Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that is mainly found in animal products such as meat, poultry, eggs, shellfish, milk and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is important for metabolism, production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis and maintaining healthy nerve cells. Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the stomach and intestines. Low levels of B12 can occur due to problems with absorption of the vitamin. Patients with low B12 levels may experience several complications.
Neurological and Psychiatric Symptoms
Low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to psychiatric and neurological symptoms. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy nerve cells of the central nervous system. Low levels of B12 may lead to symptoms such as numbness and tingling of the legs and hands, shaky movements, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, dementia, mood disturbances and psychoses. Patients with vitamin B12 deficiencies should be treated with B12 shots in order to prevent permanent nerve damage.
Anemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia. This is a type of anemia in which red blood cells are larger than normal. Patients with vitamin B12 deficiency may also experience a form of anemia called pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia occurs when there is lack of intrinsic factor in the stomach to assist in the absorption of B12 from foods. Megaloblastic and pernicous anemias are treated with vitamin B12 supplements administered intramuscularly, intranasally and orally. Intramuscular injections are preferred due to faster absorption.
High Levels of Homocysteine
Vitamin B12 works together with folic acid and B6 to lower levels of the hormone amino acid homocysteine. Homocysteine is produced from the natural breakdown of foods. Patients with high levels of homocysteine are at risk for cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack. Patients with previous histories of stroke, heart and other cardiovascular events may not benefit from B12 supplements.
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