Vitamin B12 Deficiency: What to Do to Feel Better

Vitamin B12 , also known as cobalamin, is a vitamin essential to human health. It plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells, maintenance of the nervous system, and DNA synthesis.

A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems , some of which can be serious if not treated promptly. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and possible solutions to address vitamin B12 deficiencies.

Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: What Are They?

Vitamin B12 deficiencies can be caused by various reasons. For this very reason, there is no single reason behind this “problem”. Generally, among the most common, there are:

• Poor diet : Vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are at increased risk of developing a deficiency unless they take supplements or fortified foods;
• Absorption problems : Some medical conditions can affect the absorption of vitamin B12. These include pernicious anemia, atrophic gastritis, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease. Long-term use of certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors and metformin, can also interfere with absorption;
• Advanced Age: Last but not least, as you age, your body may become less efficient at absorbing vitamin B12, increasing your risk of deficiency.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: How to Recognize Them?

Now that we have discussed the possible causes, we must now address the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. These can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Megaloblastic anemia : A form of anemia characterized by abnormally large, malformed red blood cells;
• Fatigue and weakness: A lack of healthy red blood cells can lead to a constant feeling of fatigue and weakness;
• Neurological problems : B12 deficiency can cause tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, memory loss, and mood changes;
• Glossitis and oral ulcers: Among the various symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiencies, there is also inflammation of the tongue and painful ulcers in the mouth, which can be signs of deficiency;
• Jaundice : The skin and whites of the eyes may become yellowish due to the destruction of red blood cells.

How to Fill a Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Now that we have understood together what the possible causes of this deficiency and the associated symptoms can be, you might think that there is no solution. In reality, however, there are several ways to address and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency.

For this reason, now we will see together some techniques that will allow you to face the problem. The only necessary premise to make is not to replace these suggestions with a healthy and balanced life:

• Dietary modifications : For those who are not on a vegetarian or vegan diet, increasing your intake of foods rich in vitamin B12 such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products may be sufficient. For those who are on a vegan or vegetarian diet, it is important to include fortified foods such as breakfast cereals, plant-based milks, and nutritional yeast;
• Vitamin B12 Supplements : Vitamin B12 supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, sublingual drops, and nasal sprays. Consulting a doctor to determine the correct dosage is essential;
• Vitamin B12 Injections : In some cases of severe deficiency or in people with absorption problems, vitamin B12 injections may be necessary. These are administered directly into the muscle, bypassing the digestive tract.

The Role of DNA Testing

In addition to traditional methods of managing vitamin B12 deficiency, DNA testing can provide an additional dimension of personalization in treatment. These tests can identify genetic variants that affect vitamin B12 metabolism and how efficiently the body utilizes it.

For example, some people may have a genetic predisposition to a reduced ability to absorb or metabolize vitamin B12. Knowing this genetic information can help doctors personalize dietary and supplement recommendations.

For example, a person with a genetic variant that reduces intestinal absorption of B12 might benefit from higher doses of supplements or alternative forms of supplementation, such as injections.

Conclusions

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common health problem that can have serious consequences if not treated properly. Identifying the causes of the deficiency and recognizing the symptoms is the first step towards effective management.

Through a combination of dietary modifications, supplements, and in some cases, injections, this deficiency can be corrected. Additionally, the use of DNA testing to identify genetic predispositions can provide a more personalized and effective approach to treating vitamin B12 deficiency.

Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 is essential for overall well-being, and with the right strategies, this deficiency can be successfully prevented and treated.