Things you need to know about Vitamin B12 Deficiency!

Do you always feel tired and lethargic? Maybe you have a loss of appetite, or you feel like your memory is getting worse. These are not just random things, you may be deficient in vitamin B12 . Today, let's talk about what vitamin B12 deficiency is, why it's important for us, and how to avoid it.

What is Vitamin B12? Why is it so important for us?

Simply put, Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for our body. This vitamin works like a little worker in our body. The main thing is that it helps to make red blood cells in our body. You know, red blood cells are the ones that carry oxygen throughout the body. Also, this vitamin B12 is needed to make DNA in our body. DNA is the genetic information in our cells. Imagine, the plan of every cell in our body is in this DNA. So you must understand how important this is?

Our bodies cannot make vitamin B12 on their own. Therefore, we need to get it from the foods we eat. Animal foods , such as meat, fish, milk, and eggs , are particularly rich in vitamin B12. Sometimes, foods like bread , breakfast cereals, and nutritional yeast also have vitamin B12 added to them. These are called 'fortified foods'.

The average adult needs about 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 per day. However, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers need slightly more. The amount needed by infants and children varies depending on their age.

How does our body absorb Vitamin B12?

Our bodies can't just absorb the vitamin B12 we get from food. There's a little process for that. There are two main steps to this:

1. The first one: Hydrochloric acid in our stomach breaks down vitamin B12 in the foods we eat.

2. The second step: This separated vitamin B12 then combines with a special protein produced in our own stomach. This is called 'intrinsic factor' .

It is only after this 'intrinsic factor' is combined with it that our digestive system is able to properly absorb vitamin B12. Do you understand? If either of these two steps goes wrong, no matter how much vitamin B12 we eat, our body will not be able to absorb it.

What is anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency?

You may have heard the word 'anemia'. This anemia can also be caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12. It is called vitamin B12 deficiency anemia .

Because, as I said before, vitamin B12 is essential for making healthy red blood cells. So, when there is not enough vitamin B12 in the body, it cannot make red blood cells properly. That is when this anemia occurs. But it is also important to remember that some people can have vitamin B12 deficiency without being anemic.

Who is most likely to develop Vitamin B12 Deficiency? How common is it?

In fact, anyone of any age can develop vitamin B12 deficiency. However, the condition is slightly more common among people over the age of 60 , compared to other age groups.

Statistically, between 1.5% and 15% of the population is generally considered to have a vitamin B12 deficiency. The prevalence by age group is as follows:

• At least 3% of people between the ages of 20 and 39.
• At least 4% of people between the ages of 40 and 59.
• At least 6% of people aged 60 and over.

So, you probably understand that this is not something that is so unheard of.

What causes this vitamin B12 deficiency?

There are two main reasons why vitamin B12 deficiency can occur. One is that you don't get enough vitamin B12 from the foods you eat. The other is that even if you eat foods that contain vitamin B12, your body can't absorb it properly . There are various reasons why these conditions can occur. Let's take a look at what they are:

• Dietary vitamin B12 deficiency: This deficiency can occur in people who do not consume enough foods naturally containing vitamin B12 (such as meat, fish, and dairy products), or who do not consume foods fortified with vitamin B12. This is especially important for people who are completely vegan or vegetarian .
• Gastritis: Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. This is a common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. This is because, when you have gastritis, the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach can decrease. As I mentioned earlier, this acid is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12.
• Pernicious anemia: This is a rare condition. People with this condition are unable to make a protein called intrinsic factor. This intrinsic factor is essential for the body to absorb vitamin B12. So, when this is missing, vitamin B12 deficiency occurs.
• Digestive system diseases: Diseases that affect the digestive system, such as Crohn's disease and Celiac disease, may prevent the body from absorbing vitamin B12 properly.
• Surgery: People who have had stomach surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery for weight loss, may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12.
• Alcohol use disorder: This condition can damage your digestive system and cause vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Transcobalamin II deficiency: This is also a very rare, genetic disease. It occurs when vitamin B12 (also called cobalamin) is not transported properly in the body.

What are the symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause physical, neurological, and psychological symptoms . These symptoms may appear gradually and may increase over time. Some people may have low levels of vitamin B12 but not show any symptoms. Also, neurological symptoms or damage may occur even without anemia (a lack of red blood cells).

Let's see what these common symptoms are:

General physical characteristics:

• Feeling very tired and weak all the time.
• Conditions such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Sores in the mouth or tongue.
• Yellowing of the skin.

Neurological symptoms:

• Numbness or tingling sensation in the limbs.
• Vision problems.
• Forgetting things or getting easily distracted .
• Difficulty walking or talking as before.

Psychological symptoms:

• Feelings like depression .
• Getting angry quickly, irritability.
• A change in your feelings and behavior.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, don't assume that it's due to vitamin B12 deficiency. However, it's best to see a doctor for advice.

How to recognize Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, as it doesn't always cause symptoms, or the symptoms can be similar to those of other nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, doctors usually recommend blood tests for people who are at high risk of developing this deficiency.

The main tests used to accurately diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency are a complete blood count (CBC) and a vitamin B12 blood test level . If a person's blood vitamin B12 level is less than 150 units per milliliter, they are considered to have vitamin B12 deficiency.

How is this treated?

The good news is that vitamin B12 deficiency can be treated. It is treated with vitamin B12 itself. Most often, a synthetic form of vitamin B12 called cyanocobalamin is used. Depending on the cause of your deficiency, you may need to take treatment only until your vitamin B12 levels return to normal, or you may need to take vitamin B12 for the rest of your life.

There are several ways to treat vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Vitamin B12 oral medication.
• Vitamin B12 intramuscular injections.
• A vitamin B12 nasal gel.
• Vitamin B12 nasal spray.

The doctor will decide which treatment method is best for you.

Who is at higher risk of developing Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Some people are more likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency. Let's take a look at what these risk factors are:

• Being over 75 years old: As we age, our body's ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases, so people over 75 are at higher risk of developing this deficiency.
• Having a digestive system disease: People with digestive system diseases like Celiac disease or Crohn's disease have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12.
• Following a completely vegan or vegetarian diet: As I mentioned earlier, vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal foods. So, if people who follow this type of diet don't consume enough vitamin B12-fortified foods, they may develop this deficiency.
• Taking certain medications: Some medications can cause low levels of vitamin B12 in the body. For example:
• Metformin for diabetes.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are used to treat gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers.
• Histamine H2 blockers, which reduce stomach acid.
• Oral birth control pills .
• Having Sjögren's syndrome: People with this condition are about six times more likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Continuous alcohol consumption can damage the digestive system and lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

How to avoid Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Many people can prevent vitamin B12 deficiency by adding enough vitamin B12-containing foods to their diet.

Ways to get vitamin B12 are:

• Animal products: Red meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, and other dairy products are rich in vitamin B12.
• Fortified foods: These are foods that do not naturally contain vitamin B12, but have had vitamin B12 added to them. Examples include some breakfast cereals, nutritional yeast, some plant milks, and some breads. When you buy a food, check the nutritional facts label to see if vitamin B12 has been added.
• Dietary supplements: Many multivitamins contain vitamin B12. There are also supplements that contain only vitamin B12. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to choose the right supplement for you.

Other things that can help prevent vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Reduce or stop alcohol consumption: Regular alcohol consumption can damage your digestive system and make it difficult to absorb vitamin B12.
• Managing your digestive system well if you have a condition like Crohn's disease or Celiac disease: If you have a condition like Crohn's disease or Celiac disease, follow your doctor's instructions carefully to stay healthy.

What is the prognosis for someone with Vitamin B12 deficiency? (Prognosis)

The survival of someone with vitamin B12 deficiency depends on how quickly the deficiency is recognized and treated . If the deficiency is recognized early, many symptoms can improve with treatment. Depending on the cause of your deficiency, you may need to take medication for a short period of time, or you may need to take medication for the rest of your life.

However, if vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause long-term side effects that affect the nervous system and brain . Some of the more serious side effects of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Nerve weakness in the limbs (Peripheral neuropathy).
• Spinal cord degeneration.
• Paralysis.
• Inability to control bowel and urine (Bowel incontinence and/or urinary incontinence).
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Depression.
• Paranoia and delusions.
• Memory loss.

That is why it is important to seek medical advice immediately if you have these symptoms.

When should you see a doctor?

If you have symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, or if you are at risk of developing this deficiency, see a doctor immediately and ask if you need a blood test to check your vitamin B12 levels. If you are already diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency and are receiving treatment, don't forget to inform your doctor if you develop any new, worrying symptoms.

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for our health. Most people can get enough of it from their diet and avoid deficiency. If you have risk factors or develop symptoms, it is wise to see a doctor as soon as possible to have your blood levels checked.

So, what is the message we should remember from this story?

Okay, so here are some things you need to remember from what we've talked about:

• Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for our bodies. It is important for making red blood cells, DNA, and keeping the nervous system healthy.
• Our bodies cannot make it on their own. We need to get it from food. It is abundant in meat, fish, milk, and eggs. Vegetarians need to take vitamin B12 fortified foods or supplements.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause various symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, forgetfulness, numbness in the limbs, and sometimes anemia .
• This deficiency can be cured if detected and treated early. If it is delayed, it can cause damage to the nervous system.
• If you have these symptoms, or if you have risk factors (especially if you are elderly, vegetarian, or taking certain medications), you should definitely see a doctor for advice. This can be easily diagnosed with a blood test.

So, take care of your health. Eat a balanced diet. If you feel like there is something wrong, never hesitate to talk to a doctor about it. Good health to you!

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