Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, nervous system functions, DNA synthesis, protein synthesis and many metabolic processes. One of its most important functions is to support the health and function of red blood cells produced in the bone marrow. Insufficient vitamin B12 intake can increase the risk of anemia and cause symptoms such as fatigue and weakness. In addition, vitamin B12 protects the health of the nervous system. It is necessary for the formation and protection of the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage and contribute to nervous system disorders such as peripheral neuropathy.
What is B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. It is not produced by the body and must be obtained from food or supplements. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis and nerve functions. The benefits of vitamin B12 are:
- Supports the production of red blood cells: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia.
- It plays a role in DNA synthesis: Vitamin B12 is necessary for DNA synthesis. DNA is the genetic material of cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause DNA damage.
- Supports nerve functions: Vitamin B12 is necessary for nerve functions. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage and neurological problems.
What causes low B12?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition in which the body cannot get or use enough vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells, the function of the nervous system and DNA synthesis. Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- Not enought feeding: Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods. Vegetarians and vegans are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Absorption disorders: There are some conditions that affect the absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach and intestines. These conditions include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and gastric bypass surgery.
- Medicines: Some medications can reduce the absorption of vitamin B12. These medications include metformin, proton pump inhibitors, and antibiotics.
- Senile: Vitamin B12 absorption may decrease with aging.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. These problems include anemia, nerve damage and heart disease. Diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is made through blood tests. If you are diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency, it is necessary to take vitamin B12 as a supplement. Vitamin B12 supplements are available as oral tablets, capsules, or injections.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition in which the body cannot get or use enough vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells, the function of the nervous system and DNA synthesis. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency and how long it has existed. Mild vitamin B12 deficiency usually does not cause any symptoms. However, severe vitamin B12 deficiency can cause the following symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- dizziness
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- memory problems
- difficulty concentrating
- speech disorders
- gum problems
- Anorexia
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. These problems include anemia, nerve damage and heart disease. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also affect the function of the nervous system. This can cause mental and emotional changes. Psychological symptoms of B12 deficiency include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- memory problems
- difficulty concentrating
- Apathy
- hallucinations
- delusions
B12 deficiency is not the only cause of these psychological symptoms. However, these symptoms may be more common in people with B12 deficiency. If B12 deficiency is left untreated, this can cause psychological symptoms to worsen. Therefore, if these symptoms occur in people with B12 deficiency, it is important to consult a doctor.
What does B12 deficiency cause?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition in which the body cannot get or use enough vitamin B12. B12 deficiency can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Problems that can be caused by B12 deficiency are:
- Anemia: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells. B12 deficiency can cause the number of red blood cells to decrease. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath.
- Nerve damage: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the function of the nervous system. B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage. This condition can cause symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, speech disorders, and difficulty walking.
- Heart disease: B12 deficiency may increase the risk of heart disease.
- Alzheimer’s disease: B12 deficiency may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Other health problems: B12 deficiency can also lead to some other health problems. These problems include depression, anxiety and infertility.
Factors that increase the risk of B12 deficiency include:
- Becoming a vegetarian or vegan
- Stomach or intestinal problems
- Senile
- some medications
- hereditary factors
At what level is vitamin B12 dangerous?
Vitamin B12 levels may vary from person to person, but generally an adult’s normal vitamin B12 level is 200 to 900 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) It should be between . These measurements are determined by blood tests. Falling outside this range may indicate vitamin B12 deficiency or excess. Vitamin B12 deficiency means that B12 levels fall below the normal range.
Vitamin B12 excess is less common and is usually caused by excessive supplement intake or a health problem. Excessive intake of vitamin B12 can cause some health problems and can be especially dangerous for people with kidney problems.
What happens if B12 deficiency is left untreated?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause the body not to produce enough healthy red blood cells. This is known as anemia and can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin and shortness of breath. Vitamin B12 is also essential for nervous system health. Deficiency can cause nerve damage, leading to a condition called neuropathy. Neuropathy can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and balance problems.
Long-term vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to cognitive problems. Symptoms such as memory loss, mental concentration problems, and mild mental disorders may occur. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to high homocysteine levels. High homocysteine may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a weakened immune system and make a person more susceptible to infections.
B12 deficiency can lead to permanent health problems if left untreated. Therefore, if you are experiencing symptoms of B12 deficiency, it is important to consult a doctor. If B12 deficiency is left untreated, the following consequences may occur:
- Symptoms such as anemia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath may become worse.
- Nerve damage can cause symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, speech disorders, and difficulty walking.
- The risk of heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease may increase.
- Other health problems such as depression, anxiety, and infertility may occur.
Since vitamin B12 deficiency can have such serious consequences, an appropriate treatment plan should be determined by a healthcare professional when the deficiency is diagnosed and needs to be treated. Treatment is usually with vitamin B12 supplements or injections and can help relieve symptoms quickly. Therefore, it is important for people showing symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency to seek medical attention without delay.
How is low B12 treated?
The aim of B12 deficiency treatment is to normalize the vitamin B12 level and relieve the symptoms caused by the deficiency. After starting treatment, symptoms usually begin to improve within a few weeks. Treatment for B12 deficiency usually does not have any side effects. However, some people who take vitamin B12 supplements by injection may experience side effects such as pain or redness at the injection site.
Treatment for low B12 varies depending on the severity of the deficiency and how long it has been going on. Mild B12 deficiency can be treated with oral vitamin B12 supplements. Severe B12 deficiency may require vitamin B12 supplementation by injection. Mild B12 deficiency can be treated with oral vitamin B12 supplements. These supplements are available in tablet, capsule or liquid form. It is generally recommended to take 1000 mcg of vitamin B12 1-2 times a day.
Severe B12 deficiency may require vitamin B12 supplementation by injection. These injections are usually given once a week. Treatment may take several months or years, depending on the severity of the deficiency.
What to do if B12 is too low?
If your vitamin B12 levels are too low, this can lead to serious health problems and it is important to get it treated quickly. If you suspect vitamin B12 deficiency or have been diagnosed with low vitamin B12 levels, consult a doctor. A healthcare professional will perform the necessary tests to determine the cause of B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency treatment is usually done with vitamin B12 supplements or injections. Your doctor will determine which treatment method is best for you. After starting treatment, do not forget to go for regular follow-up checks as recommended by your doctor. Vitamin B12 deficiency can sometimes be a symptom of another underlying health problem. Your doctor may also perform other health tests to determine the cause of the deficiency and optimize treatment.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by malnutrition or absorption problems. Therefore, it is important to add foods rich in vitamin B12 to your diet or review your diet in line with your doctor’s recommendations. After starting treatment, continue to regularly take vitamin B12 level control tests recommended by your doctor. Also, continue with the supplements and dietary changes recommended by your doctor to prevent the deficiency from recurring.
What should people with B12 deficiency eat?
Vitamin B12 is a vitamin necessary for the production of red blood cells, the function of the nervous system and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 is found in foods of animal origin. Vegetarians or vegans are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Those with B12 deficiency can increase their vitamin B12 intake by consuming the following foods:
- Animal products: Meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products are rich in vitamin B12.
- Herbal products: Yogurt, fortified breakfast cereals and supplements are plant-based foods rich in vitamin B12.
Animal foods rich in vitamin B12 include:
- Meat: Beef, lamb, chicken, turkey
- Fish: Tuna, salmon, mackerel
- Poultry: egg, chicken
- Dairy products: Milk, yoghurt, cheese
Plant foods rich in vitamin B12 include:
- Yogurt: Some yoghurts contain fortified vitamin B12.
- Fortified breakfast cereals: Many breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin B12.
- Supplements: Vitamin B12 supplements can be of both animal and plant origin.