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7 Effects Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency In The Body

The building bases of our bodies are cells. These cells derive their nutrition from the food we eat. Nutrition for these cells comes in the form of glucose, protein and essential vitamins and minerals. While all vitamins are crucial, vitamin B12 holds a prominent position. This is because many of the body’s vital functions are dependent on its proper quantity. Vitamin B12 is also known as Cobalamin.

Vitamin B12 is water-soluble; therefore it cannot be stored for long in the body. This is why you need to replenish it in your body regularly. Also, if you are a small baby, pregnant woman or growing child, you will need it in more quantities than others.

Vegans should take food items fortified with Vitamin B12. It is mostly present in animal products. So milk, butter, fish, meat, dairy products and poultry are rich sources of this vitamin. As we grow older, the body reduces its ability to absorb Vitamin B12. Even those who have recently had weight loss surgery, who drink heavily and regularly and those who have been on antacids, are more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency.

The deficiency can be treated first with injectable supplements and later supplements that can be had orally or through the nasal passage may be handed out to the patient.

Also Read: What Deficiency Causes Cold Hands And Feet: A Scientific Investigation

Did you know?

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in vegetarians and vegans, affecting up to 86% of these individuals. source: ncbi
  • Pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition, is the leading cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the United States. source: ncbi
  • Infants born to mothers with vitamin B12 deficiency may experience developmental delays and cognitive impairments. source: ncbi

Vitamin B12 Dose:

There are a lot of factors affecting the dosage of Vitamin B12 like age, eating patterns, pre-existing medical conditions and what medications you already consume. However, the recommended dosage as per age is followed:

Vegetarians are more susceptible to B12 deficiency.Vitamin B12 deficiency is a serious disorder, which if not treated can lead to severe neurological symptoms. Early identification and treatment reduces morbidity.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Symptoms that you Lack Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency has been known to cause anaemia. Even though a mild lack of the vitamin doesn’t cause serious damage to the body, when left untreated it adds to the deficiency and may lead to severe health hazards. Here are some symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency you should keep in mind:

If you eat meat, fish or dairy foods, you should be able to get enough vitamin B12 from your diet. But as vitamin B12 is not found naturally in foods such as fruit, vegetables and grains, vegans may not get enough of it.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Effects of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

When the deficiency of this vitamin is present in small amounts, the symptoms do not manifest themselves. However, if left untreated, the results are telling, indeed.

Also Read: Vitamin E Deficiency Symptoms & Causes

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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7 Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms To Be Aware Of!

Vitamin B12 is a vital water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells. Also known as Cobalamin, it aids in the proper functioning of the nervous system too.

As we get older, our body’s capacity to absorb vitamin B12 from the food we consume starts to diminish. Thus, it is observed that deficiency of B12 is more prevalent amongst the elderly as compared to the young.

However, this may not be the only reason why your body may not be able to absorb this essential vitamin.

Besides the elderly, below are some categories of people who primarily suffer from this deficiency:

Unfortunately, it takes years for the symptoms of this deficiency to show up and diagnose the same could be cumbersome too. Thus, here is a rundown of symptoms that you should definitely keep a tab on.

Did you know?

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in individuals who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. source: ncbi
  • The use of certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors and metformin, can increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. source: ncbi
  • The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin B12 in adults is 2.4 micrograms per day. source: ncbi
  • Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system. source: ncbi

1. Oral Symptoms such as Mouth Ulcers and Glossitis

Many Vitamin B12 deficient patients experience mouth ulcers along with a burning and itching sensation in the mouth. Many others also suffer from Glossitis – this is a condition where the tongue changes colour and shape and appears red and swollen. It also causes the surface of the tongue to appear smooth as the tiny bumps on the tongue that contain the taste buds stretch out and disappear.

2. A Prickling Sensation in Hands and Feet

One of the most serious long-term side effects of this deficiency is nerve damage. B12 plays a crucial role in the metabolic pathway that produces Myelin. Myelin is a fatty substance that surrounds the nerves thereby offering them protection. Thus without B12, the nervous system is not able to function properly. One very common sign of this improper functioning is Paresthesia, a prickling sensation that one experiences in hands and legs.

In more severe cases, the disease process can progress to involve the nervous system. Sub acute combined degeneration of spinal cord can result from B12 deficiency, causing damage to various segments of the spinal cord. A complete neurologic exam should evaluate for loss of memory, tingling pain in nerves,loss of balance and a loss of joint sensation. A mental status exam may also be useful to evaluate any neuropsychiatric changes.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

3. Pale and Jaundiced Skin

Many B12 patients look pale and have a slight yellow tinge in the whites of their eyes and their skin. This happens due to the improper production of the red blood cells and causes an anaemic condition called Megaloblastic Anaemia. In this condition, the red blood cells produced in the bone marrow are large and fragile and are unable to divide. Since they are too large they cannot pass out of the bone marrow and into the bloodstream for circulation. Without an adequate number of red blood cells circulating in the blood, the skin appears pale and yellow.

Also Read: 12 Natural Remedies For Mouth Ulcers

4. Tiredness and Fatigue

With a shortage of red blood cells, adequate oxygen doesn’t get transported throughout the body. This makes a person feel tired and weak. In some extreme cases, many patients also experience shortness of breath and dizziness. Also, read about  14 things that cause fatigue.

Vitamin B12 is very Important f the maintenance of nervous system in adults in pregnancy when it is combined with folic acid, it is very important to avoid any spinal disorders in the unborn child.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

5. Mood Swings

Low levels of vitamin B12 can also be associated with phases of mood swings and bouts of depression in certain patients.

6. Repeated pattern of headaches

A deficit or insufficient supply of Vitamin B12 in the body can lead to several neurological side effects, including headaches. In fact, headaches are amongst the most commonly reported symptoms related to B12 deficiency in both adults and kids. According to some studies, if you display certain types of headaches, you are more likely to have low B12 levels in your body.

Also Read: What Deficiency Causes Cold Hands And Feet: A Scientific Investigation

7. Difficulty in concentrating

A deficiency in B12 has an aggressive impact on the central nervous system. People with low or deficient B12 levels may feel foggy and light-headed and have difficulty concentrating and completing tasks. Older adults are especially at risk for these side effects because the risk of B12 deficiency increases with age.  

Other symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include vision disturbances, erectile dysfunction, impaired coordination and muscle cramps.

Must Read: 7 Side Effects of Vitamin B12 Deficiency  On The Body

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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