Do you also feel tired all the time, lethargic, and have trouble concentrating? Sometimes we think this is normal fatigue caused by overwork. But it could also be a signal from within our body. In particular, there is a high chance that this could be a symptom of Vitamin B12 Deficiency . Although most people have adequate levels of Vitamin B12 in their bodies, some do not. Today, let's talk about why our bodies don't have enough of this valuable vitamin, what causes it, and what we need to be aware of.
Why is vitamin B12 so important for our body?
Think of our body as a complex machine. For this machine to function properly, it needs to receive the right amount of fuel and oil. Vitamin B12 is one of those essential nutrients that our body needs.
Simply put, vitamin B12 is mainly important for:
- To make red blood cells: These red blood cells carry oxygen throughout our bodies. B12 is essential for their proper formation. If there is not enough B12, anemia, or as we call it, anemia, can develop.
- For nervous system health: Our nerves need B12 to function properly and maintain the protective covering (myelin sheath) around them. A B12 deficiency can cause problems like tingling in the hands and feet, and loss of sensation.
- Brain function: B12 also has an impact on memory, attention, and overall brain health.
If vitamin B12 deficiency is ignored, it can have serious long-term effects on the heart, nervous system, and even the brain. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.
What are the main causes of B12 deficiency?
Okay, now let's look at why some people are deficient in this vitamin. There's not just one reason, but several. If your doctor suspects that you have low B12 levels, he or she will first check to see if you have any of these conditions.
1. A condition called Pernicious Anemia
This may sound like a scary word, but it's actually quite simple to understand. Simply put, it's a small mistake made by our own immune system .
Inside our stomach, that is, in the stomach, a special protein is produced that helps us absorb vitamin B12 from the food we eat. This is called 'Intrinsic Factor' (IF) . Just like you need a key to open a lock, you need this key called IF to absorb B12.
In pernicious anemia, our immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the stomach that make IF. So when IF stops being made, no matter how much B12 we eat, our body can't absorb it.
Treatment: This used to be called 'pernicious', but now it's nothing to be afraid of. There are very effective treatments for this. Your doctor will often prescribe a B12 injection . Initially, you'll start with about once a week, and once your B12 levels return to normal, you'll probably need to take a monthly injection or a high-dose supplement for the rest of your life. If you don't like injections or pills, there are also nasal sprays of B12. Talk to your doctor to decide which is best for you.
2. Aging and stomach changes
As people age, especially after the age of 50 , they may develop a condition called atrophic gastritis . This is when the stomach walls become thinner and the production of stomach acid decreases.
Hydrochloric acid helps to separate vitamin B12 from the proteins in the food we eat and make it available for the body to absorb. So when there is not enough of this acid, it becomes difficult to absorb B12 from food.
But there is good news. Although people with this condition have difficulty absorbing B12 from food, it is easier to absorb B12 from vitamin supplements or fortified foods. That is why people over the age of 50 are advised to get B12 from these sources. However, it is best to ask your doctor about the right dosage for you.
What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?
When B12 deficiency occurs, the body gives us a variety of signs. Some of the symptoms are so common that we can mistake them for other illnesses. Check out the table below to see if these symptoms sound familiar to you.
| Symptom | Feeling / Description |
|---|---|
| Frequent fatigue and weakness | Feeling lifeless no matter how much sleep you get, feeling tired even after doing the slightest task. |
| Pale or yellow skin | Skin discoloration due to a lack of healthy red blood cells. |
| Numbness in hands and feet | It feels like ants are walking around, or like you're being pricked by needles. This is an effect on the nerves. |
| Difficulty walking and loss of balance | The feeling of losing balance while walking, like being unable to maintain balance. |
| Sore and red tongue | The tongue may become swollen, red, and smooth. Mouth sores may also develop. |
| Memory loss and confusion | Forgetting things, inability to concentrate, and sometimes restlessness. |
If you have one or more of these symptoms for a long time, it is essential to seek medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Vitamin B12 is essential for the health of our nerves, blood, and brain.
- Frequent fatigue, pale skin, and numbness in the limbs can be common symptoms of B12 deficiency.
- Pernicious anemia and atrophic gastritis, which occurs with aging, are two major medical causes of B12 deficiency.
- If you are a vegan or plant-based diet, you are at higher risk of developing a B12 deficiency.
- Never diagnose a condition based on symptoms alone and start taking vitamin pills. First, see your doctor , find the exact cause of the deficiency, and get the right treatment.
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