Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms – Causes and Treatment
A Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, nerve damage, and anaemia. Learn which symptoms occur, who is at particular risk, and when to seek medical advice.
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A Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, nerve damage, and anaemia. Learn which symptoms occur, who is at particular risk, and when to seek medical advice.
What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that the body needs for the production of red blood cells, proper nervous system function, and DNA synthesis. Since the body cannot produce Vitamin B12 on its own, it must be obtained through food or supplements. A deficiency develops gradually and can have serious consequences if not detected in time.
Common Causes
- Vegan or vegetarian diet: B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products.
- Stomach conditions: The absence of Intrinsic Factor prevents B12 absorption, leading to pernicious anaemia.
- Medications: Proton pump inhibitors or metformin can impair absorption.
- Older age: Reduced stomach acid production makes it harder to absorb B12.
- Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn disease.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Symptoms often develop over months or years and can vary widely:
- General complaints: Persistent fatigue, weakness, pallor, and loss of appetite.
- Blood abnormalities: Megaloblastic anaemia, characterised by enlarged, immature red blood cells.
- Neurological symptoms: Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, balance problems, memory impairment, and in severe cases depression or confusion.
- Mouth and tongue: Inflamed, red tongue (glossitis) and cracked corners of the mouth.
- Cardiovascular: Elevated homocysteine levels, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
At-Risk Groups
Those particularly at risk include vegans, older adults over 60, pregnant women, individuals who have undergone gastric surgery, and patients on long-term therapy with certain medications.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A B12 deficiency is confirmed through a blood test. Measurements include serum B12, holotranscobalamin (active B12), and functional markers such as methylmalonic acid and homocysteine. The WHO recommends a daily intake of 2.4 µg for adults. Once a deficiency is confirmed, treatment involves high-dose oral supplements or intramuscular injections. Early treatment can prevent or reverse neurological damage.
When to See a Doctor
Anyone experiencing persistent fatigue, tingling in the limbs, memory problems, or who belongs to a known at-risk group should consult a doctor promptly to avoid permanent nerve damage.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Vitamin and Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition, 2nd edition, Geneva 2004.
- Stabler SP. Vitamin B12 Deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine. 2013;368(2):149-160. PubMed PMID: 23301732.
- German Nutrition Society (DGE): Reference Values for Nutrient Intake – Vitamin B12, Bonn 2019.
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Related search terms: Vitamin B12 deficiency + B12 deficiency + cobalamin deficiency + Vitamin B12 deficit