Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to anemia and accompanying symptoms such as fatigue and lethargy. In addition, vitamin B12 deficiency can affect the nerves. Discover the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and how it is treated. (1)
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency vary from one person to another according to the extent of the deficiency. In general, you may not show any symptoms if you only suffer from a slight deficiency, but if the deficiency is persistent, you will often suffer from symptoms related to anemia and nerve damage. (1)
These symptoms may be similar to other medical conditions, which makes it necessary to pay attention to them and see a doctor for evaluation. Below are the most common and most obvious symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency: (2)(3)
1.Symptoms associated with anemia
- Noticeable lack of energy and constant feeling of exhaustion and fatigue.
- Pale and dull skin.
- Headache and dizziness.
- Pain and redness of the tongue.
- Mouth ulcers, accompanied by a feeling of bad and unpleasant taste.
- Memory lapses and concentration problems.
- Arrhythmia.
- Breathing difficulty.
- lack of appetite, and unusual lack of hunger.
2.Symptoms associated with nerve damage
- Tingling, numbness and paresthesia in the extremities, as if there were pins and needles moving under the skin.
- Difficulty remembering things, even if they are ordinary details.
- Difficulty maintaining balance.
- Dysarthria.
- Myasthenia.
- Incontinence.
Take responsibility of your health today! If you are suffering from symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, book an appointment at Al-Ahli Hospital to determine the cause and severity of the deficiency, if any, and recommend a treatment plan that suits you.
Factors increase the chance of vitamin B12 deficiency
There are several factors that may make you more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency, they are: (4)(5)
- If you're a vegetarian: Those who adhere to vegetarian diets often face challenges getting enough vitamin B12 from their food sources.
- If you have diabetes and use metformin (Glucophage): Individuals with diabetes who rely on metformin as part of their treatment may be at greater risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to the drug's effect on absorption. Therefore, patients in this case are usually recommended to take B12 injections every few months.
- If you use acid-reducing medications for long time: Individuals who use heartburn medications continuously may experience decreased absorption of vitamin B12.
- If you've undergone bariatric surgery: Bariatric interventions, such as bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, can affect vitamin B12 absorption.
- If you suffer from digestive problems: Some medical conditions that affect the digestive system may interfere with the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12, which may lead to a deficiency.
Recognizing these risk factors enables you to be proactive in monitoring your vitamin B12 levels and take appropriate measures to compensate and treat any potential deficiency.
Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency
Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency usually involves using vitamin B12 supplements, which are available in the form of oral pills, sublingual pills, and injections (the most commonly used), along with increasing the intake of foods rich in vitamin B12 such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, and treating the cause of the deficiency.
It is also important to monitor B12 levels regularly; To track treatment progress as needed, in addition to lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking and alcohol. Consult your doctor for a treatment plan tailored to your condition. (3)
References:
1.Vitamin B12 deficiency can be sneaky and harmful - Harvard Health
2.Vitamin B12–Deficiency Anemia | NHLBI, NIH
3.Vitamin B12 Deficiency, MSD Manuals
