Common Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Students
Overview of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin is required for neurological health, and also for healthy red blood cells. In animal products like meat, fish, eggs etc, the vitamin has been mainly found. So, people are advised to get their dose of vitamin B12 from dietary supplements, who does not consume meat. Foods such as soya milk are sometimes fortified with vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is not produced in the body. Hence, it is advised to take in through food. The brain and the nervous system need this vitamin to function efficiently, it is also required for the release of energy from the cells. Furthermore, it is required for the creation of new, healthy red blood cells.
To keep the body's nerves and blood cells healthy, vitamin B12 acts as a nutrient, and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. A type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak, which can be prevented with the help of vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes
In older people, the capacity to absorb vitamin B12 gets lowered. It also occurs if you have undergone weight loss surgery or if you are drunk heavily. Other causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
Pernicious anemia makes it hard for our body to absorb vitamin B12.
Atrophic gastritis in which the stomach lining gets thinned.
The vitamin absorbing capacity of the body is being reduced by the pernicious anemia.
It affects our small intestine, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite.
Graves' disease or lupus, these types of disorders of the immune system.
Medicines that inhibit the uptake of vitamin B12.
There are certain medications that interfere with the absorption of B12. This includes some heartburn medicines including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (Aciphex), H2 Blockers such as cimetidine (Tagamet) and famotidine (Pepcid AC), and certain diabetes medicines such as metformin (Glucophage).
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms
A wide range of symptoms could be seen for deficiency of Vitamin B12. The symptoms usually develop gradually, if the condition goes untreated, it can worsen. Where we have fewer red blood cells than normal or we have an abnormally low amount of a substance called haemoglobin in each red blood cell is known as anaemia.
The implications can range from minor to potentially irreversible damage, when the body does not receive enough vitamin B12. Usual symptoms include:
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Constipation
Anaemia
Brain and nerve damage can be caused with the deficiency of vitamin B12.
Dementia
Depression
Significantly increase the risk of psychosis
Pale skin
Noticeable heartbeats
It can cause symptoms that are hearing sounds coming from inside the body, rather than from an outside source (tinnitus).
If we make a conclusion the quality of our life can be negatively affected by the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. This vitamin deficiency can even bring about diseases. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that diets or supplements rich in vitamin B12 are consumed.
Fun Facts
Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse. DNA, nerve and blood cells, and is crucial for a healthy brain and immune system is being helped by this vitamin. Your metabolism wouldn't run smoothly without it. But B12 isn't like other vitamins. It's only found in animal products like eggs, meat, shellfish, and dairy. Up to 15% of people don't get enough B12, and they're more likely to be vegetarians, have celiac disease or other digestive issues, or be an adult over 50.
Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in animal products. So if we consist of plant-based foods largely such as fruits, veggies, beans, and soy, you're at risk for deficiency. Vegans need to take a supplement or consume vitamin B12, fortified foods, such as breakfast cereal, and grains who by definition consume no animal products. Non dairy milks and meat substitutes included other foods fortified with B12.
When we age, our stomach produces less acid, and stomach acid is key for B12 absorption. About one in 31 adults over 50 are deficient, estimates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Women who have been on oral contraceptives for extended periods of time tend to have issues absorbing vitamin B12. It has been seen through study that pills that are higher in estrogen are more strongly associated with B12 and folate (folic acid, or vitamin B6) deficiencies, leading to the assumption that the estrogen in the pill is the reason for this impaired absorption.
FAQs on Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms Explained
1. What are the initial signs and symptoms of having a low Vitamin B12 level?
A low level of Vitamin B12 primarily leads to a condition called megaloblastic anaemia. This results in the body producing abnormally large red blood cells that cannot function properly. The most common initial symptoms include extreme fatigue, weakness, and lethargy. This is because your body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to your tissues. Other early signs may include pale or jaundiced skin, a sore and red tongue (glossitis), and mouth ulcers.
2. What are the key neurological symptoms associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining a healthy nervous system. A deficiency can lead to significant neurological problems, which may include:
- A sensation of pins and needles (paraesthesia), especially in the hands and feet.
- Difficulty with balance and coordination (ataxia).
- Memory problems, confusion, and difficulty thinking clearly.
- In severe cases, it can cause damage to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and mobility issues.
3. What are the best food sources of Vitamin B12, and what options do vegetarians have?
Vitamin B12 is naturally found almost exclusively in animal products. Good sources include:
- Meat and Poultry: Especially organ meats like liver.
- Fish and Shellfish: Clams, sardines, tuna, and salmon are excellent sources.
- Dairy Products: Milk, yoghurt, and cheese contain significant amounts of B12.
- Eggs: The yolk is particularly rich in Vitamin B12.
4. How do doctors diagnose and treat Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Diagnosis typically begins with a review of symptoms and a blood test to measure the level of Vitamin B12 in the serum. Doctors may also check for high levels of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA), which can indicate a B12 deficiency at the tissue level. Treatment depends on the cause. If it's due to dietary insufficiency, oral supplements or dietary changes may suffice. If the deficiency is caused by an absorption problem (like pernicious anaemia), treatment often involves intramuscular injections of Vitamin B12 to bypass the digestive system.
5. Why is Vitamin B12 deficiency often overlooked or misdiagnosed?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is often missed because its symptoms are non-specific and can develop slowly over many years. Symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and memory issues are common in many other conditions, leading doctors to investigate other causes first. Furthermore, neurological symptoms can occur even without the presence of anaemia, which can be misleading. In elderly patients, symptoms are frequently mistaken for normal signs of ageing, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.
6. Can the damage caused by a long-term Vitamin B12 deficiency be permanent?
Yes, if left untreated for a prolonged period, some damage from Vitamin B12 deficiency can be irreversible. While haematological symptoms like anaemia usually resolve quickly with treatment, the neurological consequences are more serious. Nerve damage, including issues with balance, sensation, and cognitive function, may become permanent if the deficiency is not addressed in time. This is why early diagnosis and consistent treatment are critical to prevent long-lasting harm to the nervous system.
7. Besides a poor diet, what are the other major causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency?
While a vegan or strict vegetarian diet is a known risk factor, many cases of B12 deficiency stem from malabsorption issues. The most common cause is pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune condition where the body cannot produce 'intrinsic factor,' a protein needed to absorb B12 in the gut. Other causes include:
- Gastrointestinal surgeries, such as gastric bypass or removal of parts of the small intestine.
- Digestive diseases like Crohn's disease or celiac disease that impair nutrient absorption.
- Long-term use of certain medications, particularly metformin (for diabetes) and proton pump inhibitors (for acid reflux).
8. What are the recognised stages of Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency typically progresses through four distinct stages:
- Stage I: Characterised by declining plasma B12 levels as the body's stores begin to deplete. There are usually no clear symptoms at this stage.
- Stage II: Low B12 concentrations at the cellular level. Key metabolic markers like homocysteine may start to rise, but the person might still be asymptomatic.
- Stage III: Early signs of deficiency appear. This includes a rise in homocysteine levels and a slowing rate of DNA synthesis, often accompanied by subtle symptoms like mild fatigue.
- Stage IV: Clinically apparent disease. This is when classic symptoms like megaloblastic anaemia and significant neurological issues become evident.
