2023-09-30 14:56:00
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms: How it Can Harm Your Health
If you suffer from a Vitamin B12 deficiency, it can be harmful to your health. Vitamins play a vital role in controlling various functions in our body, so it’s clear that a deficiency can have negative effects. A Vitamin B12 deficiency develops slowly and often goes unnoticed for a long time.
Vitamin B12 is not a single vitamin but a group of compounds known as cobalamins. These substances are essential for the body as they play a central role in blood formation and the creation of new genetic material (DNA). They also have a positive effect on cell division and the breakdown of certain fatty acids, according to the German Society for Nutrition (DGE).
The main store of Vitamin B12 is in the liver, which means deficiencies only develop gradually. The deficiency can remain asymptomatic for a long time and is usually only detected when nerves have already been damaged. However, there are symptoms you should watch out for.
The following symptoms indicate a Vitamin B12 deficiency: burning tongue, permanent fatigue, lack of concentration, memory loss, headache, dizziness, paleness, confusion, and mood swings.
The symptoms are mainly due to anemia caused by the Vitamin B12 deficiency. Sufficient Vitamin B12 is needed for the formation of red blood cells. The vitamin activates enzymes that transform hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport in the blood. Without enough B12, a chain reaction occurs: there is too little hemoglobin and therefore too few red blood cells, leading to persistent tiredness, weakness, paleness, dizziness, or even a higher heart rate. Anemia can also result from other deficiency symptoms, such as iron deficiency.
Another important function of Vitamin B12 is its role in protecting our nerve cells. It is involved in the formation of the myelin sheath, which insulates nerve fibers and ensures rapid transmission of sensory perceptions and stimuli. A deficiency in Vitamin B12 can lead to the destruction of the myelin layer, impairing nerve transmission and causing symptoms such as tingling in hands and feet, numbness or pain in the limbs, muscle weakness, coordination problems, sensory disorders, reflex disorders, and vision problems. Chronic damage to the nervous system can occur as a result.
Reduced intake and stomach issues can contribute to a Vitamin B12 deficiency. While animal products such as eggs, milk, seafood, salmon, and meat are the main sources of Vitamin B12, vegetarians and vegans need to find alternative ways to ensure an adequate intake. The daily requirement for Vitamin B12 is around four micrograms for young people aged 13 and over and for adults. Plant-based foods are not sufficient to cover this need, according to the DGE.
Preventing a Vitamin B12 deficiency involves consulting a doctor as soon as symptoms of nerve damage appear. A Vitamin B12 test can be carried out, and the doctor can advise on suitable supplements or dietary changes. It’s important to clarify the dosage with a doctor before consuming any supplements. Early intervention can help reverse the damage caused by a deficiency, while ignoring the symptoms can lead to irreversible damage over time.
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