Vitamin B12 deficiency is a curable illness when your body does not absorb enough vitamin B12 from your diet. A lack of vitamin B12 results in physical, neurological, and psychological consequences. It is treatable with vitamin B12 supplements. If you experience any symptoms, you can look for Vitamin B12 Test Cost in India online and get the best of all.
Even though vitamins are present in many foods, B12 deficiency and insufficiency are relatively frequent. This is frequently related to a lack of B12 in the diet, malabsorption, certain medical conditions, or the use of B12-depleting drugs.
What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 shortage occurs when the body does not receive or absorb enough vitamin B12 from the food it consumes to function correctly. Vitamin B12 is a necessary component that aids in the formation of red blood cells and DNA (all of your cells' genetic material). If not treated, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to physical, neurological, and psychological issues.
Vitamin B12 helps your body maintain the health of your nerve and blood cells. It also helps produce DNA, the genetic material found in all of your cells. You must take vitamin B12-containing foods and beverages because your body does not make it on its own. Vitamin B12 is available in animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs. It is also found in fortified foods (foods that have been fortified with vitamins and nutrients), such as certain cereals, bread, and nutritional yeast.
Adults require about 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 daily, while pregnant or lactating women require more. The amount of vitamin B12 needed by newborns and children changes with age.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Each person's symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Weak muscles
- Fast heart rate
- Trouble walking
- Decreased appetite
- Smooth and tender tongue
- Lack of energy or tiring quickly (fatigue)
- Numb or tingling feeling in feet and hands
Megaloblastic anemia symptoms may resemble those of other blood diseases or health issues. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
What Causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when one does not take enough vitamin B12 or your body does not absorb the vitamin B12 you ingest adequately. The following situations or conditions can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency:
Lack of vitamin B12 in your diet
- Gastritis
- Pernicious anemia
- Digestive diseases
- Surgery.
- Alcohol use disorder
- Transcobalamin II deficiency
Diagnosis
In some cases, Vitamin B12 deficiency may be difficult to detect since symptoms are not always present or symptoms are similar to other nutritional deficiencies. In those who are at high risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency, healthcare providers will generally perform routine blood tests to check for it.
This anemia is usually discovered through a regular blood test during a medical exam. Your healthcare professional will obtain your medical history and perform a physical examination on you. Your doctor may order more blood tests for you. Other assessment techniques may be performed, such as a bone marrow biopsy.
A complete blood count (CBC) and a vitamin B12 blood test level are used to identify vitamin B12 insufficiency. If the vitamin B12 in a person's blood is less than 150 per mL, they are diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency.
Treatment
Vitamin B12 can be used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. It is frequently treated with cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form of vitamin B12. Depending on the reason for the deficiency, the individual may need to be treated until their vitamin B12 levels return to normal, or they may require vitamin B12 therapy for the rest of their lives.
Treatment options for vitamin B12 include:
- Vitamin B12 nasal gel.
- Vitamin B12 nasal spray.
- Vitamin B12 oral medication.
- Vitamin B12 intramuscular injections (a shot that goes into the muscle).
The Final Word
Vitamin B12 is a necessary nutrient for your body's wellness. Most people can avoid vitamin B12 insufficiency if they eat enough of it. If you experience risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency or are experiencing symptoms, consult a doctor. Book an appointment with your doctor to get your levels checked.