Vitamin B-12 belongs to the B-complex family of vitamins and is involved in several biological processes in the body. Meat, eggs, dairy products and fish are rich sources of vitamin B-12, while plants like cereals, fruits and vegetables are poor sources. Roughly 1 of every 31 adults over the age of 50 develops vitamin B-12 deficiency, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A deficiency in vitamin B-12 can cause several different symptoms.
Anemia
Vitamin B-12 is critically involved in the production of red blood cells. If you develop a vitamin B-12 deficiency, your body cannot make enough red blood cells and you may develop anemia. Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that develops in response to a vitamin B-12 deficiency; it is caused by the inability of the body to create a protein called intrinsic factor. Vitamin B-12 must bind to intrinsic factor for absorption by the intestines. Without intrinsic factor, the intestines cannot absorb vitamin B-12 and a deficiency develops.
Anemia Symptoms
Anemia, resulting from vitamin B-12 deficiency, often develops very slowly with few or no symptoms. If symptoms of anemia do develop, these may include fatigue, lack of energy, weakness or feeling faint. Diarrhea or constipation are also possible symptoms of anemia. Additionally, people with anemia often have a very pale complexion and frequently experience shortness of breath. Bleeding gums and a red swollen tongue are other possible symptoms of anemia.
Neurological Symptoms
Left untreated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can result in nerve damage, which may cause a variety of different symptoms including tingling of the hands and feet and balance issues. Difficultly concentrating, confusion and dementia may also develop. Depression is another possible side effect of long-term vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Symptoms in Children
Children who develop vitamin B-12 deficiency may experience additional symptoms, including stunted growth and weak muscle tone. There may also be delays in physical or sexual development.
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