You may not know this but the impact of Vitamin B12 deficiency on the human body is much greater than many people realize and understand.
B12 is a severely important nutrient for producing red blood cells in the body; maintaining healthy nerve functions; and assisting in the process of DNA synthesis. It also helps in regulating your motivation and focus.
A lack of sufficient Vitamin B12 will disrupt these natural processes, which could cause a number of symptoms that may develop gradually and without obvious warning.
Fatigue is one of the first and most common manifestations of Vitamin B12 deficiency because Vitamin B12 is highly important for the production of red blood cells.
It’s a deficiency will ultimately cause a condition of anemia.
Anemia occurs when the body has insufficient red blood cells to effectively carry oxygen throughout the body.
As a result of this oxygen deprivation, individuals may experience extreme fatigue, weakness, and/or shortness of breath.
Additionally, their skin may begin to pale or take on a slight yellow tint, indicating anemia of the blood.
As the Vitamin B12 deficiency continues to progress, its adverse effects on the nervous system will become increasingly apparent.
Vitamin B12 is also responsible for protecting the myelin sheath, a fatty layer that surrounds and protects each of the millions of nerves in the body.
Without sufficient amounts of Vitamin B12, the myelin sheath cannot continue to maintain itself.
This will lead to nerve damage.
Symptoms of nerve damage include sensations of tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, difficulties with walking and problems with balance and coordination.
Cognitive changes may also occur, such as memory loss, confusion and emotional symptoms that resemble depression or anxiety.
Glossitis (a smooth, swollen tongue) and mouth ulcers may also appear.
If the Vitamin B12 deficiency is allowed to persist for too long, the symptoms experienced by the individual will likely become permanent. Early detection of Vitamin B12 deficiency is therefore essential.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause serious health-related complications if left untreated.
In addition to causing anemia and nerve damage, Vitamin B12 deficiency may contribute to increased cardiovascular risks because of increased levels of homocysteine (an amino acid associated with cardiovascular diseases).
There are certain groups of people who are more susceptible to developing Vitamin B12 deficiencies.
They include vegetarians and vegans (because Vitamin B12 is typically found in animal-based food products); older adults with decreased ability to absorb nutrients from food; and individuals with gastrointestinal disorders (such as Crohn’s disease) or individuals who have had gastric surgery.
Fortunately, Vitamin B12 deficiency is both preventable and treatable.
Dietary modifications; taking oral supplements; and/or receiving Vitamin B12 injections (depending upon the level of deficiency and the reason for the deficiency) can all help manage Vitamin B12 deficiency.
By identifying the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency at an early stage and obtaining immediate medical treatment, individuals can significantly improve their energy levels, protect the health of their nerves, and reduce the likelihood of suffering long-term health-related complications.