Vitamin B12 and iron are both very important for body functions. Vitamin B12 helps the convert food into energy and metabolize protein. It also helps maintain healthy nerve cells and aids in the production of DNA and RNA. Iron assists red blood cells in carrying oxygen to cells and helps the production of denosine triphosphate, the body's energy source. A deficiency in either iron or vitamin B12 can cause anemia and other health complications.
Anemia
A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia --- a condition occurring when red blood cells are larger than normal and the ratio of nucleus size to cell cytoplasm is increased--- and pernicious anemia, a condition occurring when stomach cells are not able to make intrinsic factor, a substance present in the stomach that normally binds with vitamin B12. Without the intrinsic factor, the body cannot absorb vitamin B12.
A lack of iron causes iron-deficiency anemia, a condition occurring when a lack of iron prevents the body from producing enough hemoglobin. This causes a lack of healthy red blood cells.
Anemia can cause weakness, pale skin, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, numbness or tingling sensation in the limbs, loss of balance, confusion, memory loss, and moodiness.
Heart Disease
Vitamin B12 levels can strongly affect the levels of homocysteine in the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people with an excess of homocysteine are 1.7 times more likely to develop coronary artery disease and 2.5 times more likely to have a stroke than people with normal levels of homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine can also cause cerebral and peripheral atherosclerosis, recurrent thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, and heart attack, the Mayo Clinic website states..
Other Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
Though more research is needed, various studies suggest that consuming a proper amount of vitamin B12 or getting vitamin B12 injections may help prevent fatigue, breast cancer, male infertility, asthma and cognitive impairment, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website.
Other Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
In addition to anemia, an iron deficiency can also cause a low capacity for exercise or sports performance. A lack of iron may also cause decreased attention, arousal, and social responsiveness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Dietary Sources or Iron
Heme and non-heme are the two types of iron present in food. The body absorbs heme iron more easily than non-heme iron. The best dietary sources of heme iron are organ meats, lean red meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish, while non-heme is found in dried beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.
Dietary Sources of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is found in fish, shellfish, dairy products, organ meats, eggs, beef and pork.
Tips and Warnings
Iron and Vitamin B12 can be found in various supplements, but before taking supplements it would be wise to consult a doctor, especially when dealing with a child's diet.
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