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Consequences of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for the body. It can only be absorbed through dietary intake, primarily from animal-based products such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to a range of health issues, from mild to severe, including unusual and atypical symptoms.

Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

  1. Dietary Deficiency
    Individuals who follow vegetarian or vegan diets are at a higher risk of B12 deficiency due to the lack of animal-derived foods in their meals.
  2. Impaired Absorption
    One common cause is pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition that damages the stomach’s parietal cells, reducing the body’s ability to absorb B12 effectively.

Consequences of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

1. Psychological Effects

B12 deficiency impacts the central nervous system and can cause:

  • Depression: Persistent low mood, though it doesn’t meet the criteria for major depressive disorder.
  • Irritability: Increased agitation or frustration.
  • Cognitive Decline: Memory loss, impaired judgment, and reduced understanding, which may resemble dementia in older adults. Early treatment with B12 supplementation can improve these symptoms.

2. Neurological Effects

  • Methylmalonic Acid Build-Up: This toxic compound can damage the axons of neurons, leading to axonal neuropathy.
  • Symmetrical Paresthesia: Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations, typically in the limbs and symmetrically on both sides of the body.
  • Shuffling Gait: Parkinsonian-like symptoms where patients exhibit a hunched posture and drag their feet while walking.
  • Reduced Two-Point Discrimination: Difficulty distinguishing two separate points of contact on the skin.
  • Hyporeflexia: Decreased or absent reflexes.
  • Balance Disorders: Increased risk of falls, especially in older adults.

3. Oral Symptoms

  • Glossitis: Inflammation of the tongue, appearing red and swollen. Severe cases may lead to a smooth, shiny tongue (atrophic glossitis).
  • Angular Cheilitis: Cracking, dryness, and pain at the corners of the mouth.

4. Blood Disorders

  • Macrocytic Anemia: Characterized by abnormally large red blood cells that impair oxygen transport. Symptoms include:
    • Fatigue
    • Shortness of breath
    • Pale skin
    • Irregular heartbeat
  • Delayed Development in Children: Prolonged B12 deficiency in children can result in intellectual delays, stunted brain growth, and behavioral problems.

Preventing Vitamin B12 Deficiency

  1. Balanced Diet: Include animal-based products or B12-fortified foods in your meals.
  2. Supplements: Especially important for vegans, older adults, or individuals with absorption issues.
  3. Routine Testing: Regular blood tests can help detect deficiencies early and ensure timely treatment.

Vitamin B12 is vital for maintaining overall health. Understanding its deficiency symptoms and associated risks enables you to take proactive steps to prevent and address potential issues.

This content is summarized from the video “Vitamin B12 Deficiency Weird Symptoms (& Why They Occur)” by JJ Medicine, a channel with over 1 million subscribers.

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