Vitamin B-12 also known as cobalamin is a B-complex vitamin that the body needs for red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, metabolism and maintenance of healthy nerve cells. Beef liver contains the highest amount of vitamin B-12, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin B-12 is also found in red meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, dairy products and fortified breakfast cereals. Lack of vitamin B-12 leads to pernicious anemia and megaloblastic anemia.
Vitamin B-12 and Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is a condition in which the body is unable to make red blood cells due to low levels of vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 is needed by the bone marrow to make healthy red blood cells. Patients with pernicious anemia are unable to absorb vitamin B-12 from foods due to the lack of intrinsic factor, a stomach protein needed by the body to absorb vitamin B-12 from foods, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Pernicous Anemia Symptoms and Treatments
Patients with pernicious anemia may experience symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, pale skin, coldness in the hands and feet, shortness of breath, abnormal heart beat, rapid heart beat, swollen red tongue, bleeding tongue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, confusion, depression, numbness and tingling of hands and feet. Left untreated, the condition may lead to neurological problems such as nerve damage, loss of balance, trouble walking, severe dementia, psychosis, confusion and memory loss. Pernicious anemia is treated with life-long B-12 injections.
Vitamin B-12 and Megaloblastic Anemia
Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder mainly caused by vitamin B-12 and folic acid deficiency.
Patients with megaloblastic anemia produce large red blood cells -- megaloblasts -- that are larger than normal red blood cells. Megaloblasts are unable to carry hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to the body. Lack of adequate oxygen in body tissues and organs leads to symptoms of anemia.
Megaloblastic Anemia Symptoms and Treatments
Patients with megaloblastic anemia experience symptoms similar to other types of anemia.
Symptoms of megaloblastic anemia include weakness, dizziness, fatigue,shortness of breath, chest pain, pale skin, increased heart rate, irritability, smooth and tender tongue, weak muscles, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, decreased appetite, weight loss and diarrrhea. Megaloblastic anemia is treated with B-12 injections and folic acid supplements. Patients are also encouraged to consume foods rich in B-12 and folic acid.
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