Vitamin B-12 deficiency has become increasingly common. These symptoms can be telltale signs of health problems and this is what experts think.
People who have problems with memory, focus, attention and concentration may have vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as hyperthyroidism, health experts said Monday. According to a recent study, published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, almost one in four patients with hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism suffers from a vitamin B12 deficiency.
“Both hypothyroidism and B12 deficiency can accelerate degenerative or age-related processes,” Dr M Wali, senior consultant, Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS.
“Hypothyroidism is commonly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can also contribute to cognitive decline,” said Dr Sudhir Kumar, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, in a post on X.com.
The experts asked vegetarians and non-vegetarians to monitor their B12 and thyroid levels.
Dr. Wali said that most patients today are deficient in vitamin B12.
“Hyperthyroidism can also cause vitamin B12 deficiency, sometimes due to increased utilization, and therefore the process of nerve conduction and transmission of nerve impulses is delayed.
“These processes can be accelerated in patients over 55 years of age,” said the doctor.
Dr. Wali called for improving vitamin B12 analyzes in patients over 55 years of age and, in case of deficiency, taking the medications “under supervision.”
“Keep your thyroid normal and get tested every three months,” he advised.
“People who have memory difficulties and other cognitive difficulties without any obvious cause should be screened for vitamin B12 deficiency and hypothyroidism,” Dr. Sudhir added.
(With IANS inputs)
–>
