Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms To Be Aware Of
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 23/08/2024
Vitamin B12 is not just another vitamin, it is a vital nutrient that the human body needs to function at its best. As a water-soluble vitamin, it is a key player in the production of red blood cells, ensuring our body's energy levels and nervous system are in top form.
Since our bodies can not produce vitamins on their own, it is up to us to ensure we are getting enough vitamin B12. Luckily, it is found in a variety of plant and animal-based foods, from fish and red meat to fortified cereals. By making smart dietary choices, we can keep our vitamin B12 levels in check.
However, as we age, our body's capacity to absorb vitamin B12 from the food we eat starts to diminish, leading to deficiency. In this blog, we will learn about vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms in the mouth and other body parts, causes of this deficiency, risks associated with it and more. Keep reading to know more!
How Much Vitamin B12 Do We Need?
The daily vitamin B12 intake requirement depends on age and varies throughout life. Below is the daily intake recommendation in micrograms:
| Age | Daily Intake Value in MCG |
|---|---|
| 0 to 6 months | 4 mcg |
| 7 to 12 months | 5 mcg |
| 1 to 3 years | 9 mcg |
| 4 to 8 years | 1.2 mcg |
| 9 to 13 years | 1.8 mcg |
| 14 to 18 years | 2.4 mcg |
| 19 years or older | 2.4 mcg |
Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
There are various factors which can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, such as:
Low Dietary intake
One of the main causes of vitamin b12 deficiency in adults and children is low dietary intake of vitamin B12-rich foods. We need proper dietary food to function properly. Vitamin B12 can be found in various animal-based foods such as eggs, dairy, meat, poultry, etc.
However, if you do not include enough vitamin B12-rich food in your diet, then it can lead to deficiency. It is most common in individuals who have been on a strict vegetarian or vegan diet for at least a few years.
Malabsorption
Malabsorption of vitamin B12 can occur due to several gastrointestinal issues that prevent the nutrient from being properly absorbed. For example, surgical removal of parts of the stomach or small intestine, such as in gastric bypass surgery, can significantly reduce the body's ability to absorb B12.
Autoimmune Issues
Pernicious Anaemia is the most well-known autoimmune cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. It involves the immune system attacking the parietal cells in the stomach lining, which are responsible for producing intrinsic factor, a protein crucial for B12 absorption.
Without intrinsic factors, vitamin B12 cannot be effectively absorbed in the small intestine, leading to deficiency. Due to Pernicious Anaemia, the tongue becomes red and swollen, which can be very painful.
Medication Interference
Certain medications can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12, leading to deficiency. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers, commonly used to treat acid reflux and peptic ulcers, reduce the production of stomach acid.
Since stomach acid is necessary for releasing B12 from food, long-term use of these medications can impair B12 absorption.
Common Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency does not just happen overnight. It develops gradually over several months, with symptoms that can be subtle at first but become more pronounced over time. By understanding these symptoms, you can be proactive in managing your health.
-Decreased Appetite and Weight Loss
One of the most visible symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is a decrease in appetite or weight loss. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes various digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc.
This is because the person's loss of appetite results in a significant drop in red blood cells reaching the gut.
-Shortness of Breath
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to Anaemia. As a result of anaemia, a person may feel shortness of breath due to a lack of RBC.
This also causes a person's heartbeat to increase at a fast rate. It is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible in case of shortness of breath.
-Pale and Jaundiced Skin
Another significant symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency is pale and yellowish skin, which is also referred to as jaundice. Jaundice is a medical condition that causes skin to change colour because the body produces insufficient red blood cells (RBC).
When the body does not produce sufficient RBC, it causes an anaemic condition called Megaloblastic Anaemia.
In this condition, the RBCs produced in the bone marrow are large, which means they cannot pass out of bone marrow to the bloodstream, which disturbs circulation and causes the skin to turn yellow and pale.
-Oral Problems
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also affect oral health. Some of the common vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms in the mouth are bad taste, burning sensation and glossitis problems.
In glossitis, vitamin B12 deficiency affects the tongue and makes it red, swollen and smooth. In addition to this, deficiency of B12 causes mouth ulcers.
-Tiredness and Fatigue
Another common significant symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency is tiredness and fatigue. Vitamin B12 causes a shortage of red blood cells in the body, which prevents adequate oxygen from being transmitted throughout the body.
Because of this, a person may feel weak and tired all the time. In some extreme cases, it also causes dizziness.
-Tingling Hand or Feet
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes tingling in the hands and feet. Vitamin B12 plays an important part in the nervous system. It helps produce a substance called myelin, which helps transmit sensations.
Its deficiency may cause a person to develop nerve problems or damage, which results in a tingling feeling in the hands and feet.
-Trouble in Walking
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to trouble in walking. Vitamin B12 from food helps produce a substance called melanin, which protects the nerves from damage, especially the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for sensation and movement.
Damage to peripheral nerves can lead to movement problems and numbness in the limbs and feet, making it hard for a person to walk.
-Difficulty in Concentrating and Thinking
Vitamin B12 deficiency can have an impact on the nervous system. A deficit person may feel lightheaded and foggy all the time and have difficulty concentrating or completing the task at times.
It also affects individual thinking ability. These kinds of symptoms are usually visible in older adults.
-Repeated Patterns of Headaches
Another crucial sign of vitamin B12 deficiency in the body is repeated headaches. If a body does not get enough vitamin B12, it can affect the nervous system and cause side effects such as headaches.
This generally happens due to the insufficient amount of oxygen reaching the brain.
-Mental Health Problems
Low vitamin B12 levels in the body can also cause neuropsychiatric symptoms, which are depression, mood swings, anxiety, etc.
This generally happens in individuals who are strictly on vegan or vegetarian diets. However, taking a vitamin B12 supplement can easily reduce this condition.
-Skin and Hair Problems
Another common symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency is skin problems. Low levels of vitamin B12 in the body can cause dark spots or hyperpigmentation, acne and eczema.
Furthermore, it can lead to hair loss. Apart from this, vitamin B12 deficiency also causes nails to turn bluish and brown-grey.
Diagnosis of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 symptoms are very generic and may sometimes be misdiagnosed or undetected. Hence, it is crucial to consult a healthcare practitioner if you notice any of the above-listed symptoms.
A healthcare practitioner will diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency by conducting blood testing to check the blood count, folate and serum B12 levels. Depending on the result of the blood test, the healthcare practitioner will suggest a treatment plan.
Treatment for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
The treatment plan for vitamin B12 deficiency depends on its cause. In most cases, where the symptoms are mild, healthcare practitioners will suggest oral vitamin B12 supplements to increase the body's level of vitamin B12.
Further, doctors may also suggest a vitamin B12 injection dose in a form called hydroxocobalamin every second day twice a week until all the symptoms disappear. Below are some treatment plans based on the vitamin B12 deficiency cause:
For a vitamin b12 deficiency affecting the tongue, treatment involves a tablet or liquid that dissolves under the affected area.
If the cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is an inadequate diet, then the doctor will prescribe vitamin B12 supplements and advise you to include Vitamin B12-rich food in your diet.
If it is not related to the person's diet, then they will be prescribed a B12 injection every three months for the rest of their life.
Besides this, if the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are affecting the nervous system, then healthcare practitioners will suggest a specialised treatment plan involving B12 injections every two months for the rest of their lives.
During treatment, healthcare practitioners also suggested a follow-up blood test to check whether the vitamin B12 level returned to normal.
Tips to Prevent Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency can easily be prevented by consuming food and supplements that have adequate amounts of Vitamin B12.
Individuals can prevent deficiency by including animal-based food products such as fish, poultry, red meat, eggs, etc.
In addition to this, fortified foods are also a good source of vitamin B12. These foods are rich in vitamins and nutrients.
Some of the common fortified foods include cereals, plant milk, nutritional yeast, certain breads, etc. However, before buying any of these foods, make sure to check the label for nutritional value to know the vitamin B12 level.
In addition, various over-the-counter dietary supplements are available for vitamin B12. However, before consuming it, it is essential to consult a healthcare practitioner about its dosage and usage.
Apart from this, avoid consuming alcohol. It has been found in various studies that frequent consumption of alcohol can damage the digestive system, which makes it difficult for the body to absorb vitamin B12.
If you have any medical condition related to the digestive system, such as celiac or Crohn's disease, then follow the healthcare practitioner's advice to keep your digestive system healthy.
Importance of Purchasing Health Insurance Plan
Vitamin B12 deficiency is easily treatable and requires frequent visits to healthcare practitioners. These additional medical visits to hospitals and clinics can disturb individuals' monthly budgets and cause mental stress.
However, this can be easily avoided if you invest in the best health insurance policy. A medical insurance plan safeguards individual financial assets during unforeseen medical emergencies. It offers policyholders not only quality medical access but also peace of mind against various health issues.
By purchasing a health insurance plan, you can protect yourself and your family against sudden medical illness. Tata AIG offers health insurance policies catered to individual specific needs.
We offer different medical insurance plans, such as individual health insurance, family floater plans, critical illness cover and more. We also offer cashless treatment services to our policyholders in any authorised hospital. Our claim settlement ratio in the last has been an impressive 96.70% for health insurance claims, which highlight our efforts towards fair quick claim settlements for our policyholders’ benefit.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 is a crucial vitamin needed by the body to manage the red blood cell count. It also protects the central nervous system. Insufficient amounts of vitamin B12 can affect our bones, energy level, memory, hair, skin, etc.
However, vitamin B12 levels can easily be managed at home by consuming a vitamin B12-rich diet such as fish, red meat, cereals, etc. However, in case of severe symptoms, you can reach out to a healthcare practitioner, and they might suggest vitamin B12 supplements.
FAQS
What is vitamin B12 deficiency tongue treatment?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect oral health, causing ulcers in the mouth and a swollen or red tongue. By analysing the symptoms, doctors may prescribe Vitamin B12-infused drugs or injections to cure the condition.
How can I check if my B12 is low?
If you experience vitamin deficiency symptoms, it is best to contact a healthcare practitioner. Depending on the symptoms, he might suggest a blood test to check the vitamin B12 levels.
The test result will provide a clear picture of whether the B12 level is low or not. If it is low, the doctor will suggest a treatment plan.
What is the fastest way to fix B12 deficiency?
The fastest way to enhance vitamin B12 levels in the body is by incorporating a vitamin B12-rich diet such as fish, dairy products and red meat.
Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms To Be Aware Of. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
Related Articles
