Vitamins play a crucial role in enhancing your body’s functionality. 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 damage, impacting various components of the nervous system, according to Dr. Pankaj Chaudhary, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali. "Specific populations such as vegetarians, elderly individuals, and people with gastrointestinal issues face 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 rigid 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 factor is malabsorption. Disorders such as pernicious anemia, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease can impair B12 absorption within the stomach and intestines. Even when individuals intake sufficient amounts of B12, their bodies may struggle with proper assimilation, particularly in these conditions. digestive disorders Dr. Chaudhary further explains, "especially following gastrointestinal surgeries."
Ageing is another factor since elderly individuals typically generate less gastric acid, crucial for extracting B12 from their diet. He points out that prolonged usage of specific drugs—like metformin (used for managing diabetes) and proton pump inhibitors (prescribed for acid reflux)—can decrease this nutrient’s uptake even more. Moreover, heavy drinking may harm the stomach lining, complicating the process of absorbing vital nutrients including 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 prickly feelings in the hands and feet, problems with memory, and a decrease in cognitive function; severe instances might also occur (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, which could progress to severe outcomes such as dementia. Dr. Chaudhary warns, “A number of neurological signs resulting from Vitamin B12 deficiency might be misinterpreted as part of aging, leading to delayed treatment.”
- Megaloblastic anemia: B12 deficiency hinders the formation of red blood cells, which can cause megaloblastic anemia. This condition leads to symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and pallor.
- Mental health concerns: Conditions such as mood disorders including depression, irritability, and even serious psychiatric symptoms like psychosis can be associated with insufficient B12 levels.
- Increased heart disease risk: Vitamin B12 plays a role in regulating homocysteine, an amino acid associated with heart disease and strokes. Insufficient amounts of B12 can raise these levels, thereby heightening the risk for cardiovascular issues.
- Reproductive and pregnancy complications: Deficiency in B12 can lead to fertility problems and various complications during pregnancy, such as birth defects and developmental challenges in infants. Women who are pregnant or nursing, particularly those following vegetarian diets, ought to keep track of their B12 consumption.
- Vision loss: A severe lack of necessary nutrients can harm the optic nerve, resulting in blurry vision or potentially irreversible sight loss if left unaddressed.
Also read | Include these vital food sources of Vitamin B12 in your nutritious diet.
Advice for avoiding and addressing B12 deficiency
- Dietary choices: Include B12-rich items such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals in your diet.
- Supplements: Suggested for those following vegan diets, vegetarian diets, as well as people who have trouble absorbing nutrients.
- B12 injections: Essential for individuals with significant deficiencies or issues absorbing nutrients.
Disclaimer: The content of this article, which includes general health and fitness guidance, should not be considered equivalent to professional medical advice. For precise health assessments, always seek assistance from an expert.