Vitamin B-12 plays a key role in red blood cell production, energy metabolism, hemoglobin synthesis, DNA synthesis and neurological function, according to the National Institutes of Health. Insufficient levels of vitamin B-12 may contribute to weight loss and memory problems.
Memory
Vitamin B-12 deficiency causes increased homocysteine levels in the blood and decreased levels of substances needed to metabolize neurotransmitters, notes the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Studies have found links between high levels of homocysteine and the occurrence of diseases affecting memory, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia. However, studies have found no independent effect of vitamin B-12 on cognition. Supplemental vitamin B-12 has not improved cognitive function in subjects. Further research is needed to determine the relationship between vitamin B-12 and cognitive function.
Weight Loss
Symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency may include loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation as well as weight loss. While some weight-loss clinics provide vitamin B-12 injections, no evidence shows that supplemental vitamin B-12 or vitamin B-12 injections contribute to weight loss, suggests MayoClinic.com. However, if you have a B-12 deficiency, vitamin B-12 injections may help reduce symptoms of fatigue and weakness, giving you more energy to get physical activity.
Other B-12 Deficiency Symptoms
Other symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include dizziness, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, sore tongue and pale skin. Long-term B-12 deficiency can cause a variety of neurological symptoms in addition to memory loss, including confusion and depression. B-12 deficiency can also cause nerve damage, leading to feelings of numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
Prevention and Treatment
Individuals who take vitamin B-12 supplements or eat fortified cereals containing vitamin B-12 more than four times a week may be less likely to develop vitamin B-12 deficiency, according to the National Institutes of Health. Individuals at high risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency should consider taking a supplement. Vegetarians, vegans and people who do not regularly eat animal products might not have enough vitamin B-12 in their diets. Atrophic gastritis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease and pernicious anemia can hinder the body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12 from foods and supplements. Doctors often treat these conditions with vitamin B-12 injections. Because the body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12 often reduces with age, the Institute of Medicine recommends that adults ages 50 and over take a vitamin B-12 supplement daily, notes the National Institutes of Health.
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