7 Health Dangers of B12 Deficiency
There are many people out there who rely on vitamin B12 supplements as a natural way to help ease stress and boost their energy levels. While the vitamin's ability to enhance mental performance is relatively well-known, research suggests that the effects of B12 deficiency may be more serious than a simple lack of energy. Let's take a look at several of them.
Dangers of B12 Deficiency
1. Cognitive Impairment
In the elderly, B12 deficiency is linked to cognitive impairment and dementia. This deficiency is also linked to other neurodegenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.[1]
2. Psychosis
Depressed mood, hallucinations, and seizures sometimes coexist with low B12. In as much that these ailments are the result of a nutritional deficiency, the administration of B12 may be a solution.[2] In one case, a middle-aged man diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and low B12 levels found relief through the use of methylcobalamin — a bioactive, coenzyme form of vitamin B12.[3]
3. Melancholic Depression
Individuals suffering from melancholic depression (caused by physical rather than psychological factors) have consistently displayed an inverse relationship between B12 levels and depression.[4]
4. Stroke
Some research suggests a link between B12 deficiency and the risk of a stroke. One reported case involved an older male suffering from recurring strokes along with a reduction in blood cells from an intestinal inability to absorb B12. This resulted in abnormally high levels of homocysteine in the blood – a likely contributor to stroke and blood clots.[5]
5. Alzheimer's Disease
While studies continue to examine the cause of Alzheimer's disease, one study demonstrated that a combination of folic acid, B6, and B12 led to a significant improvement in the reduction of cerebral atrophy.[6]
6. Cardiovascular Disease
Without B12, the body cannot convert homocysteine to methionine. This can result in a build-up of homocysteine, which is associated with atherosclerosis and increased risk of poor cardiovascular health.[7]
7. Pernicious Anemia
This disorder hinders the body from producing red blood cells and can develop into a fever. Researchers have noted that a B12 injection alleviates indications of pernicious anemia.[8]
Make Sure You Get Your B12
Vitamin B12's overall value to the human body cannot be stressed enough. In addition to reduced brain mass, long term B12 deficiency contributes to nerve damage, memory loss, and other cognitive issues. In some cases, it is associated with mania and various forms of temporary psychosis. If you don't get enough B12 from food, a B12 supplement is a reliable way to meet your nutritional requirements.
Watch an In-Depth Video on Everything You Have to Know About Vitamin B12
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References (8)
- McCaddon A. Vitamin B12 in neurology and ageing; clinical and genetic aspects. Biochimie. 2013 May;95(5):1066-1076.
- Dogan M, et al. Psychotic disorder, hypertension and seizures associated with vitamin B12 deficiency: a case report. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2012 Apr;31(4):410-413.
- Sharma V, Biswas D. Cobalamin deficiency presenting as obsessive compulsive disorder: case report. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2012 Sep-Oct;34(5):578.e7-8.
- Seppälä J, et al. Association between vitamin b12 levels and melancholic depressive symptoms: a Finnish population-based study. BMC Psychiatry. 2013 May 24;13(1):145.
- Bougteba A, et al. Recurrent ischemic stroke revealing Biermer's disease. Rev Neurol (Paris). 2009 Dec;165(12):1099-1102.
- Douaud G, et al. Preventing Alzheimer's disease-related gray matter atrophy by B-vitamin treatment. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2013 Jun 4;110(23):9523-9528.
- Refsum H, et al. The Hordaland Homocysteine Study: a community-based study of homocysteine, its determinants, and associations with disease. J Nutr. 2006 Jun;136(6 Suppl):1731S-1740S.
- Manuel K, et al. Pyrexia in a patient with megaloblastic anemia: a case report and literature review. Iran J Med Sci. 2013 Jun;38(2 Suppl):198-201.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
