Vitamin B12 deficiency: causes, symptoms and treatment

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is necessary for many bodily functions. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to various health problems. In this article you will learn what causes a vitamin B12 deficiency can have, which symptoms can occur and how a vitamin B12 deficiency can be treated.

Causes of a vitamin B12 deficiency

A lack of vitamin B12 can have various causes. Some causes are:

Vegetarian or vegan diet: Vitamin B12 is mainly found in foods of animal origin. Not eating animal products can lead to a deficiency.
Gastrointestinal disorders: If the body has difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from food, a deficiency can occur. This can be the case, for example, with gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease.
Medications: Some medications, such as proton pump inhibitors or metformin, can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 .
Alcoholism: Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 .

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency

A lack of vitamin B12 can cause various symptoms. Some symptoms are

tiredness and exhaustion
pallor and weakness
Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
depression and mood swings
memory and concentration disorders
anemia

Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency

A vitamin B12 deficiency can be treated with a balanced diet or with vitamin B12 supplements. If the deficiency is caused by a gastrointestinal condition, treatment of the condition may be necessary.

conclusion

A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to various health problems. In order to prevent a deficiency, it is important to pay attention to a balanced diet. If a deficiency occurs, it can be remedied by targeted treatment. If you notice symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency, you should consult a doctor to have the cause clarified.