What To Look For And How To Avoid B12 Deficiency
Because it is found largely in animal products, many vegetarians and some other people that include less meat and dairy products in their diet are at risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency. B12 is a necessary nutrient for supplying oxygen to red blood cells and for building both DNA and protein molecules. Vitamin B12 deficiency dangers include anemia, which causes weakness, pale skin and thinning of the blood, gastrointestinal problems, and neurological disorders such as memory loss or mood swings. At a severe level a vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to nerve damage, tingling of the fingers or toes, and numbness.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is most common in those who do not consume animal products regularly and those with B12 anemia who are unable to absorb the nutrient from their food. A vitamin B12 deficiency is found in a higher than average percentage of women with breast cancer, according to a study from the Mayo Clinic. A low amount of B12 in the bloodstream hinders production of replacement DNA and may aid in cancer cell growth. A low amount of the vitamin is also found in many elderly patients with degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency dangers are pronounced in babies and toddlers, especially those born to vegetarian mothers or whose intake of animal products is not tracked. At a young age B12 deficiency can lead to neurological disorders. Babies and toddlers who have a B12 deficiency may have a low motivation for learning and have developmental delays.
B12 deficiency can be behind a wide variety of medical disorders. Signs of B12 deficiency include infertility, strokes, heart attacks, mental illness and difficulty walking. It may be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s, dementia, multiple sclerosis, or vertigo. An estimated 15% to 25% of older adults have a vitamin B12 deficiency. Many elderly people do not produce enough stomach acid to break down the nutrient even if they are eating enough animal products in their daily diet. A doctor can perform a blood test of vitamin B12 levels. If a deficiency is present a multivitamin or an injection can prevent problems.
Vitamin B12 deficiency dangers include an autoimmune disorder called pernicious anemia, which is caused when the stomach is unable to break down the nutrient. Untreated pernicious anemia can lead to a problem with the bone marrow and is often fatal within three years but the disorder can usually be treated with B12 injections.
Around 2 to 5 mcg of vitamin B12 is stored in the body, with around 50% of this being in the liver. It can take years for vitamin B12 stores in the body to become dangerously low, however this depends on a variety of factors. Infants and small children develop vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms more quickly than adults.
Long term vegans and vegetarians should avoid vitamin B12 deficiency dangers by getting their blood tested to measure their levels of the nutrient and by supplementing. B12 is produced by a yeast that is common in animal liver and in seafood. Vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12 include brewer’s yeast, fermented soy products, and sea vegetables such as seaweed. It is also fortified in many grains and some types of breakfast cereal.