Understanding Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin B12 or Cyano-Cobalamin is a bacterium that is created by microorganisms on animals.  Although the human body relies on this vitamin, we are unable to produce it on our own.  Natural sources of Vitamin B12 include dairy products, poultry, meat and fish.  Liver and kidney are particularly high in B12.  Additionally, many fortified foods, like cereals and breads also have B12.
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Our bodies rely on B12 to help make red blood cells and for cellular metabolism.    Additionally, we must have this essential vitamin in order for our nervous systems and brains to function properly.

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms can start off quite mild, but left untreated they can become fatal.  Symptoms may include paleness, anemia, fatigue, short breath, confusion and depression.  Men with a deficiency may have low sperm counts leading to fertility issues.  As a deficiency becomes more serious, people will begin to experience severe neurological side effects that often mimics Alzheimer’s.  This includes paranoia, memory loss, impulse control and delusions.

Several groups have a much higher risk of developing a B12 deficiency than the general population.  Older adults are at high risk, because as we age our body’s have difficulty producing sufficient intrinsic factor which is required for the absorption of B12.  Additionally, anyone who has had any type of gastrointestinal surgery – including weight loss surgery – is at high risk of developing a B12 deficiency because they are also unable to properly assimilate B12 into their blood stream.  Alcoholics and heavy drinkers also are at high risk, because as the alcohol damages their liver it strips the body of its B12 stores.  Alcohol can also damage the gastrointestinal tract so that it is difficult for the body to absorb any more of this essential vitamin.

In the absence of a deficiency, integrative medical professionals recommend that you supplement with between 400 and 1,000 mcg of B12 a day.  Although the recommended dietary allowance is only 2.4 mcg, very little B12 is actually absorbed into the body when it is taken orally.  For this reason, the general recommendation for those who have a deficiency is to take b12 shots until the body’s stores of B12 have returned to normal.
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