Vitamin B12 deficiency is rare in healthy adults. It's more common in seniors over the age of 50, affecting 1 in 31 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More often than not, the symptoms are undetected. B12 plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells. Low levels of the vitamin can result in anemia, a condition characterized by a decreased number of blood cells, and can cause diarrhea and a variety of other symptoms.
About B12 Injections
Vitamin B12 injections are typically given to people who are deficient. According to American Family Physician, or AFP, people with low levels of the vitamin need at least 1,000 mcg of B12 daily, an amount that is typically given by injection. Injections are usually given every one or two days for roughly two weeks and thereafter they are given just once a month. Side effects of taking non-oral vitamin B12, include mild diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, according to Drugs.com.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a gastrointestinal condition that causes cramping, pain in the belly and loose, watery stools. Typically, the condition clears up on its own, but persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration, a serious condition that requires medical treatment and, in some cases, IV fluids. If your diarrhea doesn't clear up, talk to your doctor about taking an oral B12 tablet. The AFP explains that in recent years, studies have shown that oral vitamin B12 supplements at high doses work as well as injections.
Prevention
To avoid the side effects of B12 supplementation, the best way to get your daily allowance of vitamin B12 is through diet. Foods rich in B12 include different types of seafood, cereal and milk. The Office of Dietary Supplements, or ODS, suggests that healthy teens and adults get 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 daily. People who have a restricted diet, such as vegetarians, and people who do not consume a balanced diet can benefit from taking B12 supplements every day.
People At Risk
The people most at risk for a vitamin B12 deficiency, outside of the elderly, are pregnant women, vegetarians and vegans who don't eat animal products. Older adults are at risk because 10 to 30 percent suffer from atrophic gastritis, according to the ODS, which causes decreased vitamin absorption. People with gastrointestinal disorders, including celiac and Crohn's disease, are often unable to absorb nutrients from foods. If you fall into one of these groups, ask your doctor if you would benefit from vitamin B12 supplements.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Learn More About Vitamin B12 Deficiency; August 2009
- MedlinePlus: Pernicious Anemia; November 2008
- Drugs.com: Vitamin B12 Side Effects
- MayoClinic.com: Diarrhea; June 2010
- American Family Physician: Vitamin B12; March 2003
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B12
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