Symptoms of Low B12

Vitamin B12 is involved in oxygen metabolism, red blood cell formation, protein synthesis and the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It is especially important for the prevention of anemia. Low B12 can cause various symptoms.

Nervous System

Low B12 levels may cause numbness, tingling or prickling sensation in the extremities, or a sensation of electric shock when the neck is bent.

Mental Symptoms

Low B12 levels can affect a person's mental state with lack of concentration, depression, fluctuating moods, confusion, impaired memory and dementia.

Cardiac Symptoms

Low B12 levels can cause rapid heartbeat and chest pain.

Immune System

A long-term deficiency of B12 can damage immune tissues, cause a shortage of immune cells and weaken the bacterial shield, making the body prone to infection.

Causes of Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiencies have several possible causes, including deficiencies of iron, potassium or hydrochloric acid, a vegetarian diet, laxatives, diuretics, aspirin, oral contraceptives, malabsorption, intestinal surgery or parasites.

B12 Sources

The largest amounts of B12 are found in brewer's yeast, eggs, liver, dairy products and seafood. B12 is not found in many vegetables, except sea vegetables and soybeans.

References

• Anti-Aging Manual: The Encyclopedia of Natural Health; Joseph B. Marion; 2003.
• Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Phyllis and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000