Numerous symptoms associated with low vitamin B12 can cause health problems or damage. According to the Linus Pauling Institute--a nutrition-related research institute at Oregon State University--vitamin B12 is an important water-soluble vitamin that participates in many important biological functions. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 may be caused by autoimmune conditions, malabsorption syndromes and certain lifestyle factors. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause significant health problems and, in some cases, physical or mental damage.
Psychiatric Problems
Psychiatric problems associated with a vitamin B12 deficiency, or low vitamin B12, can damage your mental health and relationships with friends and family. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to numerous psychiatric disorders, including impaired memory, irritability, depression, dementia, psychosis and mood disturbances. Vitamin B12 deficiency-related psychiatric problems may manifest when vitamin B12 levels are just slightly lower than normal and significantly greater than the levels typically associated with anemia. If you are a strict vegetarian, elderly, pregnant, an alcoholic or possess certain medical conditions--including thyrotoxicosis, hemolytic anemia, cancer and liver or kidney disease--you may have a greater chance of developing vitamin B12 deficiency and psychiatric problems. The Mayo Clinic states that early detection and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency can decrease your likelihood of developing psychiatric problems.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is a symptom of low B12 that can damage your health. According to Medline Plus, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is a decreased red blood cell count caused by a lack of vitamin B12. Anemia is a condition in which your body does not have an adequate amount of healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells transport oxygen to your tissues and organs. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia may be caused by decreased consumption of foods containing vitamin B12 or an inability of your gut to absorb vitamin B12 from the foods you eat.
Common signs and symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency include diarrhea or constipation, fatigue or lack of energy, decreased appetite, pale skin, difficulty concentrating, shortness of breath and swollen tongue. Medline Plus states that treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is usually effective for restoring your health and reducing damage to your body.
Common signs and symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency include diarrhea or constipation, fatigue or lack of energy, decreased appetite, pale skin, difficulty concentrating, shortness of breath and swollen tongue. Medline Plus states that treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is usually effective for restoring your health and reducing damage to your body.
Neurological Problems
Neurological problems are common symptoms associated with low B12 that can cause damage to your body and health. The American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, states that vitamin B12 plays an important role in neurological functions and the production of DNA. A vitamin B12 deficiency can result in a wide spectrum of neurological disorders that are often reversible by early diagnosis and treatment. However, in some cases, especially if you have had a vitamin B12 deficiency for a prolonged period, you may experience irreversible nerve damage. Common neurological signs and symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency include abnormal sensations such as numbness and tingling in your extremities, or peripheral neuropathy, and demyelination--loss of the fatty substance insulating your nerves--of certain portions of your spinal cord.
