Overview
This article will discuss vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms, how they are caused and how to recognize the symptoms. Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the formation of the bodies red blood cells ensuring that oxygen is transported throughout the body. For this reason it is often referred to the energy vitamin.
It helps to control the bodies homocysteine levels which are an amino acid. Studies have revealed that having high levels of this amino could lead to cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, Vitamin B12 also plays a vital role in protecting the bodies central nervous system. For example, a deficiency in B12 can inhibit the body to effectively produce the nerves myelin sheath which is its protective outer coating.
B12 is a water soluble vitamin and can be found in many food sources however, the main sources are derived from animal meat. fish and dairy products that include cheese, eggs and milk.
What Causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms
Although vitamin B12 can be stored in the body there are still many people who are suffering from B12 deficiency. There can be a number of causes to why people become deficient in this important vitamin. A major cause is attributed to the bodies digestive system not being able to absorb the B12 from food into the bodies blood stream.
There can be a number of causes that affect the bodies digestive system can make it less effective. However, in relation to B12 deficiency the common causes can be attributed to the following conditions:
- Pernicious Anemia (cobalamin malabsorption syndrome)
For the body to absorb B12 into the body effectively the body needs to produce a protein called the intrinsic factor. This protein is created in the stomach and binds to vitamin B12 in order for the vitamin to be absorbed properly. With pernicious anemia the body ability to produce intrinsic factor decreases and there absorption rates are reduced. In many cases vitamin B12 injections are used to replace the vitamin lost through this condition.
- Atrophic Gastritis
This is another condition associated with the bodies stomach and digestive system. With atrophic gastritis the body can no longer secrete enough stomach acid to digest food properly as well as kill unwanted bacteria. This condition affects more people as they become older. Atrophic gastritis can affect as many as 20% of people over the ages of 50 and that percentage increases with age.
- Intestinal Diseases
As the small intestines play a vital in absorbing vitamin B12 any conditions that can hamper the intestines ability to absorb such as Crohns disease can increase the risk of B12 deficiencies. Diseases such as Celiac diminish the bodies capacity to digest food protein and gluten contained in bread, pasta or other flour based foods. A lack of acid increases the build up of unhealthy bacteria in the gut which further reduces the bodies ability to absorb essential nutrients such as B12 vitamins.
- Low Folate Levels
Many people who have low levels of folic can also have low levels of the B12 vitamin. B12 needs and folic acid to develop red blood cells more efficiently and vice versa. Therefore, being deficient in one increases the risk of being deficient in the other.
- Poor Diet
The bodies digestive system and gut is essential to conversion of food into energy and the absorption of essential vitamins and nutrients to maintain the health of the body and mind. Therefore what we eat has a direct impact on how effectively the digestive system can do its job. In terms of vitamin B12 deficiency there are certain foods that can diminish the bodies ability to absorb. This includes excessive intake of alcohol, smoking and foods that our high in gluten such as bread, biscuits and pasta.
- Vegan and Vegetarian Diets
As the main source of vitamin B12 is derived from animal meat, fish, eggs and other dairy products such as cheese and milk many people who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet are at a higher risk of becoming of showing vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms. In particular, vegans who eat no meat or diary food products fall into the highest risk group.
Vegans and vegetarians are more prone to conditions such as anemia which is caused by a of healthy red blood cells. This can be linked to a deficiency in vitamin B12 as it plays an important role in the development of red blood cells in the body.
Vitamin B12 deficiency Symptoms To Look Out For
A lack of vitamin B12 in the body cause a variety of symptoms. B12 plays a major role in the formation of red blood cells and assists in carrying oxygen through the body. This has a huge influence on the bodies metabolism and the production of energy. Therefore, a person who is deficient in B12 can often feel tired, lethargic and irritable. Another common symptom can be difficulty in sleeping which also contributes feelings of tiredness.
These symptoms can be attributed to vitamin B12 anemia which as pointed out earlier is a lack of red blood cells in the body. Although, anemia can cause mild symptoms however, if they are allowed to persist without any improvement then later more acute symptoms can appear as follows:
- diarrhoea
- constipation
- difficulty breathing
- pale skin complexion
- sensitive tongue
- sore stomach
- bleeding gums after cleaning teeth
- sore and weak muscles
Vitamin B12 is essential for the healthy functioning of the bodies central nervous system. If the body continues to remain deficient in B12 then more serious symptoms can occur. These can include a tingling in the toes and fingers this can also be accompanied by sense of numbness. Other acute symptoms can be an inability to remain steady while standing or walking. Mentally and emotional a persons moods can swing and feelings of depression may occur.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms In Children
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms in pregnancy can occur when the mother eats a vegan or vegetarian diet. Even if pregnant women live on a less strict vegetarian diet and eat dairy products such as milk and cheese they can have a higher risk of their new born child being born with a B12 deficiency.
If left untreated this can lead to more serious issues that could result in B12 deficiency anemia, development problems, restricted movement. More serious symptoms could lead to a higher risk of nerve damage which contribute to neurological complications.
Treatment For B12 Vitamin Deficiency Symptoms
Treatment will depend on the seriousness of the condition for example, mild symptoms can be treated by eating a diet that is more rich in vitamin B12. This diet can also be taken with B12 supplements.
Where the cases or more serious such as megaloblastic anemia or pernicious anemia then B12 vitamin supplements and food diets will not be effective due to the bodies inability to absorb the vitamin properly. In these cases treatment will need to be prescribed by a qualified doctor or physician. Such treatment can take the form of vitamin B12 shots that are injected to the blood stream to improve the absorption of vitamin.
If vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms persist it is advisable to consider consulting with your doctor who may recommend that you take a blood test to diagnose the levels of B12 in your body. From the diagnosis your doctor can prescribe the relevant medication and advice on dietary issues.
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