Explore the common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, including dietary restrictions, medications, age, alcohol consumption, and underlying conditions, plus recognize potential symptoms and complications.
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Did you know that a B12 deficiency can take years to show up? And sometimes it’s tricky to pinpoint because some symptoms mimic other health issues. Think fatigue for example—it’s a common complaint that could be tied to several things, not just low B12. So, treating the deficiency might get delayed.
That’s why we’re gonna explore the main causes of vitamin B12 deficiency. We’ll go into more detail below!
- Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Following a Vegetarian Diet
- Taking Certain Medications
- Diabetes or Autoimmune Diseases
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
- Advancing Age
- Other Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Complications of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Alright let’s jump right into the reasons behind low B12.
1. Following a Vegetarian Diet
Most single food sources rich in B12 are animal-based. These include meat, poultry, fish, seafood and dairy. If you’re sticking to a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, you might find yourself at a higher risk of developing a B12 deficiency. So, it’s important to consider supplements to avoid a deficiency.
2. Taking Certain Medications
Certain medications and treatments for health issues can impact how your body absorbs vitamin B12, leading to lower levels, and these include:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Often used to treat heartburn and acid reflux, but, they can decrease B12 absorption.
- Proton pump inhibitors: These are medications prescribed for heartburn, that work by blocking the production of stomach acid needed to release vitamin B12 from the food we eat.
- Certain diabetes medications: Such as Metformin.
3. Diabetes or Autoimmune Diseases
Often, managing blood sugar levels with diabetes impacts vitamin B12 levels. Even if you’re diligent about your diet. Autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s or celiac disease, can also reduce vitamin B12 absorption. It’s essential to eat fortified foods and talk with your doctor about potential supplementation in those instances.
4. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
If you regularly drink a lot of alcohol, it can mess with your vitamin B12 stores. This is because alcohol prevents your body from absorbing as much B12 as it needs. Meaning you could develop a deficiency.
Those who drink heavily should be aware of their B12 levels and possibly consider supplements to stay healthy. Alcohol can keep your body from absorbing vital nutrients! It affects your diet overall.
5. Advancing Age
As you get older, your body might not function as efficiently as it used to. As a result, it can impact how well it absorbs nutrients, including vitamin B12. This makes older adults more prone to deficiencies.
This increased risk is also attributed to certain conditions like amnesia and loss of memory. This means it’s essential to consider B12 supplements. Especially, to avoid a deficiency.
Speaking of deficiencies, did you know that a lack of stomach acid, commonly seen in older adults, can severely hinder B12 absorption? The stomach acid is needed to separate the B12 from the protein it’s attached to in food, a vital step before your body can use it. This is why supplementation, especially in a form that bypasses the need for stomach acid (like sublingual B12), is often recommended for those over 50.
6. Other Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Other notable causes include:
- Atrophic gastritis, thinning of the stomach lining.
- Pernicious anemia, meaning your body can’t absorb vitamin B12.
- Conditions affecting the small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease or bacterial and parasitic infections.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
There are several symptoms and indicators that can surface when you’re low in vitamin B12, most common include:
- Fatigue and exhaustion.
- Tingling in the extremities.
- Memory problems.
- Difficulty balancing.
- Depression.
- Anemia.
- Bone pain.
- Confusion.
Complications of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Complications can be severe if B12 deficiency goes untreated, that could include:
- Increased risk of heart conditions.
- Depression.
- Alzheimer’s.
- Paranoia.
- Mental confusion.
You should aim to correct any deficiency in this vitamin to avoid any of those potential health complications.
Often, reversing the deficiency involves regular supplementation, whether via tablets, or injections, in addition to being keen to get a more nutrient-rich diet, by making sure to eat a variety of B12-rich foods like meats, seafood, and fortified cereals.
Key takeaways
- B12 deficiency can be caused by diet, medication, or underlying health conditions.
- Symptoms can range from fatigue to neurological issues, so early detection is key.
- Supplementation and dietary changes can usually reverse the deficiency.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Can I get enough B12 from plant-based sources alone?
B12 is primarily found in animal products. Fortified foods like some cereals and plant-based milks can provide B12, but supplementation may be necessary for strict vegetarians and vegans to ensure adequate intake.
Is B12 deficiency only a concern for older adults?
While it’s more common in older adults due to decreased absorption, B12 deficiency can affect anyone, especially those with certain dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or taking specific medications.
Will taking a B12 supplement immediately resolve all symptoms?
While supplementation can effectively raise B12 levels, symptom improvement can vary. Some symptoms may resolve quickly, while others, especially neurological issues, may take longer or not fully recover, depending on the severity and duration of the deficiency.
I felt so tired all the time, and my doctor initially thought it was just stress. But then we did some blood work, and boom, B12 deficiency! After a few months of supplements, I’m back to my old self. It’s amazing what a difference it makes.
I’ve been a vegetarian for years, and I thought I was doing everything right. But I started getting these weird tingles in my hands and feet. Turns out, I wasn’t getting enough B12, even with fortified foods. Now I take a supplement, and the tingles are gone. Don’t skip those supplements folks!
My grandpa was always forgetful, but it got worse as he got older. We thought it was just old age, but the doctor suggested checking his B12 levels. Sure enough, he was deficient. After starting B12 shots, his memory improved so much! It’s like we got our grandpa back.
So, yeah, B12 deficiency is a real thing, and it’s more common than you might think. From diet to medications, a bunch of things can throw your levels off. Now that we know the causes and symptoms, we can keep an eye out for ourselves and our loved ones. And remember, it’s always a good idea to chat with your doctor if you’re worried!
