Diseases and maladies caused by B12 deficiencies

Here are some of the symptoms related to Cobalamin deficiency:

When vitamin B12 deficiency occurs it is usually caused by failure for the stomach or intestines to absorb the B12. It could also be a result from a dietary deficiency. Some of the first symptoms of deficiency will include a sore tongue, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, back pain and apathy. If the deficiency lasts for a long time it can also result in loss of balance, decreased reflexes, tingling of the fingers and ringing in the ears. A prolonged B12 deficiency can lead to nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological damage. DNA production is disrupted and abnormal cells called megaloblasts occur.

Deficiencies in Vitamin B12 could cause highter levels of homocysteine in the bloodstream, which is toxic to the brain and could be a factor in Alzheimers disease. Severe deficiencies have the potential to cause pernicious anemia, which is also known as Addisonian pernicious anemia. In order for B12 to be absorbed by our body, it needs to bind to an intrinsic factor.