Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is present in eggs, poultry and dairy products. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 can occur in elderly people, strict vegans and people with disorders that inhibit proper absorption of nutrients from the food, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Hematological Disorders
Vitamin B12 is necessary in the formation of red blood cells, and a deficiency in this vitamin can cause low a red blood cell count and megaloblastic anemia. Without enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body, you may feel fatigued and light headed, experience bowel disturbances, and have problems concentrating, according to MedlinePlus.
Neurological Disorders
Vitamin B12 is crucial for the proper functioning of your nervous system. A lack of this vitamin can manifest in neurological symptoms such as paresthesia, or tingling in the extremities, as well as loss of muscle coordination and visual disturbances. Damage to the nerves caused by vitamin B12 deficiency can be permanent if not addressed within six months, according to MedlinePlus.
Psychiatric Problems
The effects of vitamin B12 deficiency on your nervous system can impact your cognitive function. Inadequate vitamin B12 can cause memory loss, difficulty concentrating and irritability. If vitamin B12 deficiency is chronic, the psychiatric repercussions can grow more severe. Robert Oh et al. stated in the March 2003 issue of the "American Family Physician" that a number of psychiatric disorders are associated with long-term vitamin B12 deficiency, including personality changes, depression, dementia and psychosis.
Cardiovascular Issues
The effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on cardiovascular health is of special concern in Western societies, where dietary imbalances continue to contribute to epidemic rates of heart disease. The National Institutes of Health states that vitamin B12 helps regulate your levels of homocysteine, a compound linked to coronary heart disease a stroke. When vitamin B12 is deficient, homocysteine levels can rise. More research is needed to clarify the effects of vitamin B12 deficiency on the cardiovascular system, but Oh et al. suggest that it may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Recommended Dietary Allowances
You can obtain vitamin B12 by eating foods such as meat, fish, fortified cereals and dairy products. For those who don't get enough vitamin B12 through dietary sources, supplements can help. The recommended dietary allowance for men and most women over the age of 14 is 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12. Women who are pregnant should receive 2.6 mcg daily, and lactating women should consume 2.8 mcg, according to the National Institutes of Health.
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