Vitamin B12 Deficiency Author: Hailey Lossen - http://www.VitaminB12x.com When a person gets sick, it is usually an indicator that something is lacking in the body. Sometimes, when a person lacks something that is essential to their health and well-being, it can be dangerous and even fatal. On the other hand, being sick sometimes makes a person deficient in something. For example, having pernicious anemia can cause vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that is water soluble and plays a key role in the functions of the brain and nervous system and formation of blood. It is also involved in various cell metabolisms, including the regulation and synthesis of DNA, synthesis of fatty acids, and energy production. Vitamin B12 has a close relationship with a disease called pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease where the cells of the stomach that produces intrinsic factor are destroyed. Intrinsic factor is important for the absorption of vitamin B12, so if these cells are destroyed, it will cause vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause severe damage to the human body, especially to the brain and nervous system. Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency There are several causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, usually happening to people who do not absorb the vitamin properly through digestion. Other causes beside pernicious anemia can include:
Atrophic gastritis, or the thinning of the lining of the stomach When parts of the small intestines are removed by surgery If the gut is infested with Diphyllobothrium (fish tapeworm); this parasite gets the vitamin B12 that is intended for the body Coeliac disease, or the condition where the small bowel is damaged
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can present in many ways, depending on the severity of the deficiency. The patient may experience the following:
Fatigue
Visit www.VitaminB12x.com for Free eBook “Everything You Need To Know About Vitamin B12”
Upset stomach Weight loss Rapid heartbeat and breathing
If the situation deteriorates, it may damage the nerve cells. Damage to the nerve cells can present by:
Numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes Mood swings Depression Disorientation Memory loss and dementia
Treatment of Vitamin B12 Deficiency There are different ways to treat this vitamin deficiency. Your doctor might do the following:
If the deficiency is not severe, the doctor will recommend a change in diet and for you to take vitamin B12 supplements Inject you with vitamin B12 shots; for people with pernicious anemia, they may have to take vitamin B12 shots for the rest of their life. Advise you to take vitamin B12 through alternative routes (ex. intranasal or sublingual), which are found by scientific studies to be more effective than a pill
Visit www.VitaminB12x.com for Free eBook “Everything You Need To Know About Vitamin B12”