Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is important to the body's metabolism, as well as to the central nervous system and in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is found in certain foods, such as dairy products, meat, poultry, shellfish and eggs. If the body cannot assimilate B12 efficiently, a vitamin B12 deficiency can occur. Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency can vary, but they often are associated with pernicious anemia, surgeries that involve the intestines or stomach and eating vegetarian. Symptoms of low levels of vitamin B12 could include loss of appetite, fatigue, depression, constipation, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and weight loss.
Pernicious Anemia
It is imperative that the body gets enough B12 because this vitamin is essential to the production of red blood cells. MedlinePlus states that for our bodies to absorb B12, a special protein known as intrinsic factor has to be present in the stomach. If there is not enough intrinsic factor, B12 levels drop and the body cannot absorb B12 from the intestines. This can cause a condition known as pernicious anemia. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, or LPI, pernicious anemia usually appears after the "end stage of an autoimmune inflammation of the stomach." This leads to "the destruction of the stomach cells by the body's own antibodies." This same destruction decreases other acids and enzymes needed to release and absorb vitamin B12 properly. Currently, the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institute of Health, states that the only effective treatment of pernicious anemia is B12 injections.
Gastrointestinal Disorders and Surgeries
The LPI also reports that a B12 deficiency can also occur due to conditions that affect the small intestines and stomach, such as celiac disease, Chron's disease and those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery. With these diseases or after surgery, the cells that support the secretion of hydrochloric acids and intrinsic factor are often destroyed. Since there are not enough cells left in the body, vitamin B12 cannot effectively be released or absorbed.
Vegetarianism
The National Institute of Health suggests that vegans and strict vegetarians often face B12 deficiencies as well. This is due in most part because foods high in vitamin B12 are primarily animal foods. There are only a few vegetarian food options fortified with B12; therefore, some type of B12 supplementation is necessary.
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