Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin required for healthy blood cells and nerves. Dietary animal products, such as fish and poultry, are the main source of B12, providing significantly larger amounts than the daily requirement of two to three micrograms. Deficiencies arise in strict vegetarian or vegan diets and in those who are unable to absorb dietary sources. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include anemia and nervous tissue dysfunction. Neutropenia--or low neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell--may also occur.
B12 Deficiency
The hallmark of B12 deficiency is a condition known as megaloblastic anemia. This condition is characterized by a defect in red blood cell production, causing these important oxygen-carrying cells to be both fewer in number and larger than normal. In advanced cases, anemia may be accompanied by low levels of other blood cell lines, including platelets and white blood cells. Neutrophils are a type of white cell, and a low neutrophil level is called neutropenia.
Neutropenia
Neutropenia is defined as a neutrophil count below 1,500/mcL, where the normal range is 2,700 to 6,600 neutrophils/mcL. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell active in fighting infection. Neutropenia therefore results in increased susceptibility to infection, specifically by certain types of bacteria and fungi. The risk of infection is related to the severity of neutropenia. Key nutrients, including folate, copper and vitamin B12, are among the causes of neutropenia. Replenishing the nutrient leads to an increase in neutrophil count.
B12 Sources
Microorganisms are the ultimate origin of vitamin B12 in the food chain. Animals obtain the vitamin from the bacteria in the digestive tract, or by eating other animals. Humans are unable to absorb the B12 produced in the gut, so you must obtain it in your diet. Fish is an excellent source, and both beef and poultry provide large amounts. Plants and vegetables contain little of the vitamin, save that contributed by microbial contamination, as occurs in unwashed vegetables. Hence, plant-based diets require supplementation.
Considerations
Because your body is able to store significant amounts of vitamin B12, deficiencies due to diet are rare except in strict, long-term vegans. Other causes include malabsorption, deficiency of a factor essential to the absorption of B12, known as intrinsic factor and infestation with tapeworms. These conditions may require treatment with injectable B12. In addition to the symptoms mentioned, a lack of B12 can make you dizzy or forgetful, and may affect your balance. If you suffer any of the symptoms of B12 deficiency, talk to your health-care provider.
References
- "Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Vinay Kumar; 2005
- "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment"; Stephen J. McPhee; 2009
- "Maxwell Quick Medical Reference"; Robert W. Maxwell; 2006
- Neutropenia Support Association Inc.: Classic Neutropenic Syndromes
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Vitamin B12
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