a low stomach acid level or those with bowel disorders and malabsorbtion disorder may be more apt to show a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency as they may not produce an adequate amount of intrinsic factor.

Immune disorders, gastric surgery and the simple effects of aging may all contribute to low production of intrinsic factor. In these individuals, low B12 levels can lead to a form of anemia called pernicious anemia. Younger people with pernicious anemia are more apt to develop gastrointestinal cancer. Liver disorders can result in the improper storage of B12, leaving the victims open to developing anemia and other vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.

A severe deficiency can also affect nerve function, resulting in tingling or loss of sensation in the extremities, loss of reflexes, difficulty walking and weakness. In people with nerve damage, the primary sign of vitamin B12 deficiency is tingling in the feet and legs. If your doctor suspects a lack of B12, the usual treatment is the use of a dietary supplement to boost levels. Individuals with nerve damage may require injections of B12 directly into a muscle to facilitate the delivery process.

Vegans, who do not eat a diet containing animal products, will be at the greatest risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency, as will nursing infants of vegan mothers. All children and adults, however, may benefit from taking a regular dietary supplement which contains vitamin B12 and the rest of the B complex vitamins. If you suspect that you may be suffering from a deficiency of vitamin B12, consult with your doctor to confirm a diagnosis and determine which path of treatment will work best for you.

Getting the proper amount of vitamins and minerals is essential to maintaining good health. What a balanced diet can not provide, a complex vitamin and mineral supplement can. Talk to your doctor and find out what will work best for you. With vitamin B12 and the other essential vitamins and nutrients in your corner, you’ll be well on your way to living a long and healthy life.

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