Vitamin (B12) deficiency.. Symptoms and treatment
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in the
proper functioning of the nervous system and the production of red blood cells.
While it is commonly found in animal foods such as meat, fish and dairy
products, there are several reasons why some people do not get enough. Enough
vitamin B12 in their diet, so we will discuss the causes, symptoms and
treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency.
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Vitamin (b12(
What is vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that helps your body maintain
healthy nerve cells and blood cells. It also helps the body make DNA, the
genetic material in all of your cells. The body does not make vitamin B12 on
its own, so you need to Consume foods and drinks that contain vitamin B12 in
order to get it.
Vitamin B12 is found in animal products that you eat and drink, such as:
meat, dairy products, and eggs. It can also be found in fortified foods (foods
that contain certain vitamins and nutrients added to them), such as: some
cereals, bread, and nutritional yeast. Adults need about 2.4 micrograms of
vitamin B12 per day, while pregnant or breastfeeding women need more of it. The
amount of vitamin B12 that infants and children need varies according to age.
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when the body does not get enough of this
vitamin from the diet, or cannot absorb it properly. There are many causes of
vitamin B12 deficiency, and the most common causes are poor diet and digestive
problems.
Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency:
There are several causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, and they can be
broadly categorized into two categories: nutritional and medical.
.1Inadequate Dietary Intake:
One of the main causes of vitamin B12 deficiency is inadequate dietary
intake. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products, such as: meat, fish, poultry,
and dairy products. Therefore, individuals who follow a vegetarian diet are
more likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency.
Moreover, individuals who consume a small amount of animal products, or who
follow a poor diet may also suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency, and people who
follow an unbalanced diet may not consume enough vitamin B12; to meet the needs
of their bodies, which causes its deficiency.
Poor digestion and absorption are among the causes of vitamin B12
deficiency.
2-Malabsorption Problems:
Another cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is malabsorption problems, in
which the body needs an adequate amount of stomach acid and intrinsic factor, a
protein produced by the stomach, to absorb vitamin B12, and individuals with
chronic gastritis, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease Those who have undergone
gastrointestinal surgery that affects the stomach's production of acid and
intrinsic factor are at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Malabsorption
problems can reduce the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12, leading to a
deficiency.
3 Pernicious anemia:
It is a condition in which the body is unable to produce intrinsic
factor, and this condition leads to a decrease in the ability to absorb vitamin
B12, which leads to its deficiency, and pernicious anemia is more common in the
elderly, and those who have a family history of this condition, and the
deficiency of the factor may lead The body's internal system leads to a vitamin
B12 deficiency, even if the individual consumes an adequate amount of vitamin
B12 in his diet.
4. Other causes:
Other causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include: alcoholism, prolonged
use of acid-reducing medications, and certain medical conditions, such as: HIV,
diabetes, and thyroid disorders. Alcoholism can cause vitamin B12 deficiency,
by reducing The body's ability to absorb it from the diet.
Medicines that reduce acidity can also interfere with the stomach's
ability to produce acid, which affects the absorption of vitamin B12. Medical
conditions such as HIV, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can cause imbalances in
the body and affect your metabolism. absorption of this vitamin.
Fatigue is a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency:
Many people may suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency, and the symptoms of
deficiency are usually similar in many cases, and the most prominent symptoms
include the following:
1. Fatigue and asthenia:
The most common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are fatigue and
weakness. Since vitamin (B12) helps form red blood cells, which carry oxygen to
the body's tissues, a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to a decrease in the
body's supply of oxygen, and thus lead to weakness, fatigue and dizziness. In
severe cases, it can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, and heart
palpitations.
2. Numbness and tingling:
Another common symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency is numbness and
tingling of the hands and feet. This occurs because deficiency can damage the
myelin sheath that surrounds and protects nerves. This can lead to nerve
damage, causing numbness and tingling, and even difficulty walking.
3. Cognitive difficulties:
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause cognitive difficulties, such as:
difficulty remembering, poor concentration, and brain fog, and this happens
because this vitamin plays an important role in the formation of myelin, which
protects neurons in the brain, and vitamin deficiency can cause (B12) In nerve
damage, which leads to cognitive difficulties.
4. Digestive problems:
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects the digestive system, causing symptoms
such as nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. This is caused by the
absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Deficiency of this vitamin
can lead to inflammation and damage to the lining of the intestine.
Nausea is a symptom of too much vitamin B12
Symptoms of excess B12:
Vitamin B12 deficiency alone does not lead to problems in the body.
Excessive intake of this vitamin can lead to harmful effects on health. Among
the most prominent symptoms of excess vitamin B12 are:
1. Loss of appetite:
A common symptom of excess vitamin B12 is loss of appetite, because high
levels of it in the body can interfere with the production of digestive
enzymes, leading to a decreased desire to eat.
2. Rash:
The appearance of a skin rash is a symptom of excess vitamin (B12), and
the rash may be itchy, and it can occur anywhere in the body, and it is
believed that it is caused by an allergic reaction to an excess of vitamin (B12)
in the body.
3. Nausea:
Too much vitamin B12 can cause nausea and vomiting, because high levels
of it can irritate the lining of the stomach, leading to these uncomfortable
symptoms.
Foods rich in vitamin B12:
The human body cannot produce vitamin B12 on its own, so it must be
obtained from food or nutritional supplements. If you are looking for sources
to increase your intake of vitamin B12, here are some foods rich in this
vitamin:
1. Oysters:
Oysters are an excellent source of vitamin B12, as they not only contain
high levels of these nutrients, but they are low in fat and calories, and 100
grams of cooked oysters contain about 98 micrograms of vitamin B12, which
represents more than 1600% of the total body weight. Recommended daily intake.
2. Liver:
Liver, especially beef liver, is another excellent source of vitamin
B12. It is also a good source of iron and other essential vitamins and
minerals. 100 grams of cooked beef liver contains about 83 micrograms of
vitamin B12, which represents more than 1300% of the daily intake. recommended.
3. Fish:
Fish, such as salmon and tuna, are good sources of vitamin B12. These
types of fish are not only rich in vitamin B12, but they are also rich in
omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for heart health. A 100-gram portion of
cooked salmon contains about 3.4 micrograms of Vitamin (B12), which represents
about 57% of the recommended daily intake.
4. Dairy Products:
Dairy products, such as: milk, cheese and yogurt, are good sources of
vitamin B12, and one cup of milk contains about 1.2 micrograms of vitamin B12,
which is about 20% of the recommended daily intake.
5. Eggs:
It is another good source of vitamin B12, as one large egg contains
about 0.6 micrograms of vitamin B12, which represents about 10% of the
recommended daily intake. Eggs also contain other essential vitamins and
minerals, such as vitamin D. ), and protein.
Vitamin B12
Injection
Treatment
of vitamin B12 deficiency:
Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency depends on the severity of the
deficiency. in mild cases; Oral vitamin B12 supplementation is sufficient. In
severe cases, intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 are required. Injections
are given once a week for 4-6 weeks, followed by maintenance injections every
1-3 months, depending on the underlying cause of the deficiency.
Furthermore, it is essential to identify the underlying cause of the
deficiency and treat it, to prevent recurrence. For example, if the deficiency
is due to pernicious anemia, the patient may need vitamin B12 supplementation
for life. In the case of malabsorption syndromes, the underlying condition must
be treated, and vitamin B12 supplementation may be necessary.