Vitamin B-12 is unique to other B vitamins in that your body can store sufficient amounts of it obtained from foods for up to four years. Some foods are fortified with vitamin B-12 and some foods are naturally rich in it. It is still possible, however, for you to develop a deficiency of vitamin B-12 that could cause serious side effects.
Fatigue
A lack of vitamin B-12 may cause vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia, which in turn causes weakness and fatigue. This is because vitamin B-12 is necessary for your body to produce red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. Anemia occurs when you lack the red blood cells to get adequate oxygen to your cells and tissues. According to MayoClinic.com, there is some evidence that receiving vitamin B-12 injections twice per week can reduce fatigue. As there are many potential causes for fatigue, see your doctor for a diagnosis.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a disorder that inhibits proper nerve function and potentially affects muscle. A vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause neuropathy, which may require B-12 injections. Neuropathy symptoms include muscle cramps and weakness. If you are feeling weak and experiencing cramps, you may avoid exercise, leading to disuse atrophy and muscle wasting.
Gastrointestinal Disturbances
A vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Constipation and diarrhea as well as a general feeling of being sick to your stomach are symptoms of a vitamin B-12 deficiency. These problems may indicate that you have a more serious condition that is causing the disturbances such as pernicious anemia or Crohn's disease. You should discuss these symptoms with your physician for a proper diagnosis.
Vitamin B-12 Absorption
A vitamin B-12 deficiency is rare because of how many food sources there are and how much the body can store. Typically, if you have a deficiency it is because your body is having difficulty absorbing vitamin B-12, not because you are not eating enough. Vegetarians and vegans are possible exceptions because their diets preclude many of the foods that have B-12; supplements can easily supply the missing amounts. There are several conditions that affect the absorption of vitamin B-12, from parasites to Crohn's disease. Your doctor can test your vitamin B-12 levels to see if you are deficient and diagnose the cause.
References
- Cigna: Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia
- Office of Dietary Supplements National Institutes of Health: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B12
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital: Peripheral Nerve Disorders
- BrendaWatson.com: Digestive Care Conditions
- Beyond Basics Physical Therapy: Bowel Disorders
- MayoClinic.com: Vitamin B12: Evidence
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