Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in animal foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products and fish. Vitamin B12 is also added to fortified breakfast cereals and some processed foods. The vitamin is necessary for red blood cell production, DNA synthesis and nerve cell maintenance. Lack of B12 leads to pernicous anemia, megaloblastic anemia and neurological problems. Supplements of vitamin B12 and folic acid are used to treat these conditions.
Megaloblastic Anemia: Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid
Megaloblastic anemia results from problems with DNA synthesis in red blood cell production due to lack of vitamin B12. The disease is treated using B12 and folic acid supplements because both vitamins help the body manufacture red blood cells. Administration of folic acid alone to treat megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency is dangerous because folic acid corrects anemia without correcting the neurological damages that also occur. Permanent nerve damage can occur if vitamin B12 deficiency is not treated early enough. To prevent this complication, megaloblastic anemia is treated using both vitamins.
Pernicious Anemia: Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid
Pernicious anemia is caused by impaired absorption of vitamin B12 because of lack of intrinsic factor in the stomach. Intrinsic factor is a protein produced by the stomach that binds to B12 and helps the body absorb the vitamin. When the stomach does not make enough intrinsic factor, the small intestine cannot absorb B12 properly. Pernicous anemia is treated with monthly injections of vitamin B12. Folic acid supplements are also administered because they work together with B12 to help the bone marrow produce healthy red blood cells.
Neurological Problems: Vitamin B12
Patients experiencing neurological problems caused by vitamin B12 deficiency are treated with injections of the vitamin. Examples of neurological problems include numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, memory problems, depression, mood changes and dementia. B12 shots are preferred because the vitamin is administered directly into the bloodstream and absorbed immediately. Oral B12 supplements have to undergo the normal digestion process, and there is a high risk of poor absorption in the stomach and intestines.
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