I’ve written about B12 in the past, and it’s benefit, but I haven’t yet really spoken on what happens when you are actually deficient in this vitamin.
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak.
Two steps are required for the body to absorb this vitamin from food. First, hydrochloric acid in the stomach separates vitamin B12 from the protein to which vitamin B12 is attached in food. After this, the vitamin combines with a protein made by the stomach called intrinsic factor and is absorbed by the body. Some people have pernicious anemia, a condition where they cannot make intrinsic factor. As a result, they have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 from all foods and dietary supplements.
Vitamin deficiency can happen from a variety of things, such as surgery that removes part of your sotmach or intestines, pernicious anemia, which makes it hard for the body to absorb the vitamin, conditions affecting the small intestine like Crohn’s Disease, heavy drinking, auto-immune disorders like lupus or grave’s disease, and long-term use of acid reducing drugs, since stomach acids help break down the animal proteins that have vitamin B12.
You can also get a deficiency in this vitamin if you’re a vegan, someone hwo doesn’t eat any animal products; including meat, milk, cheese, or eggs. Vegetarians who don’t eat enough eggs or dairy products to meet their body’s needs may also suffer from this.
Babies born to vegetarian mothers may also not get enough B12. The risk of a deficiency can also increase with age.
Signs of B12 Deficiency
A deficiency of B12 can lead to anemia, while a mild deficiency can cause no symptoms. But if it goes untreated, symptoms such as: Weakness, tiredness, or light-headedness. Heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Pale skin, a smooth tongue, constipation, diarrhea, a loss of appetite, or gas.
A few more things that can be indicative of the deficiency are: nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking. Vision loss, mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes
If you think you are experiencing a deficiency, you can ask your doctor for a blood test to see whether or not you need to supplement your diet with vitamins or enriched foods.
Most people can prevent vitamin this deficiency by eating enough meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, and eggs.
If you don’t eat animal products, or you have a medical condition that limits how well your body absorbs nutrients, experts recommend taking a multivitamin and eating breakfast cereal fortified with vitamin B12.
If you’re using vitamin B12 supplements, let your doctor know, so he or she can make sure they won’t affect any medicines you’re taking.
