Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that your body needs for proper functioning of the nervous system and the creation of red blood cells.

Unfortunately, vitamin B12 deficiency is a common problem, especially among older adults and vegetarians. When left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can have serious consequences for your health.

Nervous System Damage

One of the primary functions of vitamin B12 is to support the proper functioning of the nervous system. Without enough vitamin B12, the protective covering of the nerves, called myelin, can become damaged or destroyed.

This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including:.

Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
Balance problems
Muscle weakness
Memory problems
Depression

Anemia

Vitamin B12 is also essential for the creation of red blood cells. When you don’t have enough vitamin B12, your body can’t produce enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.

Anemia is a condition in which you don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. Symptoms of anemia include:.

Fatigue
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Pale skin

Gastritis

Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products like meat, fish, and dairy. When you don’t consume enough of these foods, you can develop a condition called gastritis.

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can make it difficult for your body to absorb vitamin B12. Symptoms of gastritis include:.

Nausea
Stomach pain
Indigestion

Dementia

Studies have found that people with low levels of vitamin B12 are more likely to develop dementia and other cognitive problems as they age.

Vitamin B12 helps to protect the brain from damage and plays a role in the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals between brain cells. Symptoms of dementia include:.

Memory loss
Difficulty communicating
Confusion
Mood changes
Difficulty with daily tasks

Pregnancy Complications

Vitamin B12 is also important during pregnancy, as it helps to support the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system.

Women who are deficient in vitamin B12 during pregnancy are at increased risk of having a baby with neural tube defects, which are severe birth defects that affect the spinal cord and brain. Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to preterm labor and low birth weight.

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Low levels of vitamin B12 have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and stroke.

Researchers believe that vitamin B12 helps to regulate homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the lining of blood vessels when levels are too high. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Depression

While the link is not entirely clear, several studies have found that people with low levels of vitamin B12 are more likely to experience symptoms of depression.

Vitamin B12 plays a role in the production of serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that are involved in mood regulation. When levels of these neurotransmitters are low, it can contribute to feelings of depression.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of many different health problems, including vitamin B12 deficiency. When you don’t have enough vitamin B12, your body can’t properly digest and use the food you eat.

This can lead to a loss of appetite and weight loss over time.

Risk Factors for Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common problem, especially in certain populations. If you are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, it’s important to talk to your doctor about getting tested and taking supplements if necessary.

Some of the risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency include:.

Being over the age of 50
Being a strict vegetarian or vegan
Having certain digestive problems, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
Having had gastrointestinal surgery, such as weight loss surgery
Using certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors or metformin

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a serious condition that can have many different consequences for your health. If you think you might be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, talk to your doctor.

They can perform a simple blood test to check your vitamin B12 levels and recommend supplements if necessary.