Vitamin B12, a necessary component of human metabolism, may also be a source of anemia. Two forms of anemia – macrocytic and megaoblastic anemia – are actually a result of a B12 deficiency and if left untreated may progress to he development of neuropathy. The good news is that both the anemia and the deficiency are both reversible, but must be done before neuropathy sets in.

Vitamin B12 comes in four different types: Adenosylcobalamin, Hydroxocobalamin, Methylcobalamin and Cyanocobalamin. Adenosylcobalamin is the most readily used by the human body in its metabolic processes. Hydroxocobalamin and Methylcobalamin are both stable forms and can be converted in to the usable form of B12. However, Cyanocobalamin is the cheap synthetic version of B12 and contains a cyanide molecule bonded to it.

 

Vitamin B12 is necessary in all systems of the body and deficiency may precede such conditions as asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis, infertility, hypothyroidism, herpes zoster, hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), sciatica, migraines, anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, and diabetes. This is only a partial listing of some of the conditions that may stem from a B12 deficiency or may improve with proper B12 supplementation.

 

Areas of concern for B12 deficiency include Metformin usage, vegan diet, genetic polymorphism of transcobalmin 776C à G (also known as the GG genotype), decrease in stomach acid (especially relevant for the elderly), which decrease the absorption of B12 from food sources, gastric bypass surgery, H. pylori infection, ileal disease or resection and/or long term use of psyllium husk fiber.

Gaby, Alan, M.D. Nutritional Medicine 2011.