Vitamin deficiencies can cause serious health problems, especially when the symptoms are masked. A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause severe nerve damage to the body if not corrected. Even though the symptoms of this deficiency can be masked by high doses of another vitamin, permanent side effects can still occur.
Background
Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin, essential for the body's nervous system, blood cells and DNA. Vitamin B12 is found in foods such as beef, beef liver, clams, fish, milk and other dairy products. Some dietary supplements are also a source for vitamin B12.
B12 Deficiency
Although most Americans consume enough vitamin B12 from their diet or supplements, B12 deficiency does still occur. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in older adults, people with gastrointestinal diseases, vegetarians and people with pernicious anemia. A B12 deficiency can occur from reduced or limited vitamin B12 absorption, even in the presence of adequate B12 intake. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, high blood levels of the vitamin folate can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Symptoms
Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia that can result from a vitamin B12 deficiency. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, symptoms of a B12 deficiency may include tiredness, weakness, reduced appetite, weight loss, constipation and signs of nerve damage that include numbness and tingling sensations, confusion, depression, dementia and memory loss. The American Cancer Society notes that folic acid, or folate, can correct symptoms of megaloblastic anemia caused by a B12 deficiency but cannot correct the nerve damage, and it may actually worsen nerve damage, which may become permanent.
Recommendations
Vitamin B12 deficiency is usually treated with either high doses of oral B12 supplements or B12 injections. Supplements in doses used to correct B12 deficiency are often available by prescription. The Food and Nutrition Board Recommended Dietary Allowance, or RDA, for vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms for adult men and women, 2.6 mcg for pregnant women and 2.8 mcg for women who are nursing. Consuming the RDA for vitamin B12 can usually prevent a deficiency for people without B12 malabsorption problems. The RDA for folate is 400 mcg for adult men and women, 600 mcg for pregnant women and 500 mcg per day for nursing women.
References
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B12
- Journal of the American Medical Association: Folic Acid
- American Cancer Society: Folic Acid
- Food and Nutrition Board: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): Recommended Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes for Vitamins and Elements
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