You need vitamins to function, but some conditions can cause your body to have trouble absorbing vitamins -- including B-12. If you do not consume enough B-12 or if your body is not able to absorb enough, you will develop B-12 deficiency symptoms, which can cause health problems and decrease your quality of life.
Causes of Absorption Problems
There are several factors that can lead to low levels of B-12 in your blood. The first is from a dietary deficit, where you simply do not eat enough foods containing B-12. However, most people do get enough B-12 in their diets. Deficiency may also result from malabsorption due to intestinal conditions such as Crohn's or celiac disease, pernicious anemia, abnormal bacteria growth in your stomach, long-term medication use and stomach or intestinal surgery. Oregon State University states that the two most common causes are pernicious anemia and food-bound vitamin B-12 malabsorption.
Symptoms
If you have low levels of B-12 from improper absorption, you will develop symptoms associated with the function of B-12 in your body. B-12 is used in the production of red blood cells, in energy production and in the function of your nervous system. Deficiency can lead to problems with concentration, dementia, disorientation, depression and neurological problems such as difficulty walking. B-12 deficiency can also cause anemia symptoms of paleness, weakness and fatigue.
Treatment and Detection
Your doctor can check your B-12 levels with a blood test. If you have low levels and you consume a diet that is high in B-12-containing foods, then you may have absorption problems. Your doctor will determine the best treatment option, which can include B-12 medication or B-12 shots. You may also need treatment for the stomach or intestinal conditions that may be interfering with your absorption.
Considerations
If you are concerned about your B-12 level, be sure to talk with your doctor about getting your level checked. In addition, you should eat a balanced diet that contains some fish, poultry, meat, eggs or dairy because these are good sources of B-12. A daily multivitamin is also a good way to ensure that you get adequate essential vitamins each day. The daily minimum recommended intake of B-12 is 2.4 micrograms; there is no recommended maximum dose.
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