Lack of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin or simply B12, is one of the B complex vitamins. It is soluble in water and the body derives it from food sources. The major roles of this vitamin B are production of red blood cells, supplying energy and regulating the brain and nervous system. The normal process of assimilating this nutrient is very complex, hence lack of vitamin B12 is a common incidence. Let us see the causes, symptoms and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Causes

The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is consuming poor diet. Most of the foods rich in vitamin B12 are of animal origin. Hence, pure vegetarians are more prone to this nutrient deficiency problem than others. Another main vitamin B12 deficiency cause is reduced absorption of the nutrient in the stomach due to pernicious anemia (an autoimmune disease) or some medical problems. Shortened bowel and other bowel problems are also responsible for lack of vitamin B12 in the body, as there is reduction in the absorption of this vitamin.

Symptoms

The amount of vitamin B12 required by a healthy adult is 2 to 3 µg on a daily basis. For pregnant women, the recommended amount is 2.6 µg. As with any case of vitamin deficiency, lack of vitamin B12 usually remains asymptomatic in the initial stages. Started with mild conditions, the symptoms exacerbate with time. The notable symptoms in the early stage of deficiency are tiredness, irritability, lack of concentration, sleep problems and depression.

In addition, vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include pale skin, oral health problems, digestive problems, neurological signs and weight loss. Reduced red blood cells, which is caused due to vitamin B12 deficiency is referred to as vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. As the blood cell count is low, the oxygen and nutrient supply to the body parts is reduced. The symptoms of this anemia type are enlarged blood corpuscle, increased fatigue, change in appetite, soreness of mouth, shortness of breath, headache and palpitation.

Treatment

Timely diagnosis and correct treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency help in reversing the medical conditions. It is diagnosed by conducting blood tests and bone marrow biopsy. For mild cases, incorporating adequate amounts of foods rich in vitamin B12 is effective to manage the condition. The sources of vitamin B12 are non-fatty dairy products, tofu, whey powder, fortified cereals, oysters, mussels, fish, fish eggs, organ meat (liver), crab, beef etc. As per personal preference, make dietary modifications and increase daily vitamin B12 intake.

In case of prolonged lack of vitamin B12 in the body, increased intake of vitamin B12 foods is not sufficient. Over-the-counter vitamin supplements are used for increasing the daily intake amount of the vitamin and managing the medical problems. The rate of absorbing these nutritional formulations is highly impressive. They are available in forms of pills and patches in specific dosage. Advocating these oral supplements is considered as a safe and reliable approach for treating vitamin B12 deficiency.

For patients with severe cases of lack of vitamin B12, immediate medical attention is crucial to restore normal body functions. Based on the manifested symptoms and diagnostic test results, the doctor may prescribe oral supplements in high dose for a specific period, say for one month. As the nutrient level becomes stabilized, reduced dose will be recommended for the following months. In case of patients having absorption disorder, vitamin B12 shots (hydroxocobalamin) are delivered intramuscularly or intravenously as an immediate treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency.

With proper treatment plan, lack of vitamin B12 can be combated effectually. Always follow the doctor's directions regarding dosage intake to minimize vitamin B12 overdose. In order to avoid lack of vitamin B12 in pregnancy, one should seek advice from a nutrition expert about dietary changes and supplements (if required) while planning for conception. An expecting mother should also consume varied food items and take appropriate vitamin B12 supplements, suggested by the doctor.