Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition that affects the blood, tissue and nervous system. Find out how to prevent and supplement vitamin B12, and how common it is in different populations. Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that helps your body make red blood cells and DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. It’s essential to how your body functions. Without treatment, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause physical, neurological and psychological problems. · Vitamin B12 is essential for good health, but some people may not be getting enough. WebMD tells you about symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency and how it can be treated. · People with very low vitamin B-12 levels can have symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, stomach problems, nerve damage, vision problems and mood changes. They also may have low iron, called anemia, or low blood counts. · Signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency include anemia, neuropathy, and more. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause symptoms of anemia, nerve problems, and sensory changes that often resemble other conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Most cases are due to low dietary intake or trouble absorbing B12. Because vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of mature blood cells, deficiency of this vitamin can result in anemia. The anemia is characterized by abnormally large red blood cells (macrocytes) and abnormal white blood cells. · Vitamin B12 is available only in animal foods (meat and dairy products) or yeast extracts (such as brewer's yeast). Vitamin B12 deficiency is defined by low levels of stored B12 in the body that can result in anemia, a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells.
