The impact of a Vitamin B12 deficiency on health is significant. B12 deficiency is one of the most common causes of anaemia. We all know that vitamins are important- but we don’t always know which ones and why. Vitamin B12, though less talked about than Vitamin C or D, is one of the most important.
However, we are lucky that our daily requirement of this key vitamin is actually quite small. We need only 3-5 micrograms (note: 1000 micrograms equals one milligram) a day and the liver is good at storing around 2-5 milligrams in reserve. This means that it can take years for vitamin B12 deficiency to finally manifest.
Tingling sensation in the fingers or burning sensation in the hands, feet, arms or legs
Memory and concentration problems
Difficulty with coordination
Muscle weakness in the legs
Menstrual problems
Infertility
Nervousness, depression
Who is at risk of being vitamin B12 deficient?
Interestingly, the main cause worldwide is actually a lack of intake in the first place through the diet. Key vitamin B12 containing foods are meat, eggs, and dairy products, so those whose diets tend to avoid these foods such as vegans are most at risk.
To understand the other causes we need to remember that the body takes up Vitamin B12 from food by binding to a special substance produced in the stomach wall called Intrinsic Factor that makes it absorbable in the small intestine next door. So any process that affects the stomach and small intestine walls can affect the vitamin B12 levels.
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The biggest of these is an autoimmune condition called Pernicious Anaemia where the body doesn’t make this Intrinsic Factor. Other common reasons are having intestinal diseases like Coeliac Disease, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Those on long-term PPI’s (proton pump inhibitors like Omeprazole and Lansoprazole) may also be at risk for the same reason. Also, drinking alcohol can cause vitamin B12 deficiency as its effect on the stomach lining can mean less vitamin B12 is absorbed by food.
If you have or are worried about any of these causes of a lack of vitamin B12, the good news is that it is both easy to test for and easy to treat. A simple blood test through your doctor can diagnose it – and if you are found to be vitamin B12 deficient, it is easy to treat by a simple course of 6 vitamin B12 injections in the space of 3 weeks.
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