Vitamin B12 Deficiency - 5 Warning Signs

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an essential building block of
DNA and is key to the maintenance of our body's genes. In this
role, it is an important element in ensuring the proper function
of the nervous system and maintaining a healthy hematological
profile.

A proper diet and good nutrition is almost always sufficient to
prevent B12 deficiency. The vitamin is naturally found in high
protein foods such as meat, eggs, fish and dairy. In addition,
those who regularly take a multivitamin are not likely to need
extra vitamin B12 supplementation. However, ensuring enough
B12 is ingested is important given that the body does not
easily store the vitamin.

There is a high incidence of B12 deficiency in a few select
groups. First, vegetarians or vegans who completely avoid
animal based foods are at risk. Children who follow strict
vegetarian diets absent of dairy products are particularly
susceptible to low levels of the vitamin. Also, it is
estimated that a high percentage of the elderly have some level
of B12 deficiency. This is because as we age, our ability to
extract and absorb B12 from food-based protein sources
diminishes. Also, seniors are more likely to have digestive
problems, a degraded stomach lining, or have gone through some
form of gastro-intestinal surgery. This contributes to the
possibility of deficiency among this population. Finally,
large amounts of alcohol and caffeine have been shown to
decrease the ability of the body to absorb the vitamin.

It is important to recognize the 5 warning signs of B12
deficiency.

1.Stomach pain or digestive issues
2.Fatigue and weakness
3.Loss of sensation or tingling in lower extremities
4.Impaired cognitive function or dementia
5.Depression, irritability or moodiness

Stomach pain may be a symptom of pernicious anaemia, a
condition where the immune system hinders the process by which
the digestive system is able to absorb B12. This results in
the premature death of red blood cells. The fatigue and
weakness that often accompanies low levels of the vitamin are
also caused by anaemia.

Given the importance of B12 to neurological function, a
deficiency may result in several brain function issues such as
the last three warning signs mentioned above. Given a
predisposition to B12 deficiency in those over 50, the loss of
cognitive function, moodiness and irritability is often blamed
on age as opposed to not getting enough of the vitamin. This
is compounded by the fact that impaired mental function and
dementia are often symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore,
something as simple as a dietary gap is often overlooked as a
cause of mental degradation. This is where supplementation with
B12 can result in significant improvements.

Also, it is important to note that the effects of B6 and Folic
Acid in coordination with B12 are collectively more powerful
than just B12 alone. This is because the systems dependent on
B12 also rely on these other substances for proper function.
B12, along with Folic Acid and B6 are necessary to keep
homocysteine in the blood down to healthy levels. Several
studies have shown that increased levels of homocysteine are
associated with greater incidence of heart disease and stroke.
These vitamins can reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues in
that they convert homocysteine to methionine, an amino acid
that is used in a productive manner by cells. In two other
studies, vitamin B12 and folic acid were also shown to have a
role in reducing the number of abnormal, pre-cancerous
bronchial cells in heavy smokers.

The primary form of B12 used as a nutritional supplement is
cyanocobalamin. However, it is important to note that the
absorption of B12 is much higher when the source is food based
as opposed to via supplementation. While for extreme cases of
deficiency, vitamin B12 is available via prescription as an
injection or nasal gel, most supplementation is as part of a
multivitamin, delivered as a pill, sublingual tablet, or
lozenge. The Recommended Daily Intake of B12 is 6 micrograms
(mcg), even though supplements will often deliver as much as 30
mcg. Despite the wide range of dosage options, most healthy
adults only need 3 mcg each day. Additionally, B12 taken
orally is well tolerated by most and there have been no
documented cases of overdose or toxicity associated with the
supplement. While occurring infrequently, the side effects of
B12 include rash, hives and itching. Those who take any of the
following medications may be at risk for B12 deficiency in that
they have been shown to hinder absorption: Antibiotics, Proton
Pump Inhibitors Cholestyramine, H2 blockers, Metformin, and
Potassium Chloride. Calcium supplementation may also assist the
body in its ability to absorb B12.

If you feel that you may be at risk of vitamin b12 deficiency,
or are exhibiting any warning signs, go see your doctor
immediately for more information. Aside from those with
extreme medical conditions, the rest of us can easily ensure
that we are getting enough of the nutrients essential to health
by taking a well-formulated multivitamin.

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