Understanding Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions

Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and DNA in the body. Its deficiency can lead to various serious health issues. When the body lacks sufficient vitamin B12, it affects the formation of red blood cells, resulting in decreased oxygen supply to tissues and organs. Identifying the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and understanding its normal levels is crucial for maintaining overall health.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

• Weakness: Feeling excessively weak or fatigued.
• Tremors: Experiencing tremors in the hands and feet.
• Poor Appetite: Having a very low or nonexistent appetite.
• Fatigue: Persistent feelings of tiredness or exhaustion.
• Weight Loss: Experiencing unexplained and continuous weight loss.
• Yellowing of the Skin: Developing jaundice or yellowing of the skin due to decreased red blood cell production.

Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

• Inadequate Dietary Intake: Not consuming enough foods rich in vitamin B12, such as meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs.
• Dietary Restrictions: Following a vegan or vegetarian diet that lacks vitamin B12 sources.
• Malabsorption: Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or pernicious anaemia can impair the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food.
• Medication Interference: Certain medications can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12.
• Ageing: Decreased production of stomach acid with age can hinder the absorption of vitamin B12.

Normal Levels of Vitamin B12

• In adults, the normal range for vitamin B12 levels is between 200 pg/mL and 900 pg/mL.
• For the elderly, the optimal range is slightly lower, typically between 300 and 350 pg/mL.

Diseases Associated with Vitamin B12 Deficiency

• Neurological Issues: Deficiency can lead to pain in the hands and feet, poor eyesight, and neurological problems.
• Anaemia: Reduced red blood cell production results in anaemia.
• Bone Weakness: Weakened bones can occur due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Brain-related Diseases: Deficiency has a significant impact on the brain and nervous system, potentially leading to cognitive issues.

Overcoming Vitamin B12 Deficiency

To combat vitamin B12 deficiency, include foods rich in this vitamin in your diet. Options such as curd, soybeans, eggs, milk, fish, and mushrooms are excellent sources of vitamin B12. A balanced diet comprising minerals, proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates can help address deficiencies and promote overall health