Are You at Risk for Vitamin B 12 Deficiency?

Cobalamin (vitamin B 12) plays an important role in the healthy production of red blood cells and nerve tissue. It is crucial for proper metabolic functioning and overall health. Vitamin B 12 is consumed via eggs, shellfish, meat, poultry, and dairy products. Individuals who fail to take in enough vitamin B 12 or whose unique medical or health conditions require a greater intake may benefit from consuming a vitamin B 12 supplement on a daily basis.

Symptoms of B 12 Deficiency

Vitamin B 12 deficiency is a serious matter that causes a multitude of symptoms. First, the production of healthy red blood cells within bone marrow fail and a form of anemia may result. In addition, neurological symptoms may become evident and progressively worse as deficiency ensues.

Common neurological symptoms of deficiency include:

• Paresthesia (tingling or numbness in the extremities)


• Improper balance


• Fatigue and weakness


• Psychiatric disorders including depression, irritability, and dementia

Other non-neurological symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, and intermittently occurring constipation and diarrhea. A burning sensation is sometimes felt on the tongue, as well.

Who’s at Risk?

Vegetarians are at a significant risk for vitamin B 12 deficiency, particularly if they consume only plant foods and substances and avoid all meat, fish and dairy products. Plant foods contain no significant amount of vitamin B 12.

Pregnant women or women who are breast-feeding infants are also at risk for B 12 deficiency. Significant quantities of the dietary intake of pregnant women’s vitamin B 12 are removed for fetal growth and development, particularly throughout the last half of her pregnancy. Mothers who are already B 12 deficient or nearly deficient run the risk of compromising not only their own health, but that of the fetus, as well. In particular, vegetarians who become pregnant should consider taking a vitamin B 12 supplement to avoid health risks to themselves and their babies.

Several other medical and health conditions may put one at risk for vitamin B 12 deficiency. Alcoholics, those with HIV, and individuals suffering from certain stomach disorders and cancers may also be deficient and can often benefit from taking a vitamin B 12 supplement.

Medical Care for Treatment of Deficiency Cases

If you believe you are at risk or may be experiencing symptoms associated with vitamin B 12 deficiency, it is important that you seek medical attention at once. Testing can be done to determine whether or not you are deficient, and can help isolate and treat the cause of the deficiency. In some cases, lack of intake alone is not the cause. Difficulties with adsorption of vitamin B 12 must be treated medically. A simple vitamin B 12 supplement will not effectively treat all deficiency cases.

It is wise to consult with your doctor prior to starting vitamin B 12 supplementation. It is important that any supplement you take is noted in your medical record, and that care is taken to avoid vitamin toxicity by over-supplementing. If you are a vegetarian or are considering becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about deficiency concerns to determine an appropriate level of supplementation.