Are you feeling fatigued and run-down far too often?
Are insomnia, depression, confusion and even memory problems creeping up on you?
If so, then it’s possible that your body might be experiencing a Vitamin B12 deficiency. As our bodies depend upon the balance of essential vitamins to keep us healthy and functioning normally, it’s important to understand the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency, to diagnose and treat it quickly. In this blog post we discuss what causes a Vitamin B12 deficiency as well as provide an overview of its symptoms – both physical and mental – so that you can take proactive steps towards restoring your body’s equilibrium.
Before diving in, let’s look at what Vitamin B12 is. An essential nutrient, also known as cobalamin, this water-soluble vitamin helps support metabolism and plays a key role in a few bodily functions – from aiding the normal functioning of the nervous system to helping form red blood cells in bone marrow.
It stands out among vitamins for its complex chemical structure; it’s found only through animal sources or supplements.
Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Malabsorption
Even though your diet may include plenty of B12, there are a few reasons why you might not absorb this nutrient. One of those is ageing. As we age, the ability to absorb Vitamin B12 from food decreases. This is due to a decline in stomach acid secretion, which is needed to release Vitamin B12 from food.
Certain surgical procedures like gastric bypass surgery, can alter the anatomy of the digestive system, leading to malabsorption of Vitamin B12. Autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, and pernicious anaemia can lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency.because these conditions damage the digestive system’s ability to absorb Vitamin B12.
Other causes of malabsorption include Helicobacter pylori infection, tapeworm infestations, and chronic pancreatitis.
Vegan or Vegetarian Diet
People who follow a plant-based diet are at a higher risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency as this vitamin is mostly found in animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy.
Medications
Certain medications can interfere with the absorption of Vitamin B12. These include antacids, proton pump inhibitors and metformin.
Chronic Alcoholism
Excessive alcohol intake can damage the liver, leading to an inability to store Vitamin B12 and an increased risk of deficiency.
Inherited Disorders
Certain genetic disorders like Transcobalamin II deficiency, can lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency as they impair the body’s ability to absorb the vitamin.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
There are a number of signs and symptoms that might indicate a deficiency of Vitamin B12. The following are the most common symptoms:
- Fatigue and Weakness: Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. A deficiency can lead to anaemia, causing fatigue and weakness.
- Pale Skin and Anaemia: Anaemia caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a pale appearance, as well as weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
- Numbness and Tingling in the Extremities: Vitamin B12 is important for nerve function, and a deficiency can lead to nerve damage, causing numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
- Balance Problems and Difficulty Walking: Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to damage to the nervous system, causing problems with balance and difficulty walking.
- Mood Changes and Depression: Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to mood changes and depression.
- Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline: Vitamin B12 is involved in brain function and a deficiency can result in memory loss and cognitive decline, particularly in older adults.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, and a medical evaluation should be undertaken to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Once a medical assessment has been made and a Vitamin B12 deficiency is confirmed, there are a number of treatment options available.
Vitamin B12 Supplementation
The most common and effective treatment for Vitamin B12 deficiency is oral or injectable Vitamin B12 supplementation. The type and dose of supplementation will depend on the individual’s needs and the severity of the deficiency.
Vitamin B12 Shot
Vitamin B12 shots can be given once a month or more often, depending on the severity of the deficiency. In some cases, intranasal Vitamin B12 may be recommended. We offer this here at The Form Practice.
Diet Changes
Incorporating Vitamin B12-rich foods into the diet can help increase the body’s stores of this essential vitamin. Foods rich in Vitamin B12 include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, yeast extract and fortified cereals.
Surgery
If the cause of the Vitamin B12 deficiency is due to malabsorption, then surgical procedures may be necessary to correct the issue. For example, people with pernicious anaemia may need gastric surgery to remove a part of the stomach that is producing antibodies that interfere with Vitamin B12 absorption.
To reflag, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for Vitamin B12 deficiency, as the treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the deficiency. Additionally, regular monitoring is recommended to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to make any necessary adjustments.
Get help with Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to anaemia and several other neurological problems.
The most natural way to get enough B12 is by eating foods that are rich in it, such as meat, fish, eggs and milk. If that doesn’t work for you, you can also take supplements or have Vitamin B12 injections if you are deficient.
If you think you may be lacking in Vitamin B12, please contact us and speak to Claire who’ll be more than happy to help.
Or click here to find out more about the vitamin, including a list of selected foods and their B12 constituent