Symptoms Of Methylcobalamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin found mainly in animal tissues. The two forms of vitamin B-2 that are most active in the human body are methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin. Most vitamin B-12 supplements contain a form of vitamin B-12 called cyanocobalamin, which the body can efficiently convert into methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin. The body can easily inter-convert the two active forms of vitamin B-12, so the symptoms of methylcobalamin deficiency are indistinguishable from the symptoms of a general vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Anemia

Vitamin B-12 is required for DNA synthesis in the body. During vitamin B-12 deficiency, the cells that are first affected by reduced DNA synthesis are the rapidly proliferating cells found in bone marrow such as red blood cells. When low vitamin B-12 levels inhibit DNA synthesis, the red blood cells become deformed and unable to carry oxygen, causing a form of anemia known as megoloblastic anemia, which is sometimes also called vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia. Symptoms resulting from anemia include severe lack of energy and fatigue, as well as general muscle weakness and lightheadedness. Extremely pale skin, diarrhea and shortness of breath are also common symptoms.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Vitamin B-12 deficiency also causes several gastrointestinal symptoms including appetite loss and constipation. Left untreated, the appetite suppression caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency may result in anorexia and unintended weight loss. Swelling and soreness of the tongue have also been reported. These symptoms may result from inflammation of the intestinal tract caused by the reduced DNA synthesis resulting from vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Neurological Symptoms

A deficiency in vitamin B-12 can result in damage to the nervous system, particularly the myelin sheath that covers and insulates nerves. Early symptoms of neurological damage include an unexplained tingling sensation or numbness, which often manifest first in the fingers or toes. Left untreated, the tingling or numbness often spread up the hands and feet to the arms and legs. The function of the brain can also be affected by vitamin B-12 deficiency, causing difficulty concentrating, depression, confusion, memory loss and disorientation. In severe cases, dementia may develop.

Additional Symptoms

Long-term vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause severe effects including difficulty walking or moving, loss of muscle coordination, loss of balance, and paralysis in extreme cases. The symptoms caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency may not disappear after supplementation with vitamin B-12 is started to treat the deficiency. In some cases, the damage may be permanent. If you suspect you have a vitamin B-12 deficiency, you should consult your doctor.