Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when the body lacks sufficient stores of vitamin B12, which is crucial for various essential bodily functions, including:
- DNA production and repair.
- Synthesis of haemoglobin.
- Proper neural production and communication.
- Metabolism.
Vitamin B12 deficiency tends to be more prevalent among older adults. Studies suggest that approximately 1 in 31 adults aged 51 and above experience a deficiency in this vitamin, while the figure rises to about 1 in 10 among those aged 75 and older.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble nutrient found abundantly in certain foods. Rich dietary sources of B12 include meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products like milk, cheese, and eggs. Seafood such as shrimp, scallops, and fish like snapper, halibut, and salmon are particularly high in this vitamin. However, individuals following a vegetarian diet may face challenges in obtaining adequate B12, as plant-based foods are generally lacking in this nutrient. Health experts often recommend that those who avoid animal products should supplement their diet with B12-containing multivitamins. A daily intake of 5 mcg to 10 mcg through supplements is typically sufficient to prevent deficiency.
The causes of vitamin B12 deficiency are varied. It primarily affects individuals with conditions that hinder the body’s ability to absorb or digest this vitamin. Such conditions may include chronic gastrointestinal illnesses like Crohn’s disease and coeliac disease, upper gastrointestinal surgeries such as gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or ileectomy, and pernicious anaemia. Pernicious anaemia, characterized by impaired B12 absorption, stands as the most common cause of B12 deficiency, affecting around 1 in 10,000 individuals. Inadequate intake of foods rich in vitamin B12 can also contribute to deficiency, particularly among younger adults and those residing in developing countries where animal-source foods are consumed less frequently.
The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency vary depending on its severity. Mild deficiency may manifest with nonspecific symptoms, while more severe deficiency can lead to neurological damage and associated symptoms. Common signs of B12 deficiency include:
- Fatigue, weakness, or persistent tiredness.
- Dizziness or shortness of breath, often accompanied by a rapid heartbeat.
- Paleness of the skin (pallor) or the appearance of white spots, potentially due to melatonin release.
- Soreness of the tongue.
- Increased susceptibility to bruising or bleeding, including bleeding gums.
- Cognitive difficulties such as poor memory, difficulty focusing, and an inability to concentrate.
- Tingling or numbness in the extremities, particularly the fingers and toes.
- Challenges with balance and walking.
- Emotional and behavioral changes, including depression, confusion, and paranoia.
- Memory impairment, disorientation, and even dementia in severe cases.
The treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency is highly effective and typically involves medication. Timely diagnosis and intervention significantly improve outcomes and can help prevent serious complications such as nerve damage, anemia, or dementia.
Supplementation is the mainstay of treatment, aimed at replenishing the body’s diminished reserves of vitamin B12. Various methods can be employed for administering vitamin B12, including oral supplements, injections, intranasal delivery (via the nose), and sublingual administration (placed under the tongue). Alongside vitamin B12 supplementation, it’s crucial to consume foods rich in this vitamin, as well as supplements containing iron and folic acid to support overall health and recovery.