Vitamin B12 is essential for making red blood cells, maintaining nerve health, forming DNA and helping your body perform various functions.This is necessary to maintain physical and mental health.
Insufficient intake of vitamin B12 can cause a variety of serious symptoms, including depression, joint pain, and fatigue.Sometimes these effects may make you weak to the point where you may think you are dying or seriously ill.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be found through a simple blood test and is highly treatable.We will break down the signs that you are not getting enough vitamin B12 and the treatments you can use.
The signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency do not always appear immediately.In fact, it may take years for them to be noticeable.Sometimes these symptoms are mistaken for other diseases, such as folic acid deficiency or clinical depression.
There may also be psychiatric symptoms, although the cause of these symptoms may not be obvious at first.
Lack of vitamin B12 can cause severe physical and mental symptoms.If you don't know that these are related to vitamin B12 deficiency, you may be shocked that you are seriously ill or even dead.
If left unresolved, B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, which is a serious disease in which the body's red blood cells (RBC) are larger than normal and the supply is insufficient.
With the correct diagnosis and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, you can usually return to full health and feel like yourself again.
According to the research overview in 2021, vitamin B12 deficiencies can be divided into three categories:
A protein called intrinsic factor made in the stomach allows our body to absorb vitamin B12.Interference with the production of this protein can lead to deficiency.
Malabsorption may be caused by certain autoimmune diseases.It may also be affected by bariatric surgery, which removes or bypasses the end of the small intestine, where it absorbs vitamins.
There is evidence that people may have a genetic predisposition for B12 deficiency.A 2018 report in the Journal of Nutrition explained that certain genetic mutations or abnormalities "affect all aspects of B12 absorption, transportation, and metabolism."
Strict vegetarians or vegans may cause vitamin B12 deficiency.Plants do not make B12-it is mainly found in animal products.If you do not take vitamin supplements or consume fortified grains, you may not get enough B12.
If you fall into any of these categories or are concerned about your nutrition, please discuss your vitamin B12 intake with your doctor and whether you are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
As explained by Johns Hopkins Medicine, the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency depends on many factors.These include your age, whether you have a medical condition, and whether you are sensitive to certain drugs or foods.
Usually, acute treatment includes vitamin B12 injections, which can bypass malabsorption.Very high doses of oral vitamin B12 have been shown to be effective.Depending on the reason for your deficiency, you may need to take B12 supplements for life.
Dietary adjustments may also be necessary to add more foods rich in vitamin B12.If you are a vegetarian, there are many ways to add more vitamin B12 to your diet.Working with a nutritionist can help you develop a plan that is right for you.
If you have a family history of vitamin B12 malabsorption or chronic diseases related to B12 problems, please consult your doctor.They can run a simple blood test to check your level.
For vegetarians or vegans, it is best to discuss your eating habits with a doctor or dietitian and whether you are getting enough B12.
Routine blood tests can detect whether you are deficient in vitamin B12, and medical history or other tests or procedures can help find the root cause of the deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is common, but very low levels can be dangerous and can cause symptoms that interfere with your life.If left untreated, the physical and psychological symptoms of this deficiency can be debilitating and make you feel like you are dying.