Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is essential for reducing tiredness and fatigue, for the formation of red blood cells, for the proper functioning of the nervous and immune systems. A deficiency can manifest itself with a series of symptoms that affect various systems of the body.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Fatigue and weakness : Reduced production of red blood cells can cause anemia, leading to feelings of persistent tiredness and muscle weakness.
- Paleness : Anemia associated with vitamin B12 deficiency can make your skin paler than normal.
- Neurological problems : tingling or loss of sensation in the hands and feet, difficulty with balance, mental confusion, and in severe cases, dementia.
- Cognitive disorders : difficulty concentrating, memory loss and mood changes
- Gastrointestinal disorders : loss of appetite and consequent weight loss.
Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
The main causes include insufficient dietary intake, especially in people who follow strict vegan or vegetarian diets, and absorption problems related to certain medical conditions or surgeries involving the stomach or small intestine. In addition, mild deficiencies may be endemic in certain populations, such as the elderly.
Prevention and treatment
To prevent deficiency, it is essential to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin B12 through diet or, if necessary, through supplements. The richest food sources of vitamin B12 are of animal origin, such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
If a deficiency is diagnosed, treatment involves the administration of vitamin B12 supplements, in the form of oral tablets or injections, depending on the severity and underlying cause.
