Vitamin B12 Deficiency – A Silent Epidemic

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps your body in a variety of ways. It helps in the production of energy, DNA synthesis and generation of red blood cells and regulates the proper functioning of central nervous system. Since vitamin B-12 is mainly found in animal products like meat, eggs and milk, B12 deficiency and insufficiency are common in people who omit these foods. It is not synthesized by the human body and hence needs to be obtained from animal-based meals or supplements. According to experts, B12 can be stored in the liver for up to five years, but if your diet does not assist in maintaining its levels, you may become deficient.

Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Most common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency are-

• Vegan or vegetarian diet where the intake of milk and milk products are limited
• Certain medical conditions like gastric surgeries, intestinal problems
• Pernicious anemia
• Malabsorption
• Fad diets
• Excessive intake of alcohol
• Immune system disorders
• The use of B12-depleting drugs

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

You could get anaemic if you don't get enough vitamin B12. A slight deficit may go unnoticed. However, if left untreated, it can cause symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath and heart palpitations
• Weakness, exhaustion, or dizziness
• Yellow or pale skin
• Inflammation and pain in the mouth and tongue
• Digestive problems like constipation, diarrhoea, loss of appetite or gas
• Nerve issues such as numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and walking difficulties
• Paresthesia or pins-and-needles sensation in certain areas of the body, like the hands and feet
• Loss of vision
• Severe headache or migraine
• Mental health issues such as depression, memory loss and behavioural changes
• Erectile dysfunction

Treatment

You can ask your doctor if vitamin B12 test is necessary to confirm the level of vitamins in your body. It's critical to speak with a healthcare expert if you're suffering from any of the symptoms described above. It can be cured by following the below mentioned tips-

Vitamin B12 rich food– Vitamin B12 is found in animal products like dairy products, eggs, fish, meat, and poultry..  Consuming them adequately can compensate for the deficiency.

Fortified foods – If you are a vegan or avoid animal based food for any reason, it can also be obtained from vitamin B12-fortified grains, cereals, yeasts, dairy-free yogurt and plant milks. Check the Nutrition Facts label to see if the product is fortified with vitamin B12.

Supplements– Vitamin B12 insufficiency  can be corrected by the use of a daily B12 supplement or a B12-containing multivitamin.

B12 injections- B12 shots are usually used to treat B12 deficiency anemia. Either of the two types of B12 is injected – hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin.

Testing for B12 Deficiency

A healthcare expert can rule out a B12 deficiency by ordering the following tests in addition to learning about your symptoms-

• B12
• Folate
• Methylmalonic acid (MMA)
• A complete blood count (CBC) with a peripheral smear
• Homocysteine

If you've been diagnosed with low B12 levels, your doctor may advise you on the best course of action like B12 injections, oral B12 supplements, or treating an underlying health problem that may be causing the deficit.

You can compare vitamin B12 test cost by simply browsing ‘Vitamin B12 test near me’ on Google and opt for the best lab like Agilus Diagnostics.

Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited