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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF B12 DEFICIENCY, WHY DOES IT HAPPEN? HERE ARE 9 SIGNS THAT INDICATE A LACK OF B12!
Vitamin B12, which is one of the most necessary food sources for our body, directly affects our energy production and central nervous system. B12 deficiency, which is a fairly common condition, is especially commonly observed in people over the age of 60. So, what are the symptoms of B12 deficiency, why does it happen? Here are 9 signs that indicate a lack of B12.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that your body needs for processes such as DNA synthesis, energy production, and central nervous system function. So what causes B12 deficiency, what are its symptoms? Here’s what to wonder about vitamin B12 and its deficiency.
What causes B12 deficiency?
Although the vitamin is found in many foods, B12 deficiency and deficiency are relatively common. This is usually caused by limited dietary intake, impaired absorption, certain medical conditions, or the use of drugs that consume.
Who has B12 deficiency?
Since the ability to absorb B12 from food decreases with age, deficiency is more common in older adults. Still, this does not mean that children and young adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding, will not be able to develop B12 deficiency.
What should be the B12 level?
For reference, B12 levels above 300 pg/ML are considered normal, levels of 200-300 pg/mL are considered borderline, and levels below 200 pg/ML are considered deficient.
What are the symptoms of B12?
If you suspect that you may have a B12 deficiency, it is important to visit a health professional to discuss your symptoms and undergo appropriate tests. Here are 9 symptoms that indicate a lack of B12…
1- Tiredness
If you have a B12 deficiency, you probably feel tired. Your body’s cells need B12 to function properly. Therefore, having insufficient levels of B12 can reduce normal red blood cell production, which can disrupt oxygen delivery. When your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues, you will probably feel weak and tired.
2- Pale skin
Another sign that may indicate a lack of B12 is pale or yellow skin.
Like the condition called iron deficiency anemia, anemia due to B12 deficiency can cause your skin to look pale due to the lack of fully mature, healthy red blood cells in the body.
A lack of B12 can also cause a condition called jaundice, which causes your skin and eye whites to become yellowish in color.
3- Headache
Lack and deficiency of B12 can cause neurological side effects, including headaches.
In fact, headaches are among the most commonly reported symptoms related to B12 Deciency in both adults and children.
Some studies have shown that people who often experience certain types of headaches are more likely to have low levels of B12.
4- Depressive symptoms
B12 is necessary for the proper functioning of your central nervous system, and a lack of this nutrient can affect your mental health.
Specifically, B12 deficiency is associated with a greater risk of developing depression.
Having low levels of B12 can lead to elevated levels of sulfur-containing amino acids called homocysteine. This, in turn, can contribute to the development of depression by increasing oxidative stress, DNA damage and cell death in the body.
5- Gastrointestinal problems
B12 deficiency can also cause diarrhea, nausea, constipation, bloating , gas, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. These problems can affect both adults and children.
6- Difficulty concentrating and mental disorder
Since a deficiency in B12 negatively affects the central nervous system, people with a low or deficient B12 level may feel lightheaded and have difficulty concentrating and completing tasks.
Since the risk of B12 deficiency increases with age, older adults are especially at risk for these side effects.
7- Pain and inflammation in the mouth and tongue
Glossitis is a medical term referring to an inflamed, red and painful tongue. It can be caused by a lack of B12.
In people with this deficiency, glossitis may occur in combination with stomatitis, which is characterized by sores and inflammation in the mouth.
8- Paresthesia of the hands and feet
Paresthesia is a medical term that refers to a burning or tingling sensation in certain areas of the body, such as the hands and feet.
Studies show that many adults and children with B12 deficiency experience paresthesia.
9- Other signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency
In addition to the above symptoms, B12 deficiency October also lead to the following problems:
Muscle cramps muscle weakness: B12 deficiency negatively affects motor and sensory nerve functions, which can cause muscle cramps and weakness.
Coordination disorder: Ataxia or impaired balance and coordination is a neurological symptom that can be caused by a lack of B12. As a result, a person with a B12 deficiency may have difficulty walking and balancing.
Erectile dysfunction: Men with B12 deficiency may experience erectile dysfunction as a result of increased levels of homocysteine in the body.
Visual disturbances: B12 deficiency can cause visual disturbances, possibly due to damage to the optic nerve.
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Turkey's world-renowned organ transplant specialist. Dr. Demirbaş has 104 international publications and 102 national publications.
Physician's Resume:
Born on August 7, 1963 in Çorum, Prof. Dr. Alper Demirbaş has been continuing his work as the President of MedicalPark Antalya Hospital Organ Transplantation Center since 2008.
Prof. who performed the first tissue incompatible kidney transplant in Turkey, the first blood type incompatible kidney transplant, the first kidney-pancreas transplant program and the first cadaveric donor and live donor liver transplant in Antalya. Dr. As of August 2016, Alper Demirbaş has performed 4900 kidney transplants, 500 liver transplants and 95 pancreas transplants.
In addition to being the chairman of 6 national congresses, he has also been an invited speaker at 12 international and 65 national scientific congresses. Dr. Alper Demirbaş was married and the father of 1 girl and 1 boy.
Awards:
Eczacibasi Medical Award of 2002, Akdeniz University Service Award of 2005, Izder Medical Man of the Year Award of 2006, BÖHAK Medical Man of the Year Award of 2007, Sabah Mediterranean Newspaper Scientist of the Year Award of 2007, ANTIKAD Scientist of the Year Award of 2009, Social Ethics Association Award of 2010, Işık University Medical Man of the Year Award of 2015, VTV Antalya's Brand Value Award of 2015.
Certificates:
Doctor of Medicine Degree Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Ankara, General Surgeon Ministry of Health Turkey EKFMG (0-477-343-8), University of Miami School of Medicine Member of Multiple Organ Transplant, ASTS Multiorgan Transplant Scholarship. Lecturer at Kyoto University. Lecturer at University of Essen, Research assistant at the University of Cambridge .
Professional Members:
American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Transplantation Society Nominated, Middle East and Southern Africa Council Transplantation Society 2007, International Liver Transplantation Association, Turkish Transplantation Association, Turkish Society of Surgery, Turkish Hepatobiliary Surgery Association.
Disclaimer:
Our website contents consist of articles approved by our Web and Medical Editorial Board with the contributions of our physicians. Our contents are prepared only for informational purposes for public benefit. Be sure to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.