This is what happens when vitamin B12 deficiency occurs. Doctors named the signs that cause unpleasant processes in the body

Hello, today we will discuss the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. At the end of the article, based on research and doctors’ opinions, I will talk about products that contain this vitamin, and about the potentially negative processes associated with its deficiency.

Therefore, I ask you to read the article to the end and subscribe to the channel.

It is important to note that this article does not provide diagnoses or claim that a person may have any health problems, including vitamin B12 deficiency.

The article is based on research findings, doctors' opinions and provides information for informational purposes only!

Any questions related to health and changes in diet should only be discussed with a doctor in person!

In general, this problem is quite common. For example, it most often occurs in older people and those who do not eat meat products in their diet.

Doctors say that the problem of deficiency of this vitamin can lead to serious illness, as it performs many important functions. Below we will consider in detail the main functions of vitamin B12 and the consequences of its deficiency

Functions of vitamin B12 and their importance for the body

Cyanocobalamin, known as vitamin B12, is water-soluble and essential for the formation of red blood cells, maintaining a healthy nervous system and overall metabolism.

Vitamin B12 is also involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, regulates the activity of some genes and improves the functioning of the immune system.

A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to anemia, memory loss, problems with concentration, and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin B12 is usually obtained from foods of animal origin, such as meat, organ meats, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

Additional sources of information used to write this article will be indicated in the pinned comment. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

Who is at risk according to doctors

According to doctors, one of the most common causes is insufficient consumption of food containing this vitamin. Also at risk are those who have given up meat consumption, such as vegetarians. Another possible cause may be insufficient absorption of the vitamin, for example, with atrophic gastritis or after stomach surgery, doctors believe.

Doctors also say that parasitic infections and the use of drugs that reduce stomach acidity and the body’s ability to absorb nutrients can cause this disorder. In addition, doctors note that this is especially important for patients suffering from heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux.

How the problem manifests itself according to doctors

Paleness of the skin

The color of the skin and sclera has a special shade – they look pale, with hints of yellowness. This shade is due to several factors. With disturbances in the process of synthesis of erythrocytes – red blood cells, the life cycle of which is 120 days, pathology develops.

Red blood cells are formed in the bone marrow and then enter the bloodstream, where they are responsible for delivering oxygen to the body’s cells, ensuring a healthy complexion.

And a decrease in their number in the blood, according to doctors, can lead to the development of a disease known as B12-deficiency anemia.

The reduction in their life cycle also affects their condition, and red blood cells begin to break down, releasing bilirubin, which gives the skin and sclera a yellowish tint. Similar changes can also be observed in other types of jaundice, such as hemolytic, which occurs due to other causes.

Weakness and fatigue

Weakness and fatigue can be signs of vitamin B12 deficiency because of its important role in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is needed to synthesize DNA and form red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.

If there is a deficiency, the process of blood formation is disrupted, which can lead to anemia and, as a consequence, to weakness and fatigue. And for athletes, the supply of oxygen to the cell is extremely important, since it affects their results. It is not surprising that doping most often improves the transport of oxygen to tissues.

Loss of balance

Vitamin B12 is an essential part of the normal functioning of the peripheral nervous system. If it is lacking, it leads to disruption of the conduction of nerve impulses, which negatively affects coordination and balance.

In people over 50, it is especially dangerous, as it can cause movement disorders. In younger people, vitamin B12 levels would have to be very low to cause such problems, but proper diagnosis and care can improve the situation, doctors say.

Paresthesia of hands and feet

Vitamin B12 is part of the myelin sheath of nerves. If we compare the nervous system to wires, then myelin can be thought of as a protective covering that ensures safe transmission of signals.

When there is a lack of vitamin B12, this protective coating becomes defective. This manifests clinically as a tingling or burning sensation in the hands and feet, which is called paresthesia.

This symptom is quite common with vitamin B12 deficiency, but its appearance does not always indicate the fact that this particular vitamin is missing, since its occurrence can be caused by many things.

Doctors note that to make a correct diagnosis, just one of the listed symptoms is not enough; usually a combination of signs is needed.

Deterioration of vision

B12 deficiency can be accompanied by vision impairment, which, by the way, can also be associated with damage to the optic nerve. Damage to nerve fibers is called polyneuropathy. However, doctors claim that taking sufficient doses of vitamins can reverse all the symptoms of this condition.

Tongue Damage and Cancer Risk

The damage to the tongue causes changes in its structure, resulting in a smooth surface and loss of taste buds located in the papillae. This occurs due to damage to the nerve endings, which causes pain, inflammation, swelling and redness.

This process, called glossitis, does not affect the ability to eat or talk, but it does cause discomfort. Doctors say that such symptoms associated with tongue damage can be one of the first signs of the disease. In rare cases, tongue damage can even be associated with the development of cancer.

Temperature increase

Fever may be present, but the specific causes are unknown. However, cases of fever have been reported with this B12 deficiency disorder.

Shortness of breath and dizziness

These symptoms occur due to insufficient oxygen in the tissues, caused by a decrease in the number of red blood cells that carry oxygen.

The body tries to increase the flow of air through the lungs to saturate the blood with oxygen, so breathing becomes more frequent and shallow, especially with little physical exertion.

When brain cells don’t get enough oxygen, dizziness occurs. However, shortness of breath or dizziness alone is not a sufficient sign of B12 deficiency anemia, so doctors emphasize the importance of considering all symptoms together.

Bad mood

When there is a lack of vitamin B12, the body begins to produce the amino acid homocysteine, which, according to many doctors, can damage brain cells and disrupt the transmission of nerve impulses along nerve fibers.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is often accompanied by mood swings, which may be a cause of certain mental illnesses such as depression or schizophrenia.

However, this symptom is reversible and disappears after the level of vitamin B12 in the blood is restored. It is important to remember that similar symptoms can be caused by other diseases, and in this case, taking vitamin B12 may not bring the desired effect.

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Complications of Vitamin B12 Deficiency According to Doctors

Sometimes, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to complications in the body, which depend on the severity and duration of the deficiency. Possible complications may include the following!

Neurological problems

Disorders of the nervous system may be accompanied by deterioration of vision, memory loss, numbness, impaired coordination of movements and speech, as well as damage to nerves, especially in the lower extremities. Doctors note that sometimes some of these disorders may be irreversible.

Infertility

Vitamin B12 deficiency can make it impossible for women to conceive. However, this condition is usually reversible with treatment, doctors say.

Stomach cancer

Vitamin B12 deficiency, caused by pernicious anemia, may increase the risk of stomach cancer, doctors say.

Neural tube defects

Pregnant women who are deficient in vitamin B12 may increase the risk of birth defects in their children, such as spina bifida.

Additionally, deficiency of this vitamin can sometimes cause serious complications to the heart and lungs, such as rapid heartbeat and heart failure.

Doctors remind people who suspect they have a vitamin B12 deficiency to see a qualified healthcare professional to prevent possible complications.

Foods containing vitamin B12

Foods rich in vitamin B12 include meat (such as beef, lamb, pork), poultry (chicken, turkey, duck), fish (cod, salmon, tuna), dairy products (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese), eggs, and foods fortified with vitamin B12 (such as cereals, soy milk, dietary supplements).

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Additional sources of information used to write this article:

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=vitamin+b12

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=vitamin+b12+deficiency

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=signs+of+vitamin+B12+deficiency

[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=how+to+replenish+vitamin+b12

[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Foods+containing+vitamin+B12

[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Functions+of+Vitamin+B12