Vitamin B-12 plays an essential role in the body's ability to metabolize the nutrients in food. People who do not consume adequate amounts of vitamin B-12 may develop vitamin deficiency anemia and experience a variety of symptoms, including diarrhea. Fortunately, treating and preventing both diarrhea and the vitamin deficiency is not difficult, though it may require some lifestyle changes.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin found in high concentrations in red meat, pork, fish, dairy products and eggs. Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy skin tissue, nerve cells and hair. Along with vitamin B-9, vitamin B-12 produces compounds that regulate the immune system and the production of red blood cells. Vitamin B-12 supplementation is used to help treat fatigue and may be helpful in preventing breast cancer, heart disease and male infertility. The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults consume 2.4 mcg of vitamin B-12 daily.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
If you do not consume adequate amounts of vitamin B-12, you can increase your risk of developing vitamin deficiency anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough vitamins to produce sufficient amounts of red blood cells. Diarrhea is one of the main symptoms of vitamin deficiency anemia, along with weight loss, dizziness, a tingling sensation in the hands and feet, weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath. The diarrhea may occur because vitamin B-12 is needed for the digestion of fats, protein and carbohydrates. Without enough of the vitamin, the nutrients are not absorbed and metabolized properly.
Risk
Certain groups of people are at greater risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency and vitamin deficiency anemia. These include vegans, the elderly and people suffering from anorexia, bulimia, HIV, Heliobacter pylori infection or medical conditions that interfere with proper nutrient absorption, including parasite infections, digestive system disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease and pancreatic disease.
Treatment and Prevention
Vitamin deficiency anemia and the accompanying diarrhea can be treated in three ways: diet changes that incorporate larger amounts of vitamin B-12-rich foods, vitamin B-12 supplementation with tablets or nasal sprays, or vitamin B-12 injections for severe cases of vitamin B-12 deficiency. To prevent the development of vitamin-deficiency anemia, avoid smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and incorporate meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs and vitamin B-12-fortified foods into your regular diet. If you are vegan, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises that you take a vitamin B-12 supplement that provides 2.4 mcg daily. People over the age of 50 may need to eat a vitamin B-12-rich diet in addition to taking a supplement in order to absorb enough of the nutrient.
