Vitamin B12 deficiency

The human body needs Vitamin B12 to produce red blood cells, neurons, and DNA, and perform other activities. It assists our body in maintaining the health of nerve cells and blood cells. Vitamin B12 normal range is considered to be between 190 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/ mL). Since our body cannot produce Vitamin B12 on its own, we must obtain it through foods and drinks. However, this poses a problem: while some people consume insufficient amounts of Vitamin B12 to meet their needs, others are unable to absorb enough, regardless of their intake. As a result, Vitamin B12 insufficiency is rather common. Older individuals are more likely to have deficiencies because their bodies' capacity to absorb B12 from the diet decreases with age.

What is Vitamin B12 deficiency? 

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition in which the body produces lower-than-normal amounts of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells (RBC) and its deficiency leads to a lack of healthy red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Without an adequate number of red blood cells, the tissues and organs do not receive sufficient oxygen. Consequently, the body cannot function properly. If left untreated, it can result in severe neurological damage and irreversible neurological impairment.

How much should you get?

The answer will depend on several factors, such as the individual's age, dietary habits, overall health, and prescription regimen. Animal products, including meat, milk, and eggs, are sources of Vitamin B12. Additionally, it can be found in fortified foods, such as bread, nutritional yeast, and various cereals.

The age-specific average daily intakes, expressed in micrograms (mcg), are as follows:

• Infants up to 6 months: 0.4 mcg
• Babies aged 7-12 months: 0.5 mcg
• Children aged 1-3 years: 0.9 mcg
• Kids aged 4-8 years: 1.2 mcg
• Children aged 9-13 years: 1.8 mcg
• Teens aged 14-18 years: 2.4 mcg
• Adults: 2.4 mcg (2.8 mcg per day for nursing mothers and 2.6 mcg per day for pregnant women)

How common is vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is present in approximately 1.5% to 15% of the population, with varying percentages depending on age groups:

• A minimum of 3% of individuals between 20 and 39 years old have a deficiency.
• A minimum of 4% of individuals aged 40 to 59 years old experience a deficiency.
• A minimum of 6% of individuals aged 60 and above are deficient in vitamin B12.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Physical, neurological, and psychological problems can occur from the effects of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Initially, there may be no indications of a deficiency. However, if the symptoms are not addressed, they may worsen over time. The signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest gradually and deteriorate over time. It's important to note that some individuals with low levels of Vitamin B12 in their systems may not experience any symptoms unless they have Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, which is characterized by a loss of red blood cells and can lead to neurological symptoms such as: 

• Numbness
• Weak muscles
• Mild depression, anxiety or dementia
• Balance and coordination problems
• Incontinence

The following are general signs of a Vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Feeling extremely exhausted or weak
• Experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
• Possible numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• The painful or red tongue that may have mouth ulcers
• Feeling depressed and agitated
• Weight loss
• Vision problems
• Exhibiting yellow skin
• Having difficulty speaking or moving freely
• Experiencing trouble remembering details or becoming confused rapidly

Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency 

A Vitamin B12 deficiency causes can be due to a variety of circumstances or diseases, including:

• Inadequate consumption of foods that are naturally high in Vitamin B12 or meals that have been enriched with it.

• Gastroenteritis, an infection of the stomach lining, is a major cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency syndrome. It prevents the stomach from producing enough hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for Vitamin B12 absorption.
• Individuals with a rare medical illness such as pernicious anaemia are unable to produce a protein called intrinsic factor, leading to a deficiency of Vitamin B12. Intrinsic factor is necessary for the proper absorption of Vitamin B12. 
• Patients who have undergone gastric bypass (a weight reduction procedure) or other gastrointestinal operations may find it more challenging to absorb Vitamin B12.
• Signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency in adults related to digestion hinder the body's ability to adequately absorb the vitamin.

Diagnosis of Vitamin B12 deficiency

Diagnosing Vitamin B12 deficiency diseases can be challenging because symptoms are not always evident or might be confused with other nutritional deficiencies. Doctors usually perform routine blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and vitamin B12 level test, to monitor for the condition. Additionally, specific Vitamin B12 deficiency tests, such as ethylmalonic acid level (MMA) or Schilling test, are used to identify the deficiency. In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be recommended as an additional assessment procedure for the patient.

Treatment and Medications for Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Depending on the underlying reason for Vitamin B12 deficiency, the patient may require treatment until their Vitamin B12 levels return to normal, or they may need lifelong Vitamin B12 deficiency medication to manage the deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency treatments are:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency tablets
• Vitamin B12 nasal gel
• Vitamin B12 intramuscular injections
• Vitamin B12 nasal spray

In most cases, the treatment effectively corrects the problem. Anaemia caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency can often be cured with home remedies specifically targeting the deficiency. However, any nerve damage resulting from the deficiency may be irreversible.

Prevention of Vitamin B12 deficiency

By consuming foods and drinks that contain Vitamin B12, the majority of individuals can prevent B vitamin deficiency. These include:

• Animal food products, such as milk, red meat, fish, poultry, and eggs
• Vitamin B12 dietary supplements

One can also take the following Vitamin B12 deficiency self-care actions to help avoid a vit b 12 deficiency:

• Avoiding alcohol
• Managing intestinal illnesses

Complications of Vitamin B12 deficiency

The risk of several health issues may increase with prolonged B12 deficiency. Severe Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious neurological problems and other Vitamin B12 deficiency complications. In fact, a person's chance of dying may be higher in the presence of severe Vitamin B12 deficiency. Insufficient folate intake by the mother during pregnancy can cause brain and spinal cord birth abnormalities in the developing foetus. Untreated pernicious anaemia, caused by a shortage of Vitamin B12 and affecting the body's red blood cell production, can have fatal consequences for the nervous system.

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 is essential for our body to function properly. By ensuring an adequate intake of Vitamin B12 through their diets, most people can avoid experiencing a deficiency. If you have potential causes for developing a Vitamin B12 deficiency or are experiencing symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor and undergo a blood test to evaluate your levels.

FAQs

1. Are vegetarians and vegans at risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency? 

Yes, due to inadequate consumption, vegetarians and vegans are at risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Because B12 is not naturally present in plant-based meals, vegetarians and vegans must ensure they consume enough of it daily in the form of Vitamin B12 supplements to prevent a deficiency.

2. Can Vitamin B12 deficiency cause depression? 

Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to hematological alterations, neurological issues, and psychological issues that might manifest as irritability, depression, and sometimes memory loss.

3. Can B12 deficiency be cured? 

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a curable condition caused by not getting enough Vitamin B12 in your diet. It might take six to twelve months to fully recover from Vitamin B12 deficiency after starting Vitamin B12 deficiency treatment.

4. Is B12 deficiency serious? 

If Vitamin B12 deficiency remains untreated, it can have significant long-term negative effects on the neurological system and brain.

5. Is low B12 permanent? 

If treatment is not initiated within six months after the onset of symptoms, low Vitamin B12 levels may become permanent. Treatment is usually effective for Vitamin B12 deficiency.

6. Can I treat B12 deficiency at home? 

By consuming vitamin B12-rich foods and drinks such as red meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, and other dairy products, you can improve the symptoms caused by a lack of vitamin B12.

CARE Medical Team

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