B12 is part of the B vitamin complex, a group of compounds integral to the functioning of various tissues and organs. Vitamin B12 is important in the formation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen in the bloodstream throughout the body. B12 is also important in the health of the nerves and brain. Toddlers with vitamin B12 deficiency can experience anemia and nerve damage.
Sources of Vitamin B12
There are many sources of vitamin B12 in the natural world. Food sources include various fish and meats, poultry, eggs, milk and other dairy products and fortified breakfast cereals, according to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements. Children's multivitamins contain vitamin B12, usually as cyanocobalamin, which then must be converted to an active form. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 for toddlers is 0.5 to 1.0 mcg.
Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
The main cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in toddlers is inadequate consumption of foods rich in this compound. This can happen in a breastfed toddler whose mother is a vegan or lacto-ovo vegetarian and does not get enough B12 in her diet. These children should receive B12 supplementation. Another cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is lack of intrinsic factor, a protein important for the absorption of B12 from the small intestine. Also, toddlers with conditions that cause malabsorption, like celiac disease, may not absorb B12 efficiently.
Symptoms
The main problem with vitamin B12 deficiency in toddlers is that it causes anemia. This anemia is characterized by larger than normal red blood cells that have a decreased ability to carry oxygen to the tissues, according to Lab Tests Online. The symptoms of this anemia, called macrocytic anemia, include weakness, lethargy, decreased energy and shortness of breath. B12 deficiency can also cause nerve damage, or neuropathy, which can lead to tingling and numbness of the extremities and mental status changes, like confusion and irritability. Toddlers can also exhibit developmental delay and movement disorders as a result of B12 deficiency.
Treatment
The treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency includes increasing consumption of vitamin B12-rich products, as well as oral vitamin supplements. Occasionally, children may need vitamin B12 shots, especially if they suffer from a condition that limits their ability to absorb B12 from the gut. Prompt treatment is necessary to limit the amount of nerve damage and the potential for permanent disability.
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