Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for red blood formation and neurological functions. B-12 can be found in various dietary sources, and most people in the United States receive enough of the vitamin in their diet. Although no scientific research links hormone imbalances to vitamin B-12 deficiency, some alternative theorists subscribe to that belief. Consult your physician if you think you may be deficient in vitamin B-12.
Symptoms of B-12 Deficiency
Vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to pernicious anemia, also known as low red blood cell count. Being deficient in vitamin B-12 can cause symptoms like fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, difficulty breathing, pale skin, loss of appetite and trouble concentrating. Long-term vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause nerve damage and include symptoms of dementia, depression, loss of balance and numbness in your extremities. A vitamin B-12 deficiency is caused by low levels of vitamin B-12 in your diet or if your body has difficulty absorbing the vitamin because of a chronic condition.
Estrogen Dominance and B-12
The most well-known female hormone is estrogen. Estrogen is actually a group of chemically similar hormones that occur in both males and females. Naturopaths and other alternative practitioners blame a condition known as estrogen dominance, also known as excessive estrogen levels, on a variety of conditions, including vitamin deficiencies. Although no research links female hormones to vitamin B12 deficiencies specifically, hormonal imbalances can influence a variety of factors in your body.
Sources of Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is found in animal based proteins. Meats like beef, chicken, turkey and pork contain vitamin B-12. Many types of fish and seafood are also high in the vitamin. Other animal products, such as milk, eggs and cheese are sources of vitamin B-12. Some fortified breakfasts cereals have B-12 for vegans. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, beef liver contains the highest amount of vitamin B-12, at 48 mcg per serving, 800 percent of the recommended daily value.
Precautions and Dosage
If you are concerned you are deficient in vitamin B-12, speak to your medical provider. A blood test provides the only accurate assessment of your vitamin levels. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin B-12, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements, is 2.4 mcg for both males and females over the age of 14. Because vitamin B-12 is water-soluble, the risk of toxicity is extremely low. Your body removes any excess vitamin B-12 through your urine. Vitamin B-12 supplements may interact with some other medications and conditions.
