Vitamin B12 deficiency is a critical thing. Consider this case: A 55-year-old man from East Africa who was earlier a healthy individual had severe anaemia with a range of symptoms, including hemolysis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, ataxia, and megaloblastic madness. In this serious condition, anaemia and psychiatric conditions were considerably reduced when the treatment was initiated; the patient had responded well to parenteral Vitamin B12 replacement therapy The Journal of Medical Case Reports. This is a severe condition due to the deficiency of Vitamin B12, which shows what happens in the case of Vitamin 12 deficiency.
In this article, we shall see prominent symptoms to identify the Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Significance of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is required to make the red blood cells for nerves, DNA, and other bodily functions. As Vitamin B12 has to be supplied through diet, the right amount of Vitamin B12 is not met for your body. The deficiency can be either due to inadequate intake of foods rich in Vitamin B12 or inefficient absorption of Vitamin B12 inside the body.
Causes of Vitamin B12deficiency
The two most relevant and common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency are weight loss surgery and a completely vegetarian diet. Plants lack Vitamin B12; foods rich in vitamin B12 are meat, eggs, and dairy foods, which are not a part of a vegetarian diet; hence, vegetarian people will suffer comparatively more from Vitamin B12 deficiency. In weight loss surgery patients, the body’s ability to extract Vitamin B12 from food is reduced.
Old people are more prone to Vitamin B12 deficiency. The reason behind this is that the stomach produces comparatively less acid than young people. The stomach acid is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency
Tingling feet and hand
Pricking with a pin or needle is felt in the hands or feet during the deficiency of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the functioning of the nervous system; the deficiency of Vitamin B12 leads to a tingling sensation. Vitamin B12 helps in the formation of the myelin sheath that protects the nerve and helps in transmitting sensations. Damage to the nerve may cause tingling in feet and hands.
Trouble in walking
The numbness in the feet and limbs makes it hard to walk. Muscle weakness and diminished reflexes are also seen.
Pale skin
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to pale skin. The changes in skin colour are due to the deficiency of RBCs. Vitamin B12 is required for the production of RBCs
Fatigue
Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to megaloblastic anaemia, which leads to fatigue. Without enough RBCs to carry the oxygen around their body, it can lead to fatigue.
Rapid heart rate
The deficiency of Vitamin B12 indirectly leads to a fast heart rate to compensate for a reduced number of RBCs.
Shortness of breath
It is a common symptom due to the anaemia. It is related to reduced RBC count and fast heartbeat.
Mouth pain
A deficiency of Vitamin B12 leads to mouth problems like glossitis, a bad taste, and a burning sensation in the mouth.
Reasoning and thinking difficulties
Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to memory loss and difficulty in thinking or reasoning. Reduced oxygen reaching the brain may lead to impaired reasoning or thinking.
Mood changes and mental health problems
The deficiency of Vitamin B12 may lead to mood changes and mental health problems.
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to changes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Decreased appetite and weight loss
The changes in the gastrointestinal tract may lead to decreased appetite. The decreased appetite may lead to weight loss.
Conclusion
Many symptoms, like fatigue, lethargy, low mood, shortness of breath, and nerve problems, can all be symptoms of vitamin B12. These symptoms are due to the lack of Vitamin B12. The treatment involves changes in dietary habits and Vitamin B12 Supplements.
Discover the best app for medicine and be vigilant for Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms. Fatigue, weakness, and dizziness may signal a lack of this essential nutrient. Other warning signs include pale or jaundiced skin, shortness of breath, and cognitive difficulties. Prioritize your health with the best app for medicine today!
