Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes, Test & Treatment

The presence of Vitamin B12 can help in the healthy development of the nervous system and its components. However, a deficiency of Vitamin B12 can lead to a variety of health issues. All the information provided here can help in understanding the causes of vitamin b12 deficiency, its symptoms and how to treat them. 

What are the Main Sources of Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is one of the many important vitamins responsible for the proper functioning of several functions within the human body. The main sources of Vitamin B12 can be found in food of animal origins like fish, meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. As the human body does not have the ability to create Vitamin B12, its deficiency can lead to a number of health issues.

Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

There are several different reasons for an individual to be diagnosed with low amounts of Vitamin B12. At B Lal Labs, you can get a test for what causes vitamin B12 deficiency. Some of the most common reasons why an individual may suffer from vitamin b12 deficiency are as follows: -

1. Inhibitive medicines that reduce the chances of heartburn reduce the side effects of diabetes, and other blockers can lead to a deficiency in the level of Vitamin B12.
2. A condition known as pernicious anaemia can also lead to low Vitamin B12 levels in your body.
3. A condition known as Atrophic gastritis can lead to a deficiency of Vitamin B12 in the affected individual’s body.
4. Celiac or Crohn’s disease and similar conditions that affect the small intestine lead to the symptoms of low vitamin b12.
5. Additionally, immune system disorders like Lupus or Graves’ Disease are also among the contributors to b12 vitamin deficiency symptoms.

In addition, having a healthy diet and consuming food that aids in the proper absorption of nutrients reduces the chances of developing symptoms of low vitamin b12. Another important cause of less than sufficient Vitamin B12 in the body is the absence of animal sources in an individual’s diet. 

Although, it is important to keep in mind that only understanding the reasons for less than normal vitamin b12 levels is necessary. Proper observation of symptoms of low vitamin B12 as mentioned next will help to learn if the individual is suffering from vitamin b12 deficiency.

Suggested Read: (Vitamin b12 level test purpose procedure and results)

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency

 As mentioned previously, vitamin B12 is available from different food sources; however, it is important to note that a deficiency in Vitamin B12 is quite common. Many symptoms mentioned below can assist the healthcare provider in understanding if the individual is suffering health issues due to the symptoms of low vitamin b12. The following are some of the most commonly observed low vitamin b12 symptoms:

Tingling limbs

The deficiency of Vitamin B12 in the body can lead to the feeling of pins and needles in the hands and feet of the affected individual. It occurs due to the absence of myelin that protects the nerves and aids the transmission of sensation through touch. 

Issues in walking

A deficiency in Vitamin B12 can also lead to problems due to numbness in the feet. Apart from the numbness, the individual affected due to low vitamin b12 may also suffer from lowered reflexes and weakness in their muscles.

Fatigue

Among the many symptoms of low vitamin b12, fatigue is also observed in many individuals. Due to the reduced amount of red blood cells, there is a lower amount of oxygen in their body. It can lead to the feeling of fatigue in the individual’s body.

Increased heart rate

Another one of the multiple b12 vitamin deficiency symptoms is an increased heart rate. The reduced production of red blood cells in the body causes the heart to increase the amount of blood being pumped to all of the body parts.

Pain in the mouth

A Vitamin b12 deficiency can also lead to the development of oral health problems like mouth ulcers, burning sensation in the mouth and glossitis, signified by a swollen, smooth and red tongue.

Reduced appetite and weight loss

Due to digestive issues like nausea and diarrhoea, an individual with deficiency in Vitamin B12 can have a low appetite and weight loss.

Apart from the above, some other vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms are irritability, cognitive impairment, pale skin and shortness of breath. If the individual is having any of the above issues, it is important to get a test done at the nearest B Lal Lab.

Treatment for Vitamin B12 Deficiency

When an individual is diagnosed for a deficiency in Vitamin B12, it is necessary to get a test for vitamin b12 done. Dr. B. Lal Labs is a leader when it comes to well-known pathology networks. Thanks to the latest technology applied for diagnostic test results, individuals having health issues due to less than normal vitamin b12 levels can get tests done at the diagnostic centre. Once the test results are received, it is necessary to get proper treatment so that normal levels of Vitamin B12 are restored. Here are the most common ways of treating a deficiency of Vitamin B12 in individuals: -

Injections

Usually, the deficiency of vitamin b12 is treated depending on the absence of the type of Vitamin B12. There are two different injections given to the individual, which are:

• Hydroxocobalamin
• Cyanocobalamin 

The best choice for the restoration of low vitamin b12 levels is the Hydroxocobalamin injection as it stays within the body for a longer duration. After the initial period, the individual’s cause of deficiency in Vitamin B12 is reassessed. In addition, the symptom of vitamin b12 deficiency mentioned previously is further analysed. 

Diet

In case the deficiency of Vitamin B12 is caused due to food and improper diet, then the healthcare provider may prescribe Vitamin B12 tablets. Some individuals who do not consume animal sources of nutrients may also be prescribed tablets for the recovery of normal vitamin b12 levels. Some of the best sources that help with Vitamin B12 deficiency are:

• Eggs
• Fish and seafood
• Meat
• Milk and dairy products

Depending on their type of diet, the doctor can also prescribe them alternatives to meat and dairy products that include Vitamin B12.

Non-diet related treatment

Among the other ways through which the deficiency of Vitamin B12 can be improved is through regular injection of Vitamin B12 nutrients. Normal b12 levels for adults can be done with the regular consumption of supplements or multivitamins with Vitamin B12.

Dr. B. Lal Lab, with their years of experience and cutting-edge technology, provide you with a vitamin B12 test at an accessible price. Due to the budget-friendly cost of the Vitamin B12 test, anyone can get the test done and get further help according to the symptoms and level of Vitamin B12 in their body.