Used in many different cell functions, mainly in nerve and DNA repairs, cobalamin is a class of supplements called vitamin B12, collectively. Found mainly in meat and dairy products, most people will not receive any vitamin B12 benefits (although read about other B12 benefits here) from taking an extra supplement. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include multiple effects, such as depression, tingling fingers, fatigue, weight loss, and constipation, among others. As a result of the vague nature of these symptoms, more is requires to perform a diagnosis. Deficiencies only occur in a few specific cases, such as those people with digestive problems and vegans.
1. Elderly: When people reach into their late senior citizen-hood, they have a higher risk of developing problems producing the right gastric acids, which is how B12 is absorbed. As a result, they may develop deficiencies. It has been shown in studies that a lack of B12 in elderly people may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Pernicious Anemia: A rare disease where the body attacks its own gastrointestinal system, this too can result in B12 deficiency. While there is no cure available, it is treatable, generally by injection of B12.
3. Gastrointestinal Injury or Illness: Any other disease or injury to the gastrointestinal tract, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can also lead to a deficiency of B12 due to the reasons outlined above. This could also include surgery for other problems which may have caused a disruption in stomach acid production.
4. Vegans: Since B12 is found primarily in dairy, eggs, and meat, vegans are also at risk. Vegan children should be exceptionally careful not to skip a B12 supplement, as they are more vulnerable to the effects of low B12. It’s easy to increase you B12 intake with a vegan diet by simply eating a fortified breakfast cereal and/or using B12 fortified soy milk.
Again, if you don’t have reason to suspect you fit into one of the risk groups, then it is not necessary to squeeze an extra B12 supplement into your daily diet. You will get plenty through regular food.