1. B12 Deficiency
As Researched through the USDA’s National
Agriculture Library

2. Vitamin B12
(cobalamin) functions
as a coenzyme
critical for transfer
reactions to convert
amino acids into
proteins essential to
all vertebrates.
The RDA for B12 is
based on the total
required to sustain
optimum
hematological status.
This includes the
assumed 50%
absorption of the
RDA.

3. 10-30%
Of seniors may be unable to absorb
Naturaly occurring B12
Therefore adults 50+ should meet the RDA by mainly consuming foods
fortified with B12

4. SomePeopledon’tmake
don’tmakeenoughIF
andthereforerequire
medicaltreatment.

5. Hematological
EffectsofB12
Deficiency

6. DiminshedEnergyandExerciseTolerance,
Fatigue, SHortnessofBreath, and
Palpitations.
The effects of B12 deficiancy on the blood are
indistinguishable from those of Folate deficiency, inclduding
a pallor of skin and the gradual onset of common symptoms
associated with anemia, as listed above

7. Neurological
EffectsofB12
Deficiency

8. NeurologicalComplicationsarepresentin75-
90%ofallclinicallyobservablecases&maybethe
ONLYmanifestationin25%ofcases
➮Tingling and Numbness in the extremities, particularly in the lower limbs,
➮Vibratory and Position Sense are particularly affected, ➮Motor disturbances,
including gait abnormalities, ➮Cognitive changes , including Memory loss,
Disorientation, and Frank Dementia- with out without mood changes, ➮Visual
Disturbances, ➮Insomnia, ➮Impotence, ➮andImpaired Bowel andBladder control.

9. Absorptionand
Enteropathic
Circulation

10. Absorption
AnIntactStomachandIF
arerequiredforabsorptionof
B12 insmallamounts

11. StudiesshowthattotalAbsorption
increasedwhencasesweretreatedwith
increasedIntakeofB12
Intrinsic Factor: a glycoprotein released by
parietal cells in the stomach lining when
stimulated by food.

12. Whenlargedosesare
ingestedupto1%of
B12 maybeabsorbed
eveninpatients
withoutIF

13. Enteropathic
Circulation
B12 iscontinuallysecreted in
bileandreabsorbed inhealthy
individuals

14. IfthecirculatingB12exceedsthebloodsB12
bindingcapacitythentheexcessisexcretedinthe
blood
Research shows that B12 deficiency develops more quickly in
individuals lacking IF or do not reabsorb B12 from their bile
for other reasons than those in vegetarians.