Anemia
Since vitamin B12 helps to make red blood cells, deficiency can result in anemia. The type of anemia associated with B12 deficiency is megaloblastic anemia, which means that the red blood cells are unusually large. If you suffer from anemia, you may experience symptoms of fatigue, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, weakness and difficulty with your normal activities. You may also notice that you look pale. Once you begin treatment to correct the deficiency, your anemia should begin improving in one to two weeks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, vitamin B12 deficiency is present in one out of every 31 people aged 51 years or older. Deficiency of this vitamin can cause anemia and neurologic and psychiatric problems. Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs as a result of inadequate dietary intake or poor absorption, and once it is diagnosed it can be treated with replacement. Fortunately, many of the symptoms of B12 deficiency are correctable once replacement is initiated.
Background
Vitamin B12 is found in foods such as fish, shellfish, meat and dairy products. It helps to make nerve cells and red blood cells as well as the genetic material that makes up cells. As many years' worth of this vitamin can be stored in your body, deficiency of vitamin B12 is uncommon. Elderly people, alcoholics, strict vegetarians, and vegans are prone to vitamin B12 deficiency as are people who have difficulty absorbing the vitamin. Acid blocking agents can also result in a decrease in vitamin B12 levels. Your vitamin B12 level should be over 200 pg per mL, or picograms per milliliter.
Memory Problems
As stated by the American Academy of Family Physicians, vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to multiple psychiatric disorders. Mild memory impairment and dementia as well as irritability or personality changes are common psychiatric manifestations. Depression can also occur, and psychosis may result in rare situations. Vitamin B12 levels should be checked in an elderly person who develops dementia as deficiency is one of the few reversible conditions associated with dementia.
Nerve Dysfunction
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause problems in your nerve cells and specifically in demyelination of cells in your spinal column. Myelin helps with transmitting nerve signals, and these signals may be disrupted in B12 deficiency. You may experience tingling and numbness in your hands or feet and difficulty with walking. Nerve dysfunction related to B12 deficiency is most common in alcoholics or in the elderly. Since these populations have other potential causes of nerve dysfunction, screening for vitamin B12 deficiency is important as early diagnosis can prevent permanent nerve damage.
