Vitamin B12: Why it's essential and how to recognize a deficiency

Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Anne Gürtler

I'm Dr. Anne Gürtler, a specialist in dermatology and nutritional medicine at LVATE in Munich. Today I'd like to talk about a topic that is often underestimated, despite its fundamental impact on our health: vitamin B12 deficiency. This condition can lead to a variety of symptoms that significantly impact daily life.

The role of vitamin B12 in the body

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that performs vital functions in the body. It is extremely important for the human organism, crucial for the normal functioning of the nervous system, the production of DNA and RNA, the elements that make up our genetic material, and the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. A vitamin B12 deficiency can therefore lead to a number of serious health problems.

Symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency

The symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency can be varied and often misleading. Early signs can be subtle and nonspecific, such as:

• Fatigue and weakness

• Pale or yellowish skin

• Heart palpitations and shortness of breath

• Neurological symptoms such as tingling and numbness

• Difficulty walking and pain in the legs

• Memory loss and confusion

If these symptoms are not treated, serious health conditions can arise, including neurological damage and psychological changes.

Who is most at risk?

Everyone needs vitamin B12 and therefore a deficiency can affect anyone, but some groups are particularly susceptible:

1. Older people: With age, the body's ability to absorb sufficient amounts of the vitamin from food decreases. This is often due to reduced stomach acid production, which is necessary for breaking down vitamin B12 from food.

2. People with gastrointestinal disorders: Conditions such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or stomach surgery can impair the ability of the gastrointestinal tract to effectively absorb vitamin B12.

3. Vegetarians and vegans: Since natural sources of vitamin B12 are found mainly in animal foods, people who avoid these foods are at greater risk of not getting enough vitamin B12.

4. People taking certain medications: Taking medications such as proton pump inhibitors or metformin can also impair the absorption of vitamin B12.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of a deficiency is usually done through blood tests that measure vitamin B12 levels, as well as methylmalonic acid, which is elevated when your vitamin B12 levels are low. Treatment of a deficiency depends on the severity and the underlying cause. In many cases, vitamin B12 supplementation through tablets or injections can quickly correct a deficiency and improve vitamin B12 absorption.

Prevention is the best way

A balanced diet is essential to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency. Natural sources of vitamin B12 are animal products such as meat, fish, seafood, eggs, and dairy products (e.g., cheese, yogurt, milk). Since cheese is particularly rich in vitamin B12, there is generally no risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in an ovo-lacto diet, which avoids meat and fish but includes eggs and dairy products.

For those who cannot or do not want to consume these foods, consuming fortified foods or taking vitamin B12 supplements is recommended to ensure adequate intake. The recommended daily intake is 4.0 µg.

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is vital for numerous bodily functions. An untreated deficiency can cause serious and long-term health problems. If you have concerns about your vitamin B12 status, you should consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.