Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a wide range of health problems, but it’s often overlooked by doctors. That’s because the symptoms of B12 deficiency can be vague and nonspecific, and because it’s not always easy to measure B12 levels in the blood.
As a result, people with B12 deficiency can suffer for years without realizing that a simple vitamin supplement could relieve their symptoms.
What is vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy. It’s found in animal foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and milk.
People who don’t eat enough animal foods are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. This includes vegetarians and vegans, as well as people who have gastrointestinal disorders that make it difficult to absorb vitamin B12 from food.
Older adults are also at risk, because the ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food decreases with age.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, weight loss, anemia and nerve problems.
Some of these symptoms are nonspecific, which means they can be caused by a number of different health problems. As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency is often misdiagnosed as another condition, such as fatigue or depression.
What are the consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency?
If left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious health problems, such as anemia, nerve damage and dementia.
Anemia is a blood disorder that can cause fatigue, pale skin and shortness of breath.
Nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling and weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis and blindness.
Dementia is a decline in cognitive function that can cause memory loss, confused thinking and difficulty with daily activities.
How is vitamin B12 deficiency diagnosed?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is usually diagnosed with a blood test. The test measures the level of a substance called methylmalonic acid in the blood. Elevated levels of methylmalonic acid indicate vitamin B12 deficiency.
How is vitamin B12 deficiency treated?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is treated with vitamin B12 supplements. These are usually taken as shots or pills.
People with severe vitamin B12 deficiency may need to receive vitamin B12 injections on a regular basis.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common health problem that can have serious consequences if left untreated. Though it can be easily diagnosed and treated, many doctors overlook potential cases of vitamin B12 deficiency, often attributing symptoms to other causes.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper function of the nervous system and for the formation of red blood cells. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, as well as neurological problems such as confusion, memory loss, and depression.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is most common in older adults, as the body’s ability to absorb the vitamin decreases with age. However, vegans and vegetarians are also at risk, as vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal products.
If you think you may be deficient in vitamin B12, talk to your doctor. A simple blood test can confirm a deficiency, and vitamin B12 supplements are an effective treatment.
