Vitamin B12 insufficiency, also called hypovitaminosis B12, is a medical condition that occurs when the body does not have adequate amounts of this essential vitamin for proper functioning.
Furthermore, vit-B12 plays a fundamental role in the human body, participating in several vital functions, including the production of red blood cells, the maintenance of the nervous system and cellular metabolism.
Symptoms Associated with B12 Deficiency
Symptoms of a lack of vitamin B12 can range from fatigue and weakness to serious neurological problems, such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. In this sense, if left untreated, B12 deficiency can result in serious complications, including megaloblastic anemia and permanent damage to the nervous system.
Common symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath, paleness (especially in the hands and feet), loss of sensitivity in the extremities, eye twitching, tremors, palpitations, mouth ulcers, memory loss and loss of appetite.
Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
The main reason behind vit-B12 insufficiency is the lack of adequate intake of this vitamin in the diet. VitB12 is predominantly found in foods of animal origin, such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs.
Therefore, people who adopt vegetarian or vegan diets are at greater risk of developing this deficiency unless they take vit-B12 supplements or consume foods fortified with the vitamin. Other causes include:
- Bariatric surgeries that reduce significant parts of the stomach, affecting vitamin absorption.
- Certain medications, such as proton inhibitors, cholestyramine, H2 antihistamines, metformin, antibiotics, and certain proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole, and pantoprazole), which may impair vitamin absorption.
- Digestive disorders, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, that affect the proper absorption of vitamin B12.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
How to Detect a Vitamin B12 Deficiency
In addition to seeing a doctor for a health assessment, tests may be ordered to determine the presence of a vit-B12 deficiency. Recommended tests include a complete blood count to assess the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin, as well as their shape, size and color. Additionally, biochemical tests can measure folate and vitamin B12 (also known as cyanocobalamin) levels. Levels considered normal for vit-B12 range from 200 to 800 pg/ml.
Treatment of B12 Deficiency
It is essential to diagnose and treat vit-B12 insufficiency early to avoid long-term complications. Treatment usually involves administering vit-B12 supplements orally or injectably, depending on the severity of the deficiency. Therefore, in case of suspected symptoms, it is recommended to consult a specialized doctor to assess the state of health. For children, seeking medical care is even more important, as low levels of vitamin B12 can cause irreversible damage.
The main treatments include intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 (with a concentration of 100 mcg) in the form of hydroxocobalamin (especially for pernicious anemia), supplements and multivitamins, as well as dietary adjustments with the consumption of foods rich in vit-B12, such as milk, beef liver, eggs, cheese, crustaceans, yogurt, chicken, fish and yeast.
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