Why Vitamin B12 is important and symptoms of B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is involved in the metabolism of all cells in the body; but the effects of deficiencies are first seen in the blood and then the nervous system. An anemia, called megaloblastic anemia, because it is characterized by large red blood cells, is a common manifestation of deficiency. The low red blood cell count is very well tolerated by the patient even when severe, and is always cured by the taking of small amounts of B12. Mild problems with the nervous system characterized by numbness and tingling in the hands and feet also develop. These sensations are reversible in early stages; however, damage to the nervous system can become much more severe and irreversible after prolonged deficiency.

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