B12 deficiency and weight gain can be serious problems if left untreated. It can cause a number of physical, neurological and psychological problems. The best way to treat it is to understand the symptoms and the causes.
Pernicious anemia
Pernicious anemia is a disease in which the body cannot absorb enough vitamin B12 in the small intestine. This leads to the inability to produce sufficient red blood cells. The resulting anemia may be severe or mild, depending on how the disease is treated.
Pernicious anemia most often affects people over 60. Some of the symptoms of this disease include: nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and abdominal bloating. People with this condition also have a tendency to develop stomach cancer.
Although many people think that pernicious anemia is a genetic trait, it is actually caused by an autoimmune response. This autoimmune reaction affects the immune system and results in the production of antibodies that attack the cells of the stomach lining. When the immune system is attacked, the lining of the stomach cannot produce a protein called intrinsic factor.
Without this protein, the vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed into the body. It is also important for proper red blood cell development in the bone marrow.
Deficiency of this vitamin can result in neurological problems, as well as anemia. If the problem is not treated, neurological damage can be permanent. Neurological problems include difficulty walking, memory loss, and vision disturbances.
Symptoms of this condition can be very similar to other types of anemia. Fortunately, treatment is available. Treatment includes vitamin B12 injections that restore optimal ranges of blood levels. In addition, it is important to follow a diet that is fortified with this vitamin.
Pernicious anemia can be diagnosed by blood tests. These tests measure methylmalonic acid and folate levels. However, other tests are needed to determine the cause of the problem.
Other diseases can also increase the risk of developing pernicious anemia. Certain medications can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12. Also, the immune system can produce autoantibodies, which will attack the lining of the stomach.
Pernicious anemia can be difficult to diagnose, as it can go undetected for a number of years. But if you suspect you are suffering from this disease, you should consult a doctor immediately. By addressing the problem in the early stages, you can prevent future complications.
Fatigue
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient-rich substance needed by the body for a number of important functions. In addition to helping the brain, nerves, and muscles work properly, it also plays a key role in metabolism.
When your body doesn’t have enough B12, you’re more likely to experience fatigue. You can get the energy you need from eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep.
People who have gastrointestinal surgery or a medical condition that hinders nutrient absorption may also be at risk of experiencing a B12 deficiency. It’s best to talk to your doctor before taking vitamin supplements.
One of the first signs of a B12 deficiency is frequent fatigue. This can be caused by many different factors, including a busy schedule, genetics, or an underlying health condition.
If you are worried that you might be suffering from a B12 deficiency, ask your doctor for a blood test. The test will identify your vitamin levels and determine the cause of your symptoms.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to abnormal red blood cells, which can lead to fatigue. These cells carry oxygen to every part of the body. Whenever you lack the oxygen you need, your muscles, tissues, and organs cannot perform as effectively as they should.
Fatigue is the most common symptom of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Typically, people who have a deficiency feel tired even after eight hours of sleep.
Some studies have shown that a B12 deficiency can increase the chances of developing depression. However, doctors aren’t completely sure why this happens.
Some of the symptoms of a B12 deficiency can be easily masked by the use of folic acid. For example, if your tongue burns when you eat a meal, your doctor might prescribe you folic acid.
Taking a vitamin B12 supplement can help restore your vitamin B12 levels. You should also avoid stress and get plenty of rest.
While it’s important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms, it’s also helpful to write down your questions ahead of time. Your doctor will probably need to refer you to a specialist for more tests and treatments.
Physical, neurological and psychological problems
When your body doesn’t get enough vitamin B12, it can have a detrimental effect on your health. This can include physical, neurological and psychological problems. While the symptoms tend to get worse, you can still reverse the problem by seeking help from a doctor.
Some symptoms of a deficiency can include a shortness of breath, depression, incontinence, and memory loss. Other symptoms can be severe and can lead to irreversible problems. If you think you might have a vitamin B12 deficiency, it’s important to find a doctor right away.
You can determine if you have a B12 deficiency by testing your blood for levels of methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) and homocysteine. People who have high levels of these substances are at a greater risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency.
There are a number of causes for B12 deficiency. For example, people who have certain types of surgery may have trouble absorbing the vitamin. Drugs that interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 can also cause the condition. Also, some medications used to treat alcoholic liver disease may have a negative impact on the body’s ability to absorb the vitamin.
If your doctor suspects you have a B12 deficiency, he or she may order a blood test to find out if you have pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is a rare disorder that involves the inability for the body to properly absorb the vitamin. It is most commonly found in adults over the age of 50, though it can occur in children and pregnant women.
Patients with anemia present with fatigue, exertional breathlessness, and pale lips. They might also experience a tingling or numbness in the hands and legs.
Neurologic problems can occur when the nerves in the brain or spinal cord are damaged. This can affect reflexes, sensation, and even your ability to walk. Sometimes, the problem is more pronounced in the feet than in the arms or legs.
If your condition has gotten worse, you should ask your doctor to perform further tests to identify the cause of your deficiency. If you have a diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency, you may need to undergo a high-dose intravenous vitamin B12 injection every two weeks to keep your symptoms under control.
Treatment
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you may be at risk for getting a vitamin B12 deficiency. This type of deficiency can affect you because it is important for maintaining the health of your nervous system.
If you are a strict vegetarian, you should include fortified vitamin B12 foods in your diet. People who have undergone weight loss surgery or have Crohn’s disease may also be at risk for having a deficiency.
Vitamin B12 is water-soluble and helps maintain the health of your nervous system. It also helps with energy metabolism. A deficiency in this vitamin can cause anemia and nerve damage. Symptoms are typically mild but they can become serious. Depending on the cause, treatments for a vitamin B12 deficiency can vary.
One common type of vitamin B12 deficiency is pernicious anemia. This condition occurs when the immune system attacks the cells in your stomach. The lining of your stomach contains a protein that helps your body absorb vitamin B12.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue, weakness, muscle aches, and abnormal red blood cells. You can detect the deficiency through physical examination or routine blood tests.
Pernicious anemia is more common in people over 50. Another autoimmune condition that can cause vitamin B12 deficiency is celiac disease. Your doctor will perform an internal exam to find out if you have any digestive disorders that may interfere with your nutrient absorption.
Aside from these medical conditions, a number of medications can hinder your ability to absorb vitamins. These include H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors.
In the most serious cases of vitamin B12 deficiency, injections may be necessary. Your doctor may prescribe a high-dose injection of vitamin B12 every two weeks.
Other factors that can cause vitamin B12 deficiency are frequent alcohol consumption or eating habits that don’t allow your body to absorb enough nutrients. Medications that inhibit the production of stomach acid, such as antacids, can make it difficult for your body to absorb vitamin B12.
To avoid developing a deficiency, talk to your doctor about eating fortified foods or taking a daily supplement. Remember that it can take several years for a vitamin B12 deficiency to develop.
