Vitamin B-12, a water-soluble vitamin present in most animal-based foods, plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells. Insufficient intake or absorption of vitamin B-12 leads to B-12 deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by a low count of red blood cells. This condition can cause low blood pressure, or hypotension.
Low Blood Pressure Symptoms
Both vitamin B-12 deficiency and low blood pressure cause symptoms including dizziness and lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, pale skin, shortness of breath and fatigue. Low blood pressure may also cause blurred vision, nausea, depression and increased thirst, according to MayoClinic.com.
Types of Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure typically occurs in several different forms. Individuals with postural or orthostatic hypotension may experience sudden drops in blood pressure with shifts in position, such as from sitting down to standing up. Individuals with postprandial hypotension may experience drops in blood pressure after eating.
Other B-12 Deficiency Symptoms
Other common symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, sore tongue and feelings of numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. In severe cases, vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion, memory loss and dementia. Talk to your doctor if you suspect you have vitamin B-12 deficiency. High oral doses of vitamin B-12 or B-12 injections can treat the condition.
Other Causes of Low Blood Pressure
A variety of other conditions can cause low blood pressure, including pregnancy, heart problems, dehydration, severe infection, blood loss or allergic reaction and endocrine problems such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, diabetes and Addison's disease. If you have low blood pressure symptoms, talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause. In many cases, low blood pressure is not a serious concern.
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