Vitamins play a crucial role in enhancing your body’s performance. Vitamin B12 is vital for maintaining proper nerve function, producing red blood cells, and synthesizing DNA. A lack of this vitamin may result in severe health issues such as exhaustion, nervous system disorders, and potentially heart diseases.
Low vitamin B12 levels can lead to neurological harm, impacting various components of the nervous system, according to Dr. Pankaj Chaudhary, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Vaishali. "Specific populations such as vegetarians, elderly individuals, and people with gastrointestinal issues have an increased risk," he clarifies.
Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal-derived products, which makes vegetarians and vegans more prone to deficiencies. As B12 does not occur naturally in plant-based items, plant-based foods "Those following strict vegetarian or vegan diets have to depend on fortified foods or supplements to fulfill their requirements," explains Dr. Chaudhary.
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Another significant reason for this issue is malabsorption. Disorders such as pernicious anemia, Crohn's disease, and celiac disease can interfere with B12 absorption within the stomach and intestines. Even when individuals take in sufficient amounts of B12, their bodies may still struggle to absorb it effectively, particularly in instances of these conditions. digestive disorders Dr. Chaudhary further explains, "especially following gastrointestinal surgeries."
Ageing is another factor since elderly individuals frequently generate lesser amounts of gastric acid, crucial for extracting B12 from dietary sources. "Prolonged intake of specific drugs, including metformin (used for managing diabetes) and proton pump inhibitors (prescribed for acid reflux), may additionally diminish nutrient uptake," he explains. Moreover, heavy drinking can harm the stomach lining, complicating the process of absorbing vital elements such as B12.
Dr Chaudhary states that an extended deficiency of vitamin B12 may lead to serious health problems, including both neurological disorders and heart-related concerns.
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A lack of Vitamin B12 may result in numbness or prickling feelings in the hands and feet, problems with memory, and a decrease in cognitive function, and under severe circumstances. (Image: Canva)
He describes what occurs when the body lacks sufficient B12:
- Neurological problems: Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in maintaining proper nerve function. A lack of this vitamin may result in numbness and tingling in the extremities like the hands and feet, as well as problems with memory and cognition. In severe instances, it could even contribute to dementia. Dr. Chaudhary warns, “A lot of neurological signs resulting from Vitamin B12 deficiency might be misinterpreted as being due to aging, which can delay accurate identification.”
- Megaloblastic anemia: B12 deficiency hinders the formation of red blood cells, resulting in megaloblastic anemia. This condition causes feelings of weakness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and pallor.
- Mental health concerns: Conditions such as mood disorders including depression, irritability, and extreme psychiatric symptoms like psychosis can be associated with insufficient vitamin B12 levels.
- Increased heart disease risk: B12 aids in regulating homocysteine, an amino acid associated with heart disease and stroke. Insufficient B12 levels may raise homocysteine concentrations, thereby heightening the risk of cardiovascular issues.
- Reproductive and pregnancy complications: Deficiency in B12 can lead to fertility problems and various difficulties during pregnancy, such as congenital abnormalities and growth-related challenges in infants. Women who are expecting or nursing, particularly vegetarians, ought to keep an eye on their B12 consumption.
- Vision loss: A significant lack of necessary nutrients can harm the optic nerve, resulting in blurry vision or potentially irreversible sight loss if not treated.
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Advice for avoiding and addressing B12 deficiency
- Dietary choices: Include B12-rich items such as meats, seafood, eggs, milk products, and fortified breakfast cereals in your diet.
- Supplements: Suggested for those following vegan diets, vegetarian diets, and people who have trouble absorbing nutrients.
- B12 injections: Essential for individuals facing severe deficiencies or having trouble absorbing nutrients.
Disclaimer: The content of this article, which includes general health and fitness recommendations, should not be considered equivalent to professional medical advice. Always seek guidance from an expert for personalized health assessments.