In the absence of appropriate vitamin B-12 levels, your body can't maintain proper nerve function or red cell production. Dietary supplements usually contain a form of vitamin B-12 called cyanocobalamin, which your body converts to one of two active forms of this nutrient: 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin. Thus, the signs and symptoms of methylcobalamin deficiency typically mimic those of a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Seek additional care from your doctor if you develop any signs and symptoms of a vitamin deficiency.
Unusual Body Sensations
When your body doesn't receive adequate amounts of vitamin B-12, the protective sheath that covers your nerves -- called myelin -- may be damaged. This type of nerve damage can cause unusual, uncomfortable tingling sensations in your hands or feet. Over time, such sensations may spread up through your legs or into your arms and can cause difficulty walking or poor coordination. Nerve damage caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency may be permanent if left undetected or untreated for a prolonged period of time.
Mental, Mood or Behavioral Changes
Nerve damage caused by low vitamin B-12 levels may also extend into the neurons in your brain. This type of nerve degradation may cause abnormal mental, mood or behavioral changes. You may feel confused or disoriented or may have difficulty remembering important information. These signs of a vitamin B-12 deficiency may also be caused by other health problems, such as a brain injury or stroke, and should be discussed with your doctor immediately.
Digestive Discomfort
If you don't get enough vitamin B-12, you may experience digestive discomfort as a symptom of deficiency. You may not feel as hungry as usual, which may lead to unintended weight loss. Bowel movement irregularity accompanied by stomach cramping or bloating may also occur. In addition, your tongue may appear swollen or inflamed and may be tender to the touch. Oral discomfort may also worsen appetite loss.
Megaloblastic Anemia
A vitamin B-12 deficiency may interfere with the way your body produces healthy red blood cells. Consequently, you may develop damaged or misshapen red blood cells that can't transport oxygen efficiently throughout your body. Poor production of healthy red blood cells due to low vitamin B-12 levels is a condition called megaloblastic anemia. If you have this form of anemia, you may feel severely fatigued or weak and may experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Your skin may also appear abnormally pale.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Learn More About Vitamin B-12 Deficiency; August 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Vitamin B-12; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; March 2003
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B-12; May 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Vitamin B-12; December 2010
- MedlinePlus; Anemia -- B-12 Deficiency; January 2010
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