Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the nervous system, and if left untreated, the health condition can cause long-term problems.
Manifestations of a vitamin B12 deficiency occur when the body has lacked the vital nutrient for some time. As the deficiency becomes more pronounced, a number of debilitating symptoms are likely to develop.
But what are the signs and symptoms of deficiency to watch out for? Here is everything you need to know.
(Image: AP)
What symptoms indicate a deficiency?
Lack of B12 can cause vision problems, memory loss, paresthesia and ataxia.
Paresthesia is the tingling sensation in the extremities of the body, such as the hands and feet, and ataxia is when there is a loss of physical coordination.
Peripheral neuropathy, particularly in the legs, can also develop, causing numbness, tingling, or shooting pains.
In addition, muscle weakness can develop in the feet, adding to mobility problems.
“If neurological problems develop, they may be irreversible,” the NHS warned.
Daytime fatigue is one of the main symptoms of a B12 deficiency because when this vitamin is low, the body has fewer red blood cells.
The main job of those red blood cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.
The lack of red blood cells results in fatigue.
A deficiency in any of these vitamins can cause a wide range of problems, including:
- exhausted
- a lack of energy
- pins and needles (paresthesia)
- a red, sore tongue
- mouth ulcers
- muscular weakness
- disturbed vision
- psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion
- problems with memory, comprehension, and judgment
If you suspect a vitamin B12 deficiency, talk to your doctor about your concerns.
A simple blood test arranged by your doctor can determine if you are indeed deficient in vitamin B12.
What underlying health conditions lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency?
One of the most common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK is pernicious anemia.
This is an acquired autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system begins to attack the cells of the stomach.
The cells of the stomach are responsible for creating a protein called intrinsic factor.
Intrinsic factor is necessary to bind to any vitamin B12 you get from the foods you eat.
When intrinsic factor and vitamin B12 come together, the intestine can reabsorb the nutrient into the body.
If intrinsic factor is not present, vitamin B12 is lost with the stool.
The main symptoms are diarrhoea, stomach pains and cramps, bloody stools, fatigue and weight loss.
“Symptoms may be constant or they may come and go every few weeks or months,” the NHS added.
While there is no cure for the condition, treatment can be given to help reduce or control symptoms.
Treatments may include medications, such as steroid tablets, injections, and surgery to remove a small part of the digestive system.
“Usually you will have a team of healthcare professionals helping you, possibly including a GP, specialist nurse and specialist doctors,” the NHS said.
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