Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin that your body needs but cannot produce.
Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells. It is also a key player in the function and development of brain and nerve cells.
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak.
If you have vitamin B12 deficiency, you could become anemic. It may also lead to symptoms such as:
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Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness
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Heart palpitations and shortness of breath
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Pale skin
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A smooth tongue
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Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas
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Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking
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Vision loss
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Mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes