Cobalamin, another name for vitamin B12, is an essential component of various vital bodily processes. It is necessary for the synthesis of DNA, the genetic material found in all cells, as well as for the creation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body.
Additionally essential for neurological function, it keeps nerves and their surrounding myelin sheath healthy.
It contributes to the synthesis of energy, metabolism, and the use of proteins and fats. A shortage of this can impact various organ systems.
Deficiency of Vitamin B12 affects neurological functions
A lack of vitamin B12 can harm the myelin sheath, the covering that surrounds neurons, causing tingling, numbness, and abnormal sensations, particularly in the hands and feet. It is possible for people to feel scorching or prickly in their extremities as a result of vitamin B12 deficiency-induced nerve damage.
It affects brain health
A lack of vitamin B12 causes memory loss, disorientation, trouble focusing, and in extreme situations, dementia. Because its insufficiency affects neurotransmitter activity, some people may experience mood swings, sadness, irritability, and psychosis.
It Risks your Heart health
An amino acid connected to cardiovascular disease, homocysteine, can be raised by a its deficiency. Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to arterial damage, endothelial dysfunction, and a higher chance of developing diseases such peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Anemia caused by a its shortage can put a burden on the heart since it has to work harder to make up for the blood’s decreased ability to carry oxygen.
It affects your guts and oral health
A vitamin B12 deficiency can result in oral sores or ulcers as well as inflammation of the tongue (glossitis). Constipation or diarrhea are examples of digestive disorders that some people may have.
Anemia
Megaloblastic anemia, in which red blood cells enlarge abnormally and lose their ability to carry oxygen, which can result from a vitamin B12 shortage. People may feel weak, exhausted, have pale complexion, and have trouble breathing. Severe cases of the deficit may result in a decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which increases the risk of bleeding, easy bruising, and infections.
Causes
The main sources of vitamin B12 are from animals such as meat,fish,eggs and dairy products. People with bad dietary habits, vegans, and vegetarians who don’t eat enough dairy or eggs may be at risk.
Vitamin B12 absorption can be hampered by conditions that affect the stomach, such as some drugs, gastric bypass surgery, and pernicious anemia, an inflammatory disease that affects the stomach lining.
Deficiency can result from diseases like pernicious anemia or stomach surgery that decrease the production of intrinsic factors.
The Way body reacts when there is Shortage
The early signs of a mild vitamin B12 shortage might nevertheless have a big impact. They frequently involve weakness and exhaustion, which may first be ascribed to other reasons. There could be feeling of numbness or tingling in your hands or feet which is commonly known as the feeling of “Pins and Needles” Early on, mood swings like irritation or moderate depression may also appear. People may have trouble focusing or remembering things, which might interfere with day-to-day tasks.
