Vitamin B12 commonly known as Cobalamin is vital for the formation of red blood cells, as well as for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin. Lack of sufficient amount of vitamin B12 in the body cause vitamin B12 deficiency which results in anaemia (pernicious anaemia) and irreversible nerve and brain damage.
• Decreased dietary intake. Especially in vegans.
• Less absorption of vitamin B12
• Diabetes medications also interfere with less absorption of vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is found naturally in a wide variety of animal foods and is added to some fortified foods. Plant foods have no vitamin B12 unless they are fortified. You can get recommended amounts of vitamin B12 by eating a variety of foods including the following:
The amount of vitamin B12 you need each day depends on your age. Average daily recommended amounts for different ages are listed below in micrograms (mcg):
Life Stage Recommended Amount
Birth to 6 months 0.4 mcg
Infants 7–12 months 0.5 mcg
Children 1–3 years 0.9 mcg
Children 4–8 years 1.2 mcg
Children 9–13 years 1.8 mcg
Teens 14–18 years 2.4 mcg
Adults 2.4 mcg
Pregnant teens and women 2.6 mcg
Breastfeeding teens and women 2.8 mcg
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Menstrual cycle disturbance
• Weight loss
• Palpitation
• Heartburn
• Numbness and tingling of the fingers of hands/feet.
• Muscular weakness
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Blood test with red blood cell count
• RBC morphology
• Bone intrinsic factor antibody levels
• Bone marrow biopsy.
• Slower reflexes
• Impaired perception of vibrations
• Altered taste perception
• Ataxia- difficulty controlling posture and movement.
• Gait impairment- difficulty walking smoothly without stumbling
• Muscular weakness
• Poor bladder control
• Burning mouth syndrome- tingling and painful burning sensations in your mouth tongue and lips.
• Impaired vision
• Eye twitching
• Impotence
• Increased risk of miscarriage and stillborn births
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Our main aim is to make the patient comfortable so that the case can be taken with ease and the patient be treated properly.
** The text on this website is sourced from websites like emedicine and/or other verified material by government agencies around the globe along with valuable inputs and additions by our team. The content of this page is proofread and updated by the team of doctors, every once in a while, to provide the most accurate information.