Vitamin B12 deficiencies are extremely rare. It can take several years for the symptoms of a B12 deficiency to manifest, due to the body's capacity for storing large amounts of the nutrient. Because Vitamin B12 is bound to protein in food, it requires gastric acids and enzymes in order to release it for the body to use. Vitamin B12 deficiencies can arise not only from insufficient dietary intake, but also from dysfunction in the bodily functions necessary to render the nutrient into a usable form, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Megaloblastic and Pernicious Anemia
Megaloblastic anemia is a condition in which red blood cells increase in size. They fail to mature, remaining as megaloblasts, the forerunners of red blood cells, according to MedicineNet.
Pernicious anemia is a form of megaloblastic anemia caused by B12 deficiency, or by the body's inability to absorb B12. Pernicious means injurious or deadly, which was an appropriate title for the condition in earlier times, when it was commonly fatal. Since the discovery of its cause-B12 deficiency, it is now treatable by replenishing the body's B12 supply.
Anemias decrease the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, resulting in breathlessness, fatigue and pale skin. Cardiac symptoms such as irregular heartbeats, increased heart rate or even heart failure can ensue if anemias are left untreated.
Neurological Symptoms
The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that vitamin B12 deficiency can cause neurological symptoms. These can manifest as shakiness, muscle weakness, incontinence, difficulty maintaining balance and visual disturbances. The Mayo Clinic notes that B12 symptoms can occur even when B12 levels are only slightly below normal levels.
A visual indicator of B12 deficiency is changes to the appearance and texture of the tongue, which can appear shiny and smooth.
These neurological symptoms can occur long before the appearance of anemia. To avoid irreversible damage, early detection and treatment are crucial.
Psychological Disturbances
Confusion, depression, dementia and memory loss are possible when B12 levels dip below the norm.
According to The Vegetarian Society, vegan vegetarians are especially vulnerable to these symptoms. Vegans abstain from all animal products, and B12 is only available from animal food sources. The symptoms of B12 deficiency can be mistakenly attributed to emotional rather than biological causes.
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of B12 for those 14 years and older is 2.4 micrograms per day. Pregnant females should receive 2.6 micrograms per day, and lactating females should receive 2.8 micrograms per day.
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