B-12 is part of the B vitamin complex, a group of nutrients involved in many of the body's metabolic processes. A deficiency in vitamin B-12 can cause serious medical consequences, including anemia. To correct this deficit, a person may require vitamin B-12 supplementation. One of the side effects of initiating vitamin B-12 supplementation is decreased potassium in the blood stream, a condition known as hypokalemia.
Facts about B-12
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin involved in the production of red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen to the body's tissues. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, B-12 is also important in the health maintenance of the nervous system, and in the production of DNA, the protein that carries the individual's genetic material. The body needs a steady supply of B-12 in the diet. Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include fish, meat, poultry, milk and eggs. After vitamin B-12 is ingested, the intestine needs stomach acid and a protein called intrinsic factor in order to absorb it. Failure to absorb vitamin B-12 can result in B-12 deficiency, which can cause megaloblastic anemia, and nerve damage, or neuropathy.
Symptoms of B-12 Deficiency
B-12 deficiency results in megaloblastic anemia, a condition in which the body makes fewer and larger than normal red blood cells. These cells are inefficient in their capacity to distribute oxygen to the tissues. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the symptoms of anemia include weakness, tiredness, paleness, and shortness of breath. B-12 deficiency also causes a neuropathy, or nerve damage, which result in tingling of the extremities, numbness, and difficulty walking. B-12 replacement decreases the severity of these symptoms, but take care that the person does not develop hypokalemia.
B-12 Supplementation and hypokalemia
Because vitamin B-12 is important in the production of red blood cells, supplementation of this vitamin leads to increased production of red blood cells from the bone marrow. But red blood cells are rich in potassium; therefore increased production can decrease the concentration of potassium available for the other tissues. Monitor blood potassium levels when treating megaloblastic anemia with B-12 supplements, to avoid the symptoms of hypokalemia.
Symptoms of hypokalemia
Low potassium, or hypokalemia, can cause serious health problems. Mild deficiency of this electrolyte can cause muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and fatigue. But severe drops in the levels of potassium can cause abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. These arrhythmias can be life threatening and require close monitoring during potassium replacement.
