The most common condition in people with B12 deficiency is fatigue. Stating that along with fatigue; confusion, memory loss and dementia are among the symptoms of B12 deficiency, experts underlined that this condition can lead to mental problems, including irreversible confusion and memory loss.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Güzin Oğuz made important evaluations about vitamin B12 deficiency.
"Fatigue is the most common symptom in people with low vitamin B12 levels. However, fatigue can be a sign of almost any health condition, or you may be tired just because you are not getting enough sleep." Dr. Güzin Oğuz said, "Other symptoms of B12 deficiency include confusion, cognitive impairment, lethargy and tingling along with fatigue."
Vegans are at risk!
"Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur when your body cannot absorb nutrients properly and you have other problems with the digestive system, when you are not getting the right nutrients in your diet," Oğuz said:
"Because most B12 comes from animal products, vegans are at risk for B12 deficiency. Crohn's and celiac disease, weight loss surgery bariatric surgery and chronic alcoholism can interfere with a person's ability to adequately absorb the nutrients they need. The elderly also have more problems with nutrient absorption and malnutrition.
B12 deficiency causes memory loss, dementia and anemia!
Vitamin B12 is a critical element that helps your body make healthy red blood cells. If you have a chronic B12 deficiency, your body cannot make the amount of red blood cells it needs, which can cause anemia. Most people with vitamin B12 deficiency have a mild problem. But in some cases, it can have serious consequences. You can develop mental problems, including irreversible confusion, memory loss and dementia. Low levels of B12 also cause nerve damage and anemia and weaken your bones."
Animal products, source of B12!
Uzm. Dr. Güzin Oğuz said that animal products such as meat, poultry and seafood and dairy foods such as milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese are the best sources of vitamin B12,
"Honey, vegetables and fruits are not sources of vitamin B12, so nutrients may not be enough for people following a vegan diet. If you are a vegan, you need supplements fortified with B12. You can also take B12 supplements, which are also recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Sometimes B12 deficiency is caused by conditions other than diet. If your body cannot absorb B12 properly, you will need a doctor's help to bring your B12 to safe levels."
How is B12 deficiency treated?
Stating that some antibiotics, antacids, seizures and diabetes medications prevent the absorption of vitamin B12, Oğuz gave the following information about the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency:
"For some people, taking vitamin supplements or consuming more animal products (or both) can help bring B12 levels back to where they should be. But other people may have a severe deficiency or have an underlying health condition that causes B12 to drop. Doctors can treat a B12 deficiency in several ways. If your symptoms are mild or moderate, you can start with a B12 supplement that you take once a day; a vitamin B12 tablet used weekly may do the trick, or you can address the problem with less frequent vitamin B12 injections."
