Getting a deficiency of vitamin B12 in your body can lead to a number of symptoms,including fatigue and a lack of energy. However,fortunately,there are ways to help treat this condition.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue,numbness,and tingling in the extremities,and loss of coordination. These symptoms can be mild or severe. If left untreated,they can result in permanent neurological damage.
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If you are worried you might be vitamin B12 deficient,talk to your doctor. They may recommend a blood test to check the amount of this vitamin in your blood. If the level is low,your doctor may prescribe medication to help with absorption. If the level is high,you may need to eat fortified foods or take supplements.
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If your vitamin B12 deficiency is more severe,you may develop anemia. This is when your body cannot make enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. Anemia can make you feel weak,and it can cause you to lose weight. Anemia can also be associated with heart problems.
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Other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency may include memory loss and confusion. This can be caused by reduced oxygen to the brain. The areas of the brain that control coordination and balance can be affected. In addition,a lack of vitamin B12 can also lead to depression and anxiety.
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Some people with vitamin B12 deficiencies also develop tremors,uncontrolled movements of the extremities. These movements are referred to as “pins and needles” and can come and go over time. Depending on the severity of the disorder,tremors can become permanent. If you experience tremors,you should visit your doctor immediately.
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Other common signs of vitamin B12 deficiency are constipation,a swollen tongue,and a change in taste. These symptoms are not specific to B12 deficiencies,but they are important to be aware of if you are experiencing them. If your symptoms are persistent,you should seek medical care.
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Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency are often mild and subtle,and can go undetected for a long time. However,they can interfere with your daily life and lead to serious health complications. In the early stages,numbness and tingling can be difficult to identify,but the earliest signs of vitamin B12 deficiency should prompt medical attention.
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Causes
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Deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to a range of symptoms that interfere with daily life. These include loss of coordination,tingling in the feet and tongue,shortness of breath,fatigue,and weight loss.
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Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen throughout the body. If a person has a deficiency in B12,their red blood cells cannot produce enough oxygen for the tissues and organs. In severe cases,the heart can become weakened. The brain may also be affected by the lack of B12.
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The causes of B12 deficiency vary from individual to individual. It can be caused by problems with the digestive system,medications,or surgical procedures. People who are vegetarian,vegan,or undergo surgeries to reduce their weight are at a higher risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency.
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People with gastrointestinal disorders,such as atrophic gastritis,can also have a hard time absorbing vitamin B12. These conditions decrease the amount of hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach. This acid is needed to break down vitamin B12 so that it can be absorbed into the body. If you are taking certain medicines to treat acid reflux,you could have a hard time absorbing B12. These medicines are called proton pump inhibitors.
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Medications that are used to treat seizures,such as metformin,can also affect B12 levels. Some medications that are used to treat diabetes can also make it hard for the body to absorb B12. If you are a diabetic,your doctor may prescribe medication that interacts with proton pump inhibitors.
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Pernicious anemia is a condition that is a result of the body not being able to absorb vitamin B12. It is rare,but it can cause serious damage to the nervous system. It is important to diagnose and treat it as soon as possible.
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Injections or high-dose sublingual supplements are sometimes used to treat B12 deficiency. However,the best way to avoid this condition is to eat plenty of foods that contain vitamin B12. These include poultry,eggs,and dairy products. There are also fortified versions of these foods available.
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Treatment
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Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency are very varied,and can come on suddenly or develop over a period of time. They can include a lack of strength,a weak pulse,memory loss,and fatigue. Other symptoms can include a pale appearance,inflammation of the mouth,and a feeling of unsteadiness. If you experience any of these symptoms,make an appointment with your doctor.
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If your doctor believes you are suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency,he or she may order a blood test to determine the cause. If your diagnosis is confirmed,you may be prescribed a daily supplement or an injection. If you are pregnant,your doctor might recommend a vitamin B12 injection every two to three months.
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Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist if your symptoms are severe,or if your B12 levels are low. Your doctor may also ask you to have a blood test one to three months after starting treatment.
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The most common reason for a vitamin B12 deficiency is lack of absorption. This can occur with conditions such as gastroenteritis or Crohn’s disease,which cause inflammation of the digestive tract. Other conditions that affect absorption of the vitamin include surgery,certain medications,or autoimmune disorders.
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The main form of treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency is an injection. High-dose vitamin B12 injections are usually given in hydroxocobalamin.
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The treatment is important,as a long-term deficiency can lead to irreversible neurological damage. Some patients with pernicious anemia need to have injections for the rest of their lives.
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People with a history of autoimmune diseases are more likely to suffer from this condition. Other symptoms can include muscle weakness,a loss of motor function,problems with proprioception (sensing where your body is in space),and difficulty sensing light touch. Depending on the severity of your vitamin B12 deficiency,you may also need to undergo surgery.
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A severe vitamin B12 deficiency can cause permanent neurologic damage. The nerves in your mouth,throat,and feet may also be damaged. Some patients with this condition may also experience difficulty with vision. Some of the most serious effects of B12 deficiency are neurological disorders such as dementia,which can include confusion,memory loss,and difficulty thinking.
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Prevention
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Having a low level of vitamin B12 can lead to a variety of problems,including anemia,loss of mental clarity,and even nerve damage. If you’re experiencing symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency,you should contact your doctor immediately.
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Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps your body make healthy red blood cells. In order to be absorbed by the body,the vitamin must combine with a protein called intrinsic factor. This protein is found in the stomach and is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.
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If you don’t eat enough animal products,you can get a vitamin B12 deficiency. For this reason,you may need to take a daily supplement to ensure you get your recommended dosage of this vitamin. Some of the foods that contain this nutrient include meat,poultry,eggs,and fish. Some soy products and some breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin B12.
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The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is a lack of absorption in the stomach. This can occur in people who are using medications such as proton pump inhibitors,heartburn medicine,and certain anticonvulsant drugs. Other conditions that can cause a lack of absorption include atrophic gastritis,Helicobacter pylori infection,and intestinal diseases.
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When you have a vitamin B12 deficiency,your body will not be able to produce enough red blood cells. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms,from headaches and irritability to weakness and fatigue. Some of these symptoms are temporary,while others can be permanent.
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In severe cases of anemia,you may experience shortness of breath,dizziness,and a rapid heart rate. Some of these symptoms can also be symptoms of other diseases,so you should have your medical history checked if you’re concerned. The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can be treated with oral supplements or injections.
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Some people who have digestive problems or surgery can be at risk for a vitamin B12 deficiency. If you’re making a long-term dietary change,you may need to add fortified foods to your diet.
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If you’re a strict vegetarian,you’re at a higher risk for getting a vitamin B12 deficiency. You can take a multivitamin that contains B12 instead of consuming foods that contain animal products.