B12 deficiency in adults can be caused by a variety of factors, including inadequate dietary intake of vitamin B12, atrophic gastritis, malabsorption syndromes, and certain medications. Inadequate dietary intake of vitamin B12 can lead to deficiency in adults who don’t get enough of the vitamin from their diets.
Atrophic gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed and no longer produces enough hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for B12 absorption. Certain medications, such as those to reduce stomach acid, can also cause B12 deficiency by impeding absorption.
Additionally, certain malabsorption syndromes, such as pernicious anemia, can lead to B12 deficiency as well. To reduce the risk of deficiency, adults should eat foods rich in B12, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, or consider taking a supplement if their doctor recommends it.
Table of Contents
Is vitamin B12 deficiency serious?
Yes, vitamin B12 deficiency can be serious. It is important to make sure that you are getting enough B12 in your diet. B12 helps to keep your nervous system healthy, aiding in the formation of red blood cells and also in maintaining healthy brain function.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and even permanent damage to the nervous system. In severe cases, it can be life threatening. A B12 deficiency can affect anyone, from newborns to the elderly.
People who have trouble absorbing B12, including vegans and those with certain medical conditions, should take a daily supplement. If you are at risk of being B12 deficient, speak to your doctor about medical testing and appropriate treatment.
What happens if your B12 is low for too long?
If your B12 is low for too long, it can cause serious and irreversible issues. B12 is essential for proper nerve function, and a deficiency can cause neurological issues such as difficulty with balance, problems with movement, depression, confusion and memory loss.
A deficiency can also lead to anemia, which may cause extreme fatigue and weakness, pale or yellowish skin, and chest pain. Deficiencies can also put you at risk for blood clots, joint issues because of a low metabolization of proteins, and an elevated risk of infection.
People with a B12 deficiency are also at higher risk of developing dementia as they age.
It is important to detect and treat a B12 deficiency as soon as possible, as most of the symptoms can be reversed with proper supplementation. However, if your B12 is low for too long, then it is possible you may have permanent damage.
A doctor or healthcare professional will be able to recommend a plan of action to treat a B12 deficiency, which may include supplementation, diet changes, or B12 injections.
Should I be worried if my B12 is low?
Yes, you should be concerned if your B12 levels are low. B12 is an essential nutrient that helps the body to produce red blood cells, maintain nerve health and ensure proper DNA synthesis. Without enough B12, your body can’t adequately produce these vital components, and you may suffer from anemia and other related health problems, such as fatigue, cognitive difficulty, depression and nerve damage.
B12 deficiency can also cause difficulties in maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and there is an increased risk of prenatal complications and birth defects associated with B12 deficiency. B12 levels can be tested with a blood test.
If your B12 levels are low, you should talk to your doctor about the best course of action to take, which may include dietary supplementation or vitamin B12 injections in more extreme cases.
What is considered severe low B12?
Severe low B12, also known as B12 Deficiency Anemia, is a medical condition caused by a lack of sufficient vitamin B12 in the body. It can cause a variety of symptoms, many of which are severe. These may include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, pale skin, jaundice, confusion, and loss of facial hair.
It can also lead to poor resistance to infections, nerve damage, and birth defects if left untreated. The only known cause of severe low B12 is the inadequate dietary intake of vitamin B12, either due to an inability to absorb it or an inadequate consumption of vitamin B12.
In addition, certain medications and types of surgery can also lead to a B12 deficiency. Treatment typically involves taking oral or intramuscular B12 supplements and eating foods rich in vitamin B12.
However, those with severe deficiency may require regular B12 injections.
What causes dangerously low B12?
Dangerously low B12 levels can be caused by a variety of conditions. The most common cause is a deficiency in dietary intake of vitamin B12, which can occur due to following a strict vegan diet, or eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
Other medical conditions, such as pernicious anemia or chronic gastritis, can impact the body’s ability to absorb dietary vitamin B12, resulting in a deficiency. In addition, certain medications can interfere with absorption of B12 and cause levels to decrease.
These include drugs used to treat diabetes and acid reflux, some antibiotics, and NSAID medications like ibuprofen. Finally, certain conditions, including thyroid disorders or kidney or liver diseases, can reduce the body’s ability to absorb B12, leading to a deficiency.
It’s important for those at risk for B12 deficiency to speak to a doctor about proper dietary intake and supplementation to ensure healthy levels of B12.
How do you feel when you are low on B12?
When your B12 levels are low, the most common side effect is feeling tired and lethargic. You may lack energy, have difficulty sleeping, and find it hard to concentrate. You may also suffer from depression and anxiety, as well as memory loss and confusion.
Other physical symptoms of low B12 levels include headaches, tingling and numbness in your hands and feet, loss of balance, soreness of the mouth or tongue, and problems with vision. If left untreated, a deficiency in B12 can potentially cause irreversible damage to the brain and the nervous system.
It is important to see a doctor if you think you are deficient in this essential vitamin and get tested to find out your levels. Taking a B12 supplement can help restore your health and wellbeing if you are low in this vitamin.
How long does it take to fix B12 deficiency?
B12 deficiency typically takes several months to two years to fix, depending on the severity of the deficiency. It is important to work closely with a doctor or nutritionist to find the best approach for you, as the appropriate treatment will depend on the cause of the deficiency and your specific needs.
Treatment typically involves a combination of dietary changes, vitamin supplements, or injections. Dietary changes may include increasing intake of foods rich in B12 such as fortified cereals, red meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products.
Vitamin supplements in the form of pills, liquids, or dissolvable tablets may help increase B12 in your body. Additionally, injections of high doses of B12 may be recommended to quickly boost levels.
Furthermore, for some people, an underlying medical condition may be causing the deficiency and must be addressed in order for B12 levels to return to a healthy range. Following a treatment plan and regularly checking B12 levels with your doctor is important in order to monitor progress and ensure that levels are maintaining the recommended range.
What foods should be avoided if you have B12 deficiency?
If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, it is important to watch what you eat to make sure you avoid any foods that may worsen the deficiency or interfere with its treatment. Common foods to avoid include those high in saturated fats and cholesterol, as these can interfere with the absorption of B12.
Additionally, some types of food have been found to interfere with artificial B12 (Cyanocobalamin) absorption, and thus should also be avoided. These include large amounts of calcium, raw broccoli, turnips and kale, and high concentrations of egg whites.
Additionally, if you have an allergy to food additives, you may need to avoid foods with additives like propyl gallate or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Finally, some medicines may also impair B12 absorption and should be avoided or taken with caution.
These include metformin and proton pump inhibitor medicines.
What are the main causes of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in a person’s diet. It can also be caused by a decrease in the body’s ability to absorb the vitamin. In some cases, factors such as underlying medical conditions can also contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency.
One of the most common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition called pernicious anemia. This occurs when the body is unable to properly absorb vitamin B12 due to the lack of a protein called intrinsic factor, which is produced in the stomach.
As a result, the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12 in adequate amounts, leading to a deficiency.
Vegetarians and vegans are at an especially high risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to their diets not typically containing animal-based products, which are the primary dietary source of vitamin B12.
Older adults are also likely to experience deficiency due to the decline of stomach acids that normally aid in the absorption of nutrients found in food.
In some cases, certain medications and medical treatments can also lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency, including metformin and some acid-blocking medications. Chronic alcohol use can also lead to deficiency.
In some cases, conditions such as Crohn’s disease, pancreatic problems and fish tapeworms can cause vitamin B12 deficiency by blocking the body’s ability to absorb the vitamin.
Can low B12 be serious?
Yes, low B12 can be a serious condition if left untreated. Low levels of B12 can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, balance problems, numbness and tingling, anemia, swollen tongue, depression, confusion, and even memory loss.
People may also experience difficulty maintaining concentration, loss of appetite, and weak muscles. Low B12 can also affect a person’s ability to form red blood cells, which can cause a decrease in oxygen carried in the body and can lead to anemia.
In some cases, low B12 can lead to neurological problems such as dementia and paranoia.
If you believe you may be at risk of having low B12, it is important to discuss it with your doctor to diagnose and treat the condition. Treatments for B12 deficiency may include taking supplements, receiving injections, or having blood transfusions.
It is important to look into the underlying cause and address it to ensure the condition does not return. If left untreated for a prolonged period of time, low B12 can have serious implications that can affect your overall health and well-being.
How can I raise my B12 levels fast?
The most effective way to raise your B12 levels quickly is to supplement your diet with B12-rich foods, or with a B12 vitamin supplement. Foods that are especially rich in B12 include liver, oysters, clams, tuna, salmon, fortified breakfast cereals, and fortified nutritional yeast.
Make sure to buy B12 sources that are certified organic and free of antibiotics or hormones. Vitamin B12 supplements come in the form of tablets, liquids, or injections that can be administered at home or by a healthcare professional.
If your B12 levels are very low, injections may be recommended by a physician. It is important to take B12 supplements and to make dietary changes under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Other lifestyle changes that can help boost your B12 levels include quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and increasing your intake of oral probiotics and foods that provide beneficial gut bacteria such as yogurt, kefir, and miso.
Additionally, increasing your intake of B-Complex supplements, reducing stress, and exercising regularly can all help to increase your B12 levels.
What is a critically low B12 level?
A critically low B12 level is one that falls below 200 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). B12 is an important component of neurological health, as well as contributing to the formation of red blood cells.
A deficiency of B12 can lead to a variety of symptoms, including changes in mood, fatigue, poor concentration, depression, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and difficulty walking. A critically low B12 level is dangerous, as it can lead to long-term complications such as anemia, confusion, depression, dementia, and irreversible nerve damage.
If a B12 level is found to be below 200 pg/mL, it is important to seek medical attention to treat the deficiency and prevent further complications.
How long does a B12 shot last?
B12 shots typically last for around one to three months, though the amount of time it will last for each individual will depend on a range of factors. In general, it is recommended to get a B12 shot around every one to three months in order to receive the maximum benefit.
The time for when shots should be taken can depend on how well the body absorbs the vitamin B12, how often a person is exposed to other B12 sources and activities that can reduce the body’s absorption of the vitamin, such as alcohol consumption or smoking.
If the body is absorbing B12 well and other factors do not interfere, then one B12 shot every three months may be enough to ensure adequate vitamin B12 levels in the body. However, many health professionals recommend that a B12 shot should be taken every month, to ensure that there is an adequate level of vitamin B12 in the blood.
What are the symptoms of extremely low B12?
The symptoms of extremely low B12 can vary depending on the individual, but some of the most common symptoms include: fatigue, pale skin, a sore and swollen tongue, difficulty thinking and concentrating, depression, and a reduced appetite.
Other common symptoms may include: numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, balance problems, shortness of breath, diarrhea, pale or yellowish skin, a smooth, red tongue, headaches, and heart palpitations.
If left untreated, extremely low B12 can cause permanent nerve damage and anemia. In serious cases, an extremely low B12 level can lead to heart attack, stroke, or even death. Therefore, it is important that individuals experiencing any of these symptoms seek medical attention right away.
