Vitamin B12 is a nutrient involved in many activities in the body: Helps produce red blood cells, interacts to reduce homocysteine amino acid levels related to cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, plays an important role in the body's metabolism, energy production...
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, malnutrition, irreversible nervous system damage, chronic lack of energy, memory loss, depression...
1. When do you need to supplement vitamin B12?
1.1. Numbness in hands and feet
If your hands or feet feel like they are being prickled by pins and needles, it could be a sign that you are lacking vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 makes myelin, the protective covering that covers your nerves. A B12 deficiency can damage this protective covering around your nerves. The exposed nerve becomes damaged, causing it to shrink and create a tingling or numbness sensation.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause numbness in the hands and feet.
1.2. Cold hands and feet
Without enough vitamin B12, the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body (anemia). This can cause shivering and coldness, especially in the hands and feet.
1.3. Brain Fog
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to depression, confusion, memory problems and dementia.
1.4. Weakness, fatigue
A lack of vitamin B12 will cause your body to have fewer red blood cells needed to carry oxygen. This makes you feel sleepy, tired, exhausted, and dizzy.
These symptoms are often confused with symptoms caused by lack of sleep, stress, or overwork.
1.5. Vegetarianism
Vitamin B12 deficiency is rare because the body can store it for several years. But a long-term diet without vitamin B12 can cause vitamin B12 deficiency. This is especially true for vegetarians.
1.6. Elderly people
As you age, your body has more trouble absorbing vitamin B12. If left untreated, low vitamin B12 levels can lead to anemia, nerve damage, depression, and other serious problems.
Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
1.7. Weight loss surgery
One popular weight loss method is gastric bypass. This method creates a small pouch from the stomach, connecting it to the small intestine. When the patient eats, food goes into the small part of the stomach that is created and flows directly into the small intestine, where vitamin B12 is broken down into a usable form.
However, after surgery, vitamin B12 absorption will be significantly reduced. This can lead to pernicious anemia and neurological disorders.
1.8. Mouth ulcers
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause sores on the gums or tongue, causing swelling, redness and pain. People with severe vitamin B12 deficiency often feel itchy mouth, burning and stinging tongue, especially the surface of the tongue,
Canker sores usually heal on their own, but you should avoid ingredients that may cause irritation or pain, such as vinegar, citrus, and spicy foods. Additionally, some over-the-counter medications can be used to relieve the pain of canker sores.
1.9. Taking certain medications
Certain medications can lower vitamin B12 levels or make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B12. These include: Chloramphenicol, proton pump inhibitors (lansoprazole and omeprazole), medications to treat stomach ulcers (cimetidine and famotidine), and metformin (an antidiabetic).
In addition, vitamin B12 deficiency also causes digestive problems: loss of appetite, excessive weight loss or constipation.
Although the body cannot produce vitamin B12 on its own, a healthy diet will provide enough vitamin B12. Natural food sources rich in vitamin B12 include: Milk, meat, seafood, animal liver, eggs, cereals, etc.
2. When is vitamin B12 supplementation needed?
Some cases need vitamin B12 supplementation:
- People with poor diet.
- Special cases: Elderly people, pregnant and lactating women, people who have had gastrointestinal surgery, appendectomy, liposuction; vegetarians; people with digestive disorders (gluten intolerance, Crohn's disease...); people taking medication for diabetes, stomach acid reducing drugs, drinking too much alcohol...
Note that depending on age and each case, there is a different need for vitamin B12 supplementation. Normally, people from 14 to 50 years old need 2.4 mcg/day. When the body has symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, it is necessary to visit a reputable medical facility for timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid possible complications. Absolutely do not arbitrarily supplement vitamin B12 without consulting a doctor.
Dr. Hoang Van
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