2023-11-14 06:04:52
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Symptoms and Prevention
As of: November 14, 2023, 5:04 a.m
By: Rena Föhr, Judith Braun
A vitamin B12 deficiency can have serious health consequences. Find out what symptoms can indicate a deficiency and how you can prevent it.
Vitamin B12 refers to a group of compounds also known as cobalamins, which all have the same function. They are essential for the formation of blood and genetic material and are therefore indispensable for the human body. According to the German Society for Nutrition (DGE), they also have a positive effect on the breakdown of certain fatty acids and cell division. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can therefore be harmful to your health. It often develops slowly and remains undetected for a long time. However, there are some signs that may indicate a deficit.
Headaches can be a warning sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Should you know: Nine potential signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 is primarily stored in the liver. This organ has the ability to store reserves for a period of three to four years, which means that vitamin B12 deficiency only occurs gradually. Therefore, those affected often live for a long time without noticeable symptoms. The risk is that a deficit is often only recognized when damage has already occurred. It is therefore even more important to pay attention to typical signs. These nine symptoms include:
– Headaches
– Difficulty concentrating
– Memory loss
– Chronic fatigue
– Burning tongue
– Mood swings
– Paleness
– Dizziness
– Confusion
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be due to diet
Vitamins are vital substances that the body cannot produce itself but must consume regularly through food. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can be related to diet, but also to alcohol consumption, chronic inflammation of the stomach and intestines, medication, or a deficiency of the protein intrinsic factor.
Full of Vitamins: Ten Foods You Should Eat Every Day
Milk, eggs, meat, salmon, and seafood are main sources of vitamin B12 and should therefore be regularly included in the menu to prevent deficiency. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can substitute vitamin B12 with dietary supplements – but please do so in the appropriate dosage. It is best to seek advice from your family doctor. This can also determine your vitamin B12 level in your blood.
Please note: This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment, or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.
This article was created using machine assistance and was carefully reviewed by editor Rena Föhr before publication.]
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