If you do not consume or absorb enough vitamin B-12, you may develop symptoms of a deficiency. A B-12 deficiency can lead to a variety of serious neurological problems, such as walking problems, if left untreated. These symptoms will progress gradually over time, and if they are present for a long time, they may become irreversible, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Deficiency Symptoms
Symptoms of a B-12 deficiency include anemia, gastrointestinal problems and neurological problems. Anemia signs and symptoms include paleness, weakness and fatigue. Gastrointestinal problems may cause tongue soreness, appetite loss and constipation. If you do not treat your deficiency, your neurological symptoms may progress to depression, dementia, memory loss, disorientation, mood changes, numbness and tingling of your arms and legs and difficulty walking.
Causes
The Harvard School of Public Health states that B-12 deficiency is related to an absorption problem and is not usually the result of a lack of B-12 in the diet. Causes of malabsorption include pernicious anemia, intestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, long-term heartburn and use of ulcer medication, abnormal bacterial growth in your stomach, stomach surgery and intestinal surgery.
Treatment and Prevention
If you have had any of the conditions or procedures that can affect your absorption of B-12, talk with your doctor about testing your levels. In addition, be sure to eat a well-balanced diet that includes sources of B-12 each day. The B vitamins are found in foods such as fish, poultry, meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables and dairy products. If your levels are low, your doctor may prescribe B-12 pills, give you a B-12 shot and work to find the cause of your deficiency.
Considerations
The recommendation for B-12 intake is 2.4 mcg per day. The Linus Pauling Institute recommends that if you are older than 50, if you are a woman who is planning on becoming pregnant or if you are a strict vegetarian, you should take a daily supplement of 6 to 30 mcg to help keep your levels in the ideal range. This can help you avoid serious problems with your nervous system, including your ability to walk.
References
- MedlinePlus; Vitamins; February 2011
- MedlinePlus; B Vitamins; February 2011
- Harvard School of Public Health: Three of the B Vitamins: Folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12
- Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin B-12; Victoria J. Drake; August 2007
- FamilyDoctor.org; Vitamin B-12; January 2010
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