You\’ve probably heard about Vitamin B12 in advertising, or seen it around the supermarket; Kiwis will have grown up hearing about Marmite\’s high B12 content on television and radio (a property which sadly doesn\’t carry over to Vegemite), others will have seen the name on \”fortified\” milk cartons.
But what does this vitamin actually do, and why do we suffer so much if we aren\’t getting enough?
Vitamin B12 has several functions within the body. It works together with folate to form our DNA and red blood cells; it also helps to produce the myelin sheath that protects our nerves, and plays a role in the conduction of nerve impulses. In essence: if you\’re lacking in B12, your nervous system won\’t be able to run your body effectively.
Like most vitamins, the body can\’t make B12; it has to be ingested (through food, or supplements). The only foods that can provide it are animal products (dairy, meat, etc); vegetarians and vegans are at very high risk of B12 deficiency if they don\’t make the effort to eat fortified products or take a supplement. People who have had weight loss surgery or suffer from a disease that affects the body\’s ability to absorb nutrients (like Crohns) may also find themselves suffering from a lack of B12.
Symptoms can appear gradually, intensifying over time, or come on very quickly. Given just how wide the range of symptoms is and how much crossover they have with other diseases, disorders and deficiencies, B12 deficiency is often misdiagnosed. Some common symptoms include:
- trange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet
- difficulty walking (staggering, balance problems)
- anemia
- a swollen, inflamed tongue
- yellowed skin (jaundice)
- difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), or memory loss
- paranoia or hallucinations
- weakness
- fatigue
The best way to diagnose B12 deficiency is with a simple blood test. If left untreated, B12 deficiency can cause severe blood disorders or neurological problems (studies show it can cause Alzheimers), so if you think it\’s possible that you may be suffering from a B12 deficiency, it\’s absolutely better to be safe than sorry.
If you\’re worried about your B12 level but don\’t believe you\’re deficient yet, talk to your primary care physician about steps you can take to ensure you stay out of the red – for some people, changes to diet may be enough, for others, a supplement may be a good idea.