Deficiency B12

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin because it has the element, cobalt in it. It helps make red blood cells and supports healthy nerve function. As it that weren't enough, it also helps build DNA.

Usually bound to protein (as in meats and eggs), cobalamin is released during the digestive process. A substance made by cells lining the stomach called Intrinsic Factor binds to it, and this complex of cobalamin and intrinsic factor is then absorbed in the intestinal tract. Some people have trouble making enough intrinsic factor to combine with cobalamin (B12); this results in less B12 absorbed in the intestinal tract, which can develop into a vitamin b12 deficiency called pernicious anemia.

Pernicious anemia takes time to develop because the liver stores plenty of vitamin B12 and it takes about a year to deplete its stores of cobalamin (B12). Another way to develop B12 deficiency is to not take in enough foods that provide vitamin B12. This can occur to strict vegetarians who neglect to supplement their diet with vitamin B12.

One very important note here, is that vegetarians who are considering pregnancy should begin B12 supplementation long before they become pregnant. Breast-fed infants of vegetarian moms who do not supplement B12 are at high risk for B12 deficiency; infants have limited stores of B12 and can develop a deficiency within months of birth. This is important because untreated B12 deficiency in babies can result in severe and permanent neurological (nerve) damage.

B12 supplementation includes oral capsules, sublingual tabs (placed under tongue), and B12 shots. Injections of B12 are given when a person has already developed pernicious anemia in order to immediately boost their B12 level, after which daily oral supplementation is taken. Sublingual tabs are also absorbed well and can improve B12 levels dramatically. Most people with slightly low levels would do well to supplement B12 daily, especially vegetarians.

Chances are that you're here to learn all you can about vitamin B12. So I've included the important points you need to know about cobalamin, including signs and symptoms and available supplements. Read more below:

• RDA for adults is 2.4 micrograms per day.
  
• One cup of 100% fortified cereal will give you 100% of the Daily Value.

What it Does

• Helps build DNA
  
• Supports nerve cell function
  
• Helps make RBCs (Red Blood Cells)
  

Food Sources

• Fish, shellfish (be aware of mercury contamination)
  
• Meats
  
• Poultry, eggs
  
• Diary products
  
• Fortified Cereal (such as Nature's Path Optimum Power)
  
• Fortified Soy Milk (be aware of estrogen emulator in soy milk)

Who is at Risk to Develop Deficiency?

• Strict vegetarians (B12 rare in vegetables)
  
• Infants of vegetarian mothers (veggie expecting moms should tell their doctor they are strict vegetarians, so they can be started on supplementation)
  
• Low levels more likely in people over 50
  
• More common in people with digestive trouble

Signs/symptoms include

:

• Anemia
  
• Fatique
  
• Weakness
  
• Constipation
  
• Loss of appetite weight loss
  
• Numbness and tingling in hand and feet

Additional symptoms may include

• Difficulty maintaining balance
  
• Depression
  
• Confusion
  
• Dementia
  
• Poor memory
  
• Soreness of mouth and tongue

Signs in infants

• Failure to thrive
  
• Movement disorders
  
• Delayed development
  

I also have a page specifically about pernicious anemia--you can learn more about this particular type of anemia there. On the other hand, if you need B12 supplements, look through the Amazon list I selected for you below. Now go get better!

Pernicious anemia develops when your body cannot absorb enough vitamin B12. What happens is that the cells lining the stomach (gastric cells) no longer have the capacity to make enough Intrinsic Factor, a substance that combines with B12 to make a B12-Intrinsic Factor complex. This is the only way that the digestive system can absorb this important vitamin.

Cobalamin, the medical term for B12, is key for several life processes: it supports nerve cell function, helps make red blood cells, and also helps build DNA. So when the body's immune system malfunctions by destroying gastric cells that produce intrinsic factor, the decrease in production means less B12-intrinsic factor complex formation in the digestive system, which translates into greatly decreased B12 absorption.

Pernicious anemia is also described by the term: megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic describes the oversized, immature red blood cells seen in persons that suffer from this condition, (which is seen more often in individuals of northern European descent. The terms pernicious anemia and B12 deficiency are used synonomously, However it is critical to remember that pernicious anemia refers specifically to the B12 deficiency that develops with an absence of intrinsic factor due to an immune system malfunction.

Have you noticed symptoms of pernicious anemia?

Weakness Fatigue Numbness
Tingling of hands and feet
Difficulty walking
Decreased appetite
Weight loss
Nausea
Tender, smooth tongue
Diarrhea
Irritability
Increased heart rate

Should you supplement B12?

It is possible to bring the red blood cell abnormalities back to the normal range by taking vitamin B12, but if pernicious anemia goes untreated for a long period, the neuropathy, or nerve damage, that causes tingling and numbness can become permanent. Commonly pernicious anemia is discovered through a routine check up and blood test (CBC, or cell blood count) at the doctor's office. Individuals most at risk are strict vegetarians who don't supplement B12; pregnant women; and the elderly.

A critical thing to remember is that breastfed babies of vegetarian moms can quickly develop vitamin B12 deficiency by age 4 to 6 months. This happens because their liver stores--which are normally extensive--are inadequate and can be exhausted due to their fast rate of growth, (this results in a high demand for B12). One last thing to keep in mind is that folate supplementation should not be used alone instead of vitamin B12; folate may indeed improve the anemia but allow the neurologic (nerve) deficits to continue or even accelerate. Because of this, B12 and folate should be supplemented together.

Arturo Marroquin, M.D. writes about health, diet and nutritional issues with the goal of improving your health and quality of life. If you want to learn more about Pernicious Anemia and B12 Deficiency--especially which foods and supplements will provide you with a source of vitamin B12--follow this link to Dr.M's blog where you'll find information to help you make informed choices when it comes to your health.