Vitamin B12 Deficiency Problems
February 26, 2009
Yet another important vitamin from the family of B complex is Vitamin B 12. Although it is required in very small amounts, just about 2 mg, most of the multivitamins carry about 100 to 200 of vitamin B12 content.
Oral supplementation of vitamin B 12 is safe and inexpensive and saves you from many consequent deficiency diseases. Vitamin B 12 is associated with optimal functioning of the nervous system and regulation of cells of the circulatory system – The RBCs.
This water soluble vitamin does not get excreted very easily from the body and is maintained in stored in kidney and liver. Some o the early symptoms of deficiency include development of neurological dysfunction. This may lead to Alzheimer’s.
There has been much controversy about deficiency of Vitamin B12 in vegetarian people. Also, according to a study women who suffered from breast cancer have decreased levels of vitamin B12.
The deficiency has been found to be more common in older people. People who have history of gastrointestinal disorders and pernicious anemia must take regular supplementation of vitamin B12 as prescribed their doctor.
Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, include sprue and crohn’s disease. There are certain medications which decrease the absorption of vitamin B12 in body. These include Drugs to treat peptic ulcer diseases, e.g. Omeprazole.
Also, metformin, used to treat diabetes, interferes with absorption of vitamin B12. The most prominent signs of deficiency of Vitamin B12 include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, anemia and constipation.
Since the vitamin is required for proper neurological functions, the deficiency can result in development of numbness of hands and feet.
The person has difficulty in balancing and appears to be confused. These may be preceded by dementia, depression and weak memory.
Other signs of deficiency include soreness in tongue and mouth, movement disorders, megaloblatic anemia and delayed development.
Natural sources of vitamin B12 include liver, clam, cheeseburger, tuna, beef, salmons and chicken. Therefore cheese must be eaten by the vegetarians to prevent deficiency of this major vitamin
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