Vitamin B12 Side Effects

One of the most critical components of any diet is sublingual Vitamin B12. It provides energy, protects the heart and prevents memory loss and confusion in older adults. Sources that are rich in Vitamin B12 are animal products, but these may not be absorbed as easily as fortified foods or supplements. Those who are at a greater risk for vitamin B12 side effects are people over the age of 50 as well as vegetarians.

The vitamin that is necessary to produce the proper number of healthy red blood cells is known as Vitamin B 12. It is only available through animal foods or yeast extracts. B12 side effects are defined by low levels of B12 which may result in anemia.

For instance, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease may cause Vitamin B12 malabsorption which may, indeed, lead to anemia. Less common B12 side effects include gastrointestinal surgery, intestinal parasites, pancreatic disease and certain drugs. Hyperthyroidism, pregnancy and the advanced cancer stages may cause the body to need more Vitamin B12 which may sometimes lead to a deficiency of this vitamin.

Something that interferes with Vitamin B12 absorption is low stomach acid otherwise known as hypochlorhydria. As people become older, there is a decrease in the formation of stomach acid. Unless senior citizens take a Vitamin B12 supplement, they may find that they will become deficient in this vitamin.

Vitamin B12 side effects can develop for these reasons:

• Pernicious anemia – A protein that is secreted by the cells of the stomach lining is known as the intrinsic factor. This attaches itself to Vitamin B12 where it is taken by the intestines for absorption. One of the most common B12 side effects is the absence of the intrinsic factor which leads to pernicious anemia. Another sublingual B12 side effect is known as atrophic gastritis which is when the lining of the stomach becomes thin.

• Vitamin B12 side effects can develop in people who have had their stomachs either partially or wholly removed.

• Some people develop B12 side effects as a result of conditions that allow slow movement of food through the intestines. This gives the intestinal bacteria time to grow and multiply and overtake part of the small intestine. Vitamin B12 is stolen by the bacteria and does not allow it to be absorbed into the body.

• B12 side effects can be developed by vegans as they lack this necessary vitamin in their diets.

Symptoms

Vitamin B12 side effects tend to develop slowly and, at first, may go unrecognized. As the condition grows worse, common symptoms include the following:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Palpitations and rapid heartbeat
• A sore tongue that is red and beefy in appearance
• Weight loss
• Yellowish tinge to eyes and skin
• Light-headedness and dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or poor appetite
• Diarrhea

If vitamin B12 side effects remain for a lengthy period of time, the condition may damage nerve cells beyond repair and can cause the following symptoms:

• Difficulty walking
• Irritability
• Dementia
• Psychosis
• Numbness and tingling in feet and hands
• Muscle weakness
• Memory loss
• Depression

It is important to remember what the vitamin B12 side effects are so that if you ever have any one of these symptoms you can do something to correct the situation.