Unfortunately, many people are at risk of developing B12 deficiency due to various factors such as diet, age, medical conditions, medications and surgery. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the causes, symptoms and treatments of B12 deficiency, as well as some tips on how to prevent it.
Causes of B12 Deficiency
B12 deficiency can occur if you don't consume enough foods that contain B12 or if your body has trouble absorbing or processing it. Some of the common causes are:
Diet:
People who follow a strict vegan diet may not get enough B12 from plant sources. Animal products such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy and liver are rich sources of B12. Some fortified foods such as cereals and nutritional yeast may also provide some B12.
Pernicious anaemia:
This is a rare condition that occurs when your immune system attacks the cells in your stomach that produce intrinsic factor, a protein that helps your body absorb B12 from food. Without intrinsic factor, you can't get enough B12 from your diet.
Gastric surgery:
If you have had part of your stomach or intestines removed or bypassed for weight loss or other reasons, you may have less intrinsic factor or less space for B12 absorption.
Intestinal problems:
Diseases such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease can damage the lining of your intestines and reduce your ability to absorb nutrients including B12. Parasites such as tapeworms can also interfere with B12 absorption by consuming it before you do.
Medications:
Some drugs such as metformin for diabetes and proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux can lower your stomach acid levels and affect your B12 absorption. Other drugs such as antibiotics and anticonvulsants can interfere with your body's use of B12.
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
B12 deficiency can develop slowly over months or years and cause various physical, neurological and psychological symptoms. Some of the signs to look out for are:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Irregular heartbeats
- Weight loss
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Muscle weakness
- Personality changes
- Unsteady movements
- Mental confusion or forgetfulness
If left untreated, B12 deficiency can lead to serious complications such as nerve damage, spinal cord degeneration, paralysis, bowel or urinary incontinence, vascular disease, memory loss, depression, and dementia.
Treatment of B12 Deficiency
The treatment of B12 deficiency depends on its cause and severity. The main goal is to restore normal levels of B12 in your blood and prevent further damage to your health.
Some common ways to treat B 2 deficiency are:
Vitamin supplements:
You may need to take oral or injectable forms of vitamin B12 depending on how well you absorb it from food. Your doctor will prescribe the right dose and frequency for you based on your blood tests.
Dietary changes:
You should eat more foods that contain vitamin B12 such as meats,
poultry, cheese, milk among others.
You may also benefit from eating fermented foods (such as yogurt) and sprouts (such as alfalfa) as they may boost your natural production or absorption of vitamin B12.
Fixing underlying problems:
You should address any medical conditions or medications that may be causing or worsening your vitamin B12 deficiency with the help of your doctor. For example, if you have pernicious anaemia, you may need lifelong injections of vitamin B12.
If you have poor gut health due to inflammation or infection, you may need antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Prevention of Vitamin Deficiency
The best way to prevent vitamin deficiency is to eat a balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamin B12. You should also check with your doctor if you have any risk factors for vitamin deficiency such as being vegan, elderly, pregnant, alcoholic or taking certain medications.
Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your vitamin levels and prescribe supplements if needed.
Vitamin deficiency is a common but treatable condition that can affect anyone at any age.
While it is true that some people are more at risk than others, B12 deficiency can occur even in those who consume a seemingly balanced diet. That is why it is important to be mindful of the signs and causes of B12 deficiency, and to consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect you may be deficient.
