B12 Deficiency — causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com
Tuesday, January 09, 2018 by Earl Garcia
http://www.naturalpedia.com/b12-deficiency-causes-side-effects-and-treatments-at-naturalpedia-com.html
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition where the body suffers from significantly low levels of this essential B vitamin. Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, plays a central role in the formation of red blood cells and helps to create and regulate DNA. The important nutrient is also crucial in maintaining nerve tissue health and brain function. An entry featured on the Med Line Plus website reveals that vitamin B12 deficiency may be caused by a number of factors such as poor nutrition during pregnancy, poor diet in infants, and following a poorly planned vegetarian diet.
The article also explained that certain medical conditions may lead to low vitamin B12 levels. These adverse medical conditions include chronic alcoholism, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease as well as fish tapeworm infection and many other conditions that make digestion challenging. The entry adds that vitamin B12 deficiency may be triggered by procedures such as weight loss surgery or other treatments that remove certain parts of the stomach or small intestine. Prolonged antacid and heartburn medicine use may also result in vitamin B12 deficiency, the article adds.
Known side effects of B12 deficiency
An article published on the Medical News Today website cautions that vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to anemia. According to the entry, people with vitamin deficiency-related anemia may suffer from fatigue, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. The article adds that patients with anemia may exhibit other symptoms such as sore mouth or tongue, weight loss, and pale or yellowing skin as well as diarrhea and constipation.
The article also reveals that low vitamin B12 levels may result in menstrual problems and significant neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. People with vitamin deficiency may also experience difficulties in maintaining balance. Infants are especially susceptible to vitamin deficiency and may exhibit unusual behaviors including face tremors, reflex problems, and eventual growth problems.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may also lead to more serious conditions such as depression, confusion and memory problems. Likewise, people lacking the essential vitamin are more susceptible to permanent nerve and brain damage, psychosis, mania and dementia.
Body systems harmed by B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency is notoriously harmful to the central nervous system’s overall health. Likewise, the condition may affect the circulatory system and the digestive tract. The disorder may also compromise the respiratory tract and reproductive health.
Food items or nutrients that may prevent B12 deficiency
An article posted on the San Francisco Chronicle website suggests eating shellfish, beef, poultry and fish in order to meet the required vitamin B12 levels. Likewise, the article recommends consuming dairy products and fortified cereals to address the deficiency.
Treatments, management plans for B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be addressed through dietary intervention. However, dietary adjustments may prove challenging for some patients who may require supplements in order to fill the gap. Vitamin B12 supplements may be taken orally or through a nasal spray.
Where to learn more
- Be sure to get your B vitamins: Essential to optimal health, they make your diet delicious as well
- Got the winter blues? Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins may help alleviate depression
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency is a Common Cause for Chronic Coughing
- Find out why you’re vitiamin B12 deficient and how to correct it
- Diagnosing Vitamin B12 Deficiency: What Doctors are Missing
- Vitamin B12 deficiency linked to heart defects in newborns
Summary
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes anemia, fatigue, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may trigger face tremors, reflex problems, and eventual growth problems in infants.
Vitamin B12 deficiency also raises the odds of depression, confusion, and memory problems.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to permanent nerve and brain damage, psychosis, mania, and dementia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is notoriously detrimental to the central nervous system’s overall health.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may negatively affect both the circulatory system and the digestive tract.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may also compromise the respiratory tract and reproductive health.
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Tagged Under: Tags: B12 Deficiency
