If B12 deficiency is not treated for long periods, it can cause serious damage. In vitamin B12 deficiency, problems such as nerve damage, anemia, forgetfulness, depression, and fatigue are seen. It is possible to prevent these damages when low B12 levels are diagnosed early and supplementation is started before any permanent damage occurs.
Vitamin B12 is required for the production of red blood cells. If not taken in sufficient amounts, vitamin B12 deficiency causes a type of anemia problem that leads to issues such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and exhaustion.
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes memory to weaken.
Numbness seen in hands and feet may be due to B12 deficiency.
Just as it can cause low intelligence levels in children, B12 deficiency can also cause behaviors such as speaking and walking to appear later.
B12 Deficiency Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Neurological problems
- Forgetfulness
Problems like tingling in hands and feet can be counted as symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
B12 test: In addition to physical symptoms, the level of vitamin B12 in the blood is also measured to understand B12 deficiency.
Why Does Vitamin B12 Deficiency Occur?
- Not consuming enough foods containing B12
- Not being able to utilize it due to absorption disorders in the body despite adequate nutrition.
- Excessive alcohol use
- Long-term use of certain medications are factors that lead to B12 deficiency.
Who is at Risk of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
- Those following a vegetarian diet
- Those constantly dieting
- The elderly
- The presence of problems that prevent the vitamin from being absorbed by the body.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Treatment
For B12 treatment, B12 vitamin injections or B12 vitamin pills are used. There is also a sublingual variety.
However, prevention is better than cure, meaning those at high risk of deficiency, such as the elderly and strict vegetarians, should consider checking their vitamin levels and supplementing their daily diet with B12 as a protective measure against health problems.
Which Foods Contain Vitamin B12?
Red meat, liver, eggs, milk, cheese, and fish are foods containing vitamin B12.
The above information is quoted.
For B12 supplementation, fresh dates and beef are among the best supplements. I emphasized the importance of vitamin B12 because goat's milk is poor in vitamin B12. Our ancestors supposedly did not give goat's milk to children under 1 year old "so the baby wouldn't be as stubborn as a goat when it grows up."
