Symptoms
What Are The Warning Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
- Fatigue. Low levels of Vitamin B12 in the blood often results in immense fatigue and unnecessary tiredness. ...
- Canker Sores. Some of the earliest Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are visible in the mouth, especially on the tongue.
- Mood Shifts. ...
- Blurry Vision. ...
- Pale Skin Patches. ...
- Nervous System Issues. ...
- Constipation. ...
- Infertility. ...
Causes
If the levels of vitamin b12 in the body stoop below the number of 200 picograms per mL, it is considered as a deficiency of this component. Treatments and medications are provided to the patients as per the severity of their case. Image Source: doctorc.in
Prevention
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause lethargy, weakness, fatigue, and memory loss, psychiatric and neurological problems. When it is left untreated and becomes severe, it can cause macrocytic anemia.
Complications
Vitamin B12 is available only in animal foods (meat and dairy products) or yeast extracts (such as brewer's yeast). Vitamin B12 deficiency is defined by low levels of stored B12 in the body that can result in anemia, a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells.
What are the warning signs of a B12 deficiency?
What number is considered deficient with B12?
How serious is B12 deficiency?
What does a low level of B12 mean?
What happens when your vitamin B12 is low?
Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas. Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking. Vision loss. Mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes.
What is the main cause of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Pernicious anaemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK. Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition that affects your stomach. An autoimmune condition means your immune system, the body's natural defence system that protects against illness and infection, attacks your body's healthy cells.
What are the signs of low vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause the following symptoms:tiredness or fatigue.weakness.constipation.loss of appetite.weight loss.numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.balance problems.confusion.More items...
Is B12 deficiency serious?
If left untreated, the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency tend to worsen and irreversible problems involving the nerves and brain may develop. The risk of experiencing a number of serious complications, including heart failure, may also increase.
Who is most at risk for B12 deficiency?
According to an analysis of NHANES data from 2015–2016, people of low socioeconomic status, women, and non-Hispanic Blacks are most likely to have low vitamin B12 intakes [32].
Which fruit is rich in vitamin B12?
Fruits– Though fruits don't contain Vitamin B12; there are some which contain a very small amount of these vitamins like- Banana, apple, and berries....Top 10 Vitamin B12 foods for Vegetarians:FoodsVitamin B12 (% of DV)Fruits5%Fortified cereals100%Yeast (quarter cup)290%5 more rows•Nov 23, 2020
How can I raise my B12 levels fast?
To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as:Beef, liver, and chicken.Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams.Fortified breakfast cereal.Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.Eggs.
How do you fix B12 deficiency?
A serious vitamin B12 deficiency can be corrected two ways: weekly shots of vitamin B12 or daily high-dose B12 pills. A mild B12 deficiency can be corrected with a standard multivitamin. In many people, a vitamin B12 deficiency can be prevented.
How long it will take to recover from B12 deficiency?
Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment. If you can, it's a good idea to address what's causing the deficiency.
Can low B12 cause dizziness?
Frequent bouts about dizziness and vertigo can indicate B12 deficiency. You may experience a feeling of wobbles when you get up too fast from a sitting position. You may also feel dizzy when you walk up or downstairs, it could also be dangerous.
Can vitamin B12 cause joint pain?
Not getting enough vitamin B12 to the point of a deficiency can cause a variety of serious symptoms including depression, joint pain, and fatigue. Sometimes these effects can be debilitating to the point where you might think you're dying or seriously ill.
Can low B12 cause heart problems?
Macrocytosis associated with vitamin B12 deficiency is also associated with fatal and non-fatal coronary disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and other circulatory health problems.
Why is it so hard to absorb B12?
Pernicious anemia, which makes it hard for your body to absorb vitamin B12. Conditions that affect your small intestine, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite. Alcohol misuse or heavy drinking can make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients or prevent you from eating enough calories.
Why do we need to take vitamin B12?
And you should do that on a regular basis, because your body doesn't store vitamin B12 for a long time .
What animal sources are B12?
Animal sources include dairy products, eggs, fish, meat, and poultry. If you're looking for a food fortified with B12, check the product's Nutrition Facts label.
Does B12 make your body healthy?
Vitamin B12 does a lot of things for your body. It helps make your DNA and your red blood cells, for example. Since your body doesn't make vitamin B12 , you have to get it from animal-based foods or from supplements. And you should do that on a regular basis, ...
Can vitamin B12 cause anemia?
If you have vitamin B12 deficiency, you could become anemic. A mild deficiency may cause no symptoms. But if untreated, it may lead to symptoms such as: Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness. Heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Pale skin.
What is the condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells?
Vitamin B 12 deficiency anemia is a condition in which your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells, due to a lack (deficiency) of vitamin B 12. This vitamin is needed to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of your body.
Why is my body not producing enough red blood cells?
Key points about vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. With this condition, your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells, due to a lack (deficiency) of vitamin B. It is one of several types of megaloblastic anemia.
What is the name of the condition where the red blood cells don't develop normally?
Anemias caused by a lack of vitamin B 12 or a lack of folate are 2 types of megaloblastic anemia. With these types of anemia , the red blood cells don’t develop normally. They are very large. And they are shaped like an oval, not round like healthy red blood cells.
How to find anemia?
This type of anemia is usually found during a medical exam through a routine blood test. Your healthcare provider will take your medical history and give you a physical exam. Your provider may give you additional blood tests. You may also have other evaluation procedures, such as a bone marrow biopsy.
What is the lack of intrinsic factor?
Lack of intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a protein made in the stomach. It is needed to absorb vitamin B 12. This type of B 12 deficiency anemia is called pernicious anemia. Surgery that removes or bypasses the end of the small intestine. This part of the small intestine is where vitamin B 12 is absorbed.
What does it mean when you have a B12 deficiency?
1. Pale or Jaundiced Skin. People with a B12 deficiency often look pale or have a slight yellow tinge to the skin and whites of the eyes, a condition known as jaundice. This happens when a lack of B12 causes problems with your body’s red blood cell production ( 4.
What are the side effects of B12 deficiency?
3. Sensations of Pins and Needles. One of the more serious side effects of a long-term B12 deficiency is nerve damage. This can occur over time, as vitamin B12 is an important contributor to the metabolic pathway that produces the fatty substance myelin.
What is the role of B12 in the production of red blood cells?
Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in the production of the DNA needed to make red blood cells. Without it, the instructions for building the cells are incomplete, and cells are unable to divide ( 5. ).
Is B12 a deficiency?
Unfortunately, B12 deficiency is common, especially in the elderly. You’re at risk of deficiency if you don’t get enough from your diet or aren’t able to absorb enough from the food you eat.
Can B12 cause heartburn?
Those taking long-term antacid drugs for heartburn. Unfortunately, symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency can take years to show up, and diagnosing it can be complex. A B12 deficiency can sometimes be mistaken for a folate deficiency. Low levels of B12 cause your folate levels to drop.
Is pins and needles a sign of B12 deficiency?
That said, sensations of pins and needles are a common symptom that can have many causes, so this symptom alone is not usually a sign of B12 deficiency. Summary: B12 plays an important. role in the production of myelin, which insulates your nerves and is critical. to your nervous system function.
Can low B12 cause low folate levels?
Low levels of B12 cause your folate levels to drop. However, if you have a B12 deficiency, correcting low folate levels may simply mask the deficiency and fail to fix the underlying problem ( 3. ). Here are 9 signs and symptoms of a true vitamin B12 deficiency. 1.
Why is B12 deficiency bad?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is defined by low levels of stored B12 in the body that can result in anemia, a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can develop for the following reasons: Absence of intrinsic factor, also called pernicious anemia — Intrinsic factor is a protein secreted by cells of the stomach lining.
How to treat vitamin B12?
Treatment for this condition involves replacing the missing vitamin B12. People who cannot absorb B12 need regular injections. When injections first are administered, a patient with severe symptoms may receive five to seven during the first week to restore the body's reserves of this nutrient.
How to reverse anemia?
The condition can be reversed by taking oral vitamin B12 supplements and adding foods containing B12. When the anemia is severe and the red blood cell count is extremely low, blood transfusions may be necessary for the first couple of days until the vitamin B12 injections begin working.
What test is used to determine if you have vitamin B12 deficiency?
Laboratory tests will include: Standard blood tests to measure the level of red blood cells and check their appearance — In vitamin B12 deficiency, red blood cells are unusually large and appear abnormal.
How long does it take for B12 to show up in blood?
A response usually is seen within 48 to 72 hours, with brisk production of new red blood cells. Once B12 reserves reach normal levels, injections of vitamin B12 will be needed every one to three months to prevent symptoms from returning.
What is the B12 supplement?
What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency? Vitamin B12 is needed to produce an adequate amount of healthy red blood cells in the bone marrow. Vitamin B12 is available only in animal foods (meat and dairy products) or yeast extracts (such as brewer's yeast).
What are the symptoms of low B12 levels?
Nausea or poor appetite. Weight loss. Diarrhea. Yellowish tinge to the skin and eyes. If low levels of B12 remain for a long time, the condition also can lead to irreversible damage to nerve cells, which can cause the following symptoms: Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Difficulty walking.
What percentage of people in the US have vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B 12 deficiency in the US and the UK is estimated to occur in about 6 percent of those under the age of 60, and 20 percent of those over the age of 60. In Latin America, about 40 percent are estimated to be affected, and this may be as high as 80 percent in parts of Africa and Asia.
What is 6% vitamin B12?
6% (< 60 years old), 20% (> 60 years old) Vitamin B12 deficiency, also known as cobalamin deficiency, is the medical condition of low blood and tissue levels of vitamin B 12. In mild deficiency, a person may feel tired and have a reduced number of red blood cells (anemia). In moderate deficiency, soreness of the tongue, apthous ulcers, ...
Why is B12 important for pregnant women?
Vitamin B12 is a critical micronutrient essential for supporting the increasing metabolic demands of the foetus during pregnancy. B12 deficiency in pregnant women is increasingly common and has been shown to be associated with major maternal health implications, including increased obesity, higher body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance, gestational diabetes, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in later life. A study in a pregnant white non-diabetic population in England, found that for every 1% increase in BMI, there was 0.6% decrease in circulating B12. Furthermore, an animal study in ewes demonstrated that a B12, folate and methionine restricted diet around conception, resulted in offspring with higher adiposity, blood pressure and insulin resistance which could be accounted for altered DNA methylation patterns.
What causes neural tube defects?
Neural tube defects (NTDs), including spina bifida, encephalocele and anencephaly, are debilitating birth defects which result from the failure of neural fold closure during embryonic development . The causes of NTDs are multifactorial, including folate deficiency, genetic and environment factors. The WHO Technical Consultation has concluded that there is moderate evidence for the association between low vitamin B12 status and the increased risk of developing NTDs. Given that vitamin B12 is a co-factor for methionine synthase within the folate cycle. If vitamin B12 supplies are depleted, folate becomes trapped and DNA synthesis and methylation reactions are impaired. DNA synthesis is critical for embryonic development. Further to this, cell-signalling events which control gene-expression are controlled by methylation reactions. As a result, adequate folate and vitamin B12 is needed to help prevent NTDs.
How much B12 is stored in the body?
The total amount of vitamin B 12 stored in the body is between two and five milligrams in adults. Approximately 50% is stored in the liver, but approximately 0.1% is lost each day, due to secretions into the gut—not all of the vitamin in the gut is reabsorbed. While bile is the main vehicle for B 12 excretion, most of this is recycled via enterohepatic circulation. Due to the extreme efficiency of this mechanism, the liver can store three to five years worth of vitamin B 12 under normal conditions and functioning. However, the rate at which B 12 levels may change when dietary intake is low depends on the balance between several variables.
What happens if you don't take vitamin B12?
If this happens, vitamin B 12 deficiency may result in tingling or numbness to the fingers and toes, difficulty walking, mood changes, depression, memory loss, disorientation and, in severe cases, dementia.
What is the recommended vitamin B level for HIV?
Diagnosis is typically based on blood levels of vitamin B 12 below 120–180 pmol/L (170 to 250 pg/mL) in adults.
How to treat vitamin B12 deficiency?
How is vitamin B12 deficiency treated? For low intake deficiency , you may need to eat more foods that contain or are fortified with vitamin B12. You may also need to take an over-the-counter supplement. For low absorption deficiency , you may need several high doses of vitamin B12 to increase your levels.
What is vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a low level of vitamin B12 in your body. Vitamin B12 is only found in foods that come from animal sources such as fish, beef, dairy products, and eggs. Vitamin B12 deficiency should be treated as early as possible. Without treatment, it can cause permanent nerve damage over time.
Can you take vitamin B12 from food?
Your body cannot absorb enough vitamin B12 from foods. Your body may not absorb enough vitamin B12 if you are elderly or you have certain medical conditions. These include diabetes, Celiac disease, and Crohn disease. You may also have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 if you have had gastrointestinal surgery such as gastric bypass or gastrectomy.
Can you eat B12?
You eat few or no foods that contain vitamin B12. Vegans and other vegetarians are at increased risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. Infants born to or breastfed by a woman with a vitamin B12 deficiency may also have low levels of vitamin B12. Your body cannot absorb enough vitamin B12 from foods. Your body may not absorb enough vitamin B12 ...
Can you take vitamin B12 if you have low absorption?
For low absorption deficiency , you may need several high doses of vitamin B12 to increase your levels. These doses of vitamin B12 may be given as a shot or pill. You may need to take these vitamin B12 supplements for the rest of your life.
Overview
Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) plays an essential role in red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function and the production of DNA, the molecules inside cells that carry genetic information.
Evidence
Research on the use of vitamin B-12 for specific activities and conditions shows:
Our take
Most people get enough vitamin B-12 from a balanced diet. However, older adults, vegetarians, vegans and people who have conditions that affect their ability to absorb vitamin B-12 from foods might benefit from the use of oral supplements.
Safety and side effects
When taken at appropriate doses, vitamin B-12 supplements are generally considered safe. While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine.
Interactions
Aminosalicylic acid (Paser). Taking this drug used to treat digestive problems might reduce your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12.
Why is it important to take B12 supplements?
Getting enough B12 is really important if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. That’s because a deficiency could harm you and your baby. Ask your doctor what kind of supplements you or your child need.
What drugs lower B12 levels?
Certain drugs may lower your B12 levels, especially if you use them for a long time. These include medications for: Heartburn: These drugs may block the stomach acid that helps you absorb B12. They include proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor agonists. These are used to treat acid reflux and peptic ulcer disease.
What is it called when your stomach doesn't make enough hydrochloric acid?
Some older adults have a condition called atrophic gastritis. That’s when your stomach doesn’t make enough hydrochloric acid. It helps you absorb B12 from food. It’s usually easier to absorb B12 from supplements or fortified foods when you have atrophic gastritis.
Does metformin block B12?
Heartburn: These drugs may block the stomach acid that helps you absorb B12. They include proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor agonists. These are used to treat acid reflux and peptic ulcer disease. Diabetes: Experts think long-term use of metformin can lead to malabsorption issues.
Can you have vitamin B12 if you don't eat?
Most people have healthy levels of vitamin B12. But some don’t. What you do or don’t eat, along with certain health conditions and medications, could be the reason why. When left untreated, a B12 deficiency can lead to problems with your heart, nerves, or brain.
Can you get enough B12 from a vegan diet?
Most natural sources of B12 come from animal products. That includes meat, dairy, and eggs. But it’s possible to get enough B12 on a vegan or strict vegetarian diet. The easiest way to do that is to take a daily or weekly supplement. Ask your doctor what dose is right for you.
What Is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Expected Duration
Prevention
Treatment
- Symptoms tend to develop slowly and may not be recognized immediately. As the condition worsens, common symptoms include: 1. Weakness and fatigue 2. Light-headedness and dizziness 3. Palpitations and rapid heartbeat 4. Shortness of breath 5. A sore tongue that has a red, beefy appearance 6. Nausea or poor appetite 7. Weight loss 8. Diarrhea 9. Yellowish tinge t…
When to Call A Professional
- Your doctor will ask you about your diet and about any family history of anemia. Your doctor also will review your medical history for medical illnesses (diabetes, immune disorders) or surgeries, such as stomach removal, that can lead to B12 deficiency. Your doctor may suspect that you have vitamin B12 deficiency based on your medical history and symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, …
Prognosis
- With proper treatment, symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency begin to improve within a few days. In vegans and other people whose B12 deficiency is diet-related, oral B12 supplements and a diet designed to increase consumption of vitamin B12 should cure the condition. People with pernicious anemia or people who cannot absorb vitamin B12 from their intestines will need injec…
Further Information
- To prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, vegans should take adequate amounts of vitamin B12 supplements to make up for the shortage in their diet. For people who cannot absorb B12, the condition cannot be prevented. However, once it is diagnosed, regular injections of vitamin B12 will prevent symptoms from returning.