Overview of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin. It is a water-soluble vitamin required for the formation of the blood and keeps healthy our nervous system . Vitamin B12 is very important for functioning the parts of our body. A deficiency can cause a wide scope of problems.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?
It includes –
- Tiredness and Weakness
- Loss of balance
- Weight Loss
- Decreased Appetite
- Irritability
- Shortness of Breath
- Problems with memory, understanding, and judgment.
- Blurred Vision.
What are the Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
A protein called intrinsic factor is required for vitamin B12 absorption by the body. This protein is generated by cells in the stomach lining. This condition most commonly affects senior citizen persons (Above 50 years old).
Stomach conditions such as Atrophic gastritis, which causes thinning of the stomach lining can cause vitamin B12 deficiency.
Surgical procedures that remove the whole stomach, or the end of the small intestine, may prevent adequate absorption of vitamin B12.
Certain medications can slow down the absorption of Vitamin B12.
If any people are taking poor diet it is the higher risk for vitamin b12 deficiency.
How We can Diagnosed Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
The doctor tells vitamin b12 deficiency based on medical history and symptoms. The following laboratory tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis –
- Level of red blood cells and their appearance.
- Level of iron and folate.
- Intrinsic factor antibodies
- Methylmalonic acid level
How is Vitamin B12 Deficiency Treated ?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is treated with supplements of vitamin b12 and made of foods that are rich in vitamin b12 such as –
- Eggs
- Meat
- Milk
- Poultry
- Shellfish
- Fortified cereals
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