Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is available in a variety of forms. Within the body, vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells, the function of the neurological system and the synthesis of DNA. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to problems with cardiovascular health, cognitive function and energy production. To prevent these dangerous complications, recognizing the early symptoms of vitamin B12 is essential.
Recommended Intake
The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that all individuals take in a certain amount of vitamin B12 every day. From birth to 6 months of age, the recommended daily intake is just 0.4 mcg; this intake increases to 0.5 mcg from 7 to 12 months of age. From ages 1 to 3 years, the recommended intake jumps to 0.9 mcg. From ages 4 to 8, children should take in at least 1.2 mcg every day. The recommended amount further increases to 1.8 mcg from ages 9 to 13. After age 14, the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg. Pregnant and lactating women should take in 2.6 to 2.8 mcg to prevent a vitamin deficiency.
Deficiency Symptoms
Early symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency typically include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, constipation and weight loss. As the deficiency progresses, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet often occurs. Severe cases of deficiency can lead to depression, confusion, memory loss and difficulty maintaining balance. Although dizziness is not a direct symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency, it can also occur as an indirect symptom caused by fatigue, weakness, weight loss or loss of balance. During infancy, symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include failure to thrive, developmental delays, megaloblastic anemia and problems with movement.
Deficiency Risk
Since the body typically stores three to five years worth of vitamin B12 in the liver, a deficiency of the nutrient is relatively uncommon. However, some people are at a particular risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency. Individuals with pernicious anemia, reduced stomach acid levels or intestinal disorders have difficulties absorbing vitamin B12 from food sources. Chronic alcoholism and chronic long-term use of antacids can also increase the risk of B12 deficiency. Also, vegetarians who do not eat animal products often do not take in enough of the vitamin through food sources. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, individuals at an increased risk for vitamin B12 deficiency can benefit from eating fortified foods or taking an oral vitamin B12 supplement.
Sources of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in all animal products, including meat, eggs, milk products and fish. Animal products with the highest amount of the vitamin include liver and clams, although trout and salmon also deliver a healthy amount of the nutrient. Vitamin B12 is not naturally found in plant foods. However, it is occasionally added to fortified versions of breakfast cereals or bread products. Vitamin B12 is also available in dietary supplements in the form of cyanocobalamin, a version of B12 that is easily activated and used by the human body. It is available over the counter in pill, tablet and lozenge form. In some cases, a prescription for vitamin B12 might be provided. In this case, the nutrient is provided intravenously or through a gel formulation applied on the inside of the nose.
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