Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Causes, Signs, and Treatment

It is not typical to think of a possible vitamin B12 deficiency when feeling tired, brainless, and lethargic unless one has been diagnosed before. Despite the plethora of information available in this regard, it is not a shortage of which he is widely warned. 

Instead, let’s get back to what we know. Feeling tired? It must be too many sleepless nights or lack of iron. Marching from room to room, only to find you forgot why you entered? Most of us will attribute this to a lack of focus or age. Do you feel in tears for no apparent reason? This article has a lot to answer for, but this time it may not be. 

Having low levels of vitamin B12 is a relatively easy nutrient deficiency to treat, but if left unchecked, it can lead to more serious health conditions, including those affecting the nervous system.  

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Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble essential vitamin. It occurs naturally in foods such as animal products and is added to others, such as plant-based milk alternatives.   

Unlike others, vitamin B12 cannot be made by the body and must be consumed through food. To stay healthy, we need around 1.5-2 micrograms per day. If you are breastfeeding, the recommendation is slightly above 2.5 micrograms per day.   

Benefits Of VitaminB12

• Helps With Red Blood Cell Formation and Anemia Prevention
• Prevents Major Birth Defects
• Supports Bone Health and Prevent Osteoporosis
• Reduces Risk of Macular Degeneration
• Improves Mood and Symptoms of Depression
• Benefits Your Brain by Preventing the Loss of Neurons
• Gives You an Energy Boost
• Improves Heart Health by Decreasing Homocysteine
• Supports Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails

Foods Rich in Vitamin B12

Foods rich in vitamin B12 are generally of animal origin. These include red meat, eggs, poultry, milk, and yogurt. 

Symptoms of Deficiency of Vitamin B12

Pale Shades on the Skin

Those suffering from a vitamin B12 deficiency may notice that their skin begins to turn a pale shade of yellow. This is a condition called jaundice. It happens because a B12 deficiency causes more red blood cells to break down. 

When this happens, a waste product is a process called bilirubin that causes the skin to yellow. 

Red And Soring Language

If you notice any changes in the shape or appearance of your tongue or if you experience tongue pain, you should see a doctor right away as this is one of the biggest signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.  

The tongue may appear bright red in patches and may also change shape and become painful. This happens in about 1 in 4 cases of vitamin B12 deficiency. 

Changes To Your Vision

Unfortunately, finding that your vision is getting worse is a natural part of aging, but if you’ve noticed significant changes in a short time, a vitamin B12 deficiency is worth considering.  

A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to blurred vision. Sometimes color perception can also be affected. 

Change of Neurological Skills

Memory, understanding and judgment are all affected by our vitamin B12 levels, even if this is not fully understood.  

Vitamins B12 are thought to be needed by the body to produce the mood chemical serotonin.  

Cognitive decline caused by deficiency can be reversed with B12 treatment, but giving extra B12 does not treat cognitive decline caused by other factors. 

Another reason for the changes in cognitive behavior is that B12 affects the nervous system, which includes the brain. This manifests itself in symptoms such as pins and needles, and you may notice changes in the way you walk and move. You may also develop problems with sight and speech. 

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Anemia

Nearly 30% of women have been officially diagnosed with anemia, which is when they have fewer red blood cells or a lower-than-normal level of hemoglobin in each blood cell. This works for over half a billion women between the ages of 15 and 49.  

There is a reason we often link iron deficiency to fatigue as it is one of the most common causes, but vitamin B12 deficiency is another cause of the condition.  

How Serious is the Deficiency of VitaminB12

It is important to get help with a vitamin B12 deficiency if you are diagnosed with one. Many of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can be treated and are reversible if detected early. However, the longer it is left untreated, the greater the risk of permanent damage.  

In addition to neurological changes, other long-term effects can include fertility problems and an increased risk of stomach cancer if your deficiency is caused by pernicious anemia. This is a condition where the immune system attacks the stomach cells that absorb vitamin B12. For these reasons, it is also better to seek medical assistance instead of treating the condition on your own.  

When to See a Doctor

A vitamin B12 deficiency can occur for several reasons, lead to serious problems, and can be part of a larger health problem, so if you are experiencing any of the symptoms – or a combination of all of them – then it’s important to visit your doctor as soon as possible. possible.  

Some may find it difficult to absorb vitamin B12 from their diet for various reasons, including medication, disease, or age, as the ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases with age and the onset of perimenopause symptoms. 

Vitamin B12 deficiency can also occur for various other reasons, such as not getting enough vitamin B12 from your diet. This is also quite common for those on a strictly plant-based diet and not taking supplements.