Vitamin B12 deficiency

Marwa Mahmoud Elias wrote Monday, October 23, 2023 01:27 PM

Have you ever sat for a long time and felt numbness in your feet or suddenly woke up with numbness in your arm? You must have faced this problem one day, and recently, Dr. Adel Sultan, consultant psychiatrist and neurologist at Kasr Al-Aini, revealed that Vitamin B12 deficiency From the body, it is one of the most common causes of numbness in the extremities, such as the hands or feet.

The neurology consultant confirmed that most of those suffering from Deficiency of this vitamin In the body, they have many problems with nerves, numbness, lack of concentration, lethargy, lack of activity, poor concentration and the feeling of being unable to exert more effort, in addition to the general state of weakness that they suffer from. This vitamin is important because it helps the body to complete its functions well, in addition to enhancing health. Nerves and brain and their functions.

Dr. Adel said that vitamin B12 can be obtained medicinally through tablets, the doses of which the specialist doctor prescribes according to the case, indicating that vitamin B12 can be obtained through injections, the doses of which the specialist doctor prescribes, including weekly or monthly, in addition to the possibility of Obtain it by eating healthy food, such as yogurt, cheese, milk, fish, and meat in moderation, and healthy nutrition by eating healthy vegetables and fruits, and drinking plenty of water to hydrate the body.

It is noteworthy that there are diseases that prevent absorption Vitamin B12 Even if an individual’s diet contains an adequate amount of vitamin B12, malabsorption disorders can hinder the absorption of this important nutrient. Conditions such as pernicious anemia, atrophic gastritis, and celiac disease can damage the stomach or small intestine. Which reduces the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 effectively. Individuals with these conditions often need special treatment or nutritional supplements to maintain their vitamin B12 levels.

2023-10-23 10:27:00

#Neurology #Consultant #Vitamin #B12 #deficiency #numbness #extremities

Written by Fatima Khalil Friday, October 20, 2023 07:00 AM Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin essential for various body functions. It plays a pivotal role in DNA synthesis, nerve function, and red blood cell production. Despite its importance, many people around the world suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition that can have serious health consequences, and many people are unable to maintain their level. Vitamin B12 In the body even after taking nutritional supplements, according to the Times of India website.

Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency despite taking supplements

​Lack of food intake

One of the main causes of vitamin B12 deficiency is poor food intake. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Vegetarians, who avoid or restrict their consumption of animal products, are particularly at risk. Over time, a diet lacking in these sources of vitamin B12 can lead to deficiency.

Diseases that prevent the absorption of vitamin B12

Even if an individual’s diet contains an adequate amount of vitamin B12, malabsorption disorders can hinder the absorption of this important nutrient. Conditions such as pernicious anemia, atrophic gastritis, and celiac disease can damage the stomach or small intestine, reducing the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 effectively. Individuals with these conditions often need special treatment or nutritional supplements to maintain their vitamin B12 levels.

Insufficient stomach acid

Stomach acid plays a vital role in releasing vitamin B12 from food, allowing it to bind to intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein in the stomach. This compound is essential for absorption in the small intestine. Conditions that reduce stomach acid, such as acid reflux or the use of certain medications, can hinder this process and lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Gastrointestinal surgery

Individuals who have had gastrointestinal surgery, especially weight loss procedures, may be at greater risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. This is because certain parts of the stomach and small intestine may be altered or removed during surgery, reducing the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12.

some medicine

Some medications can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly prescribed to treat acid reflux, have been linked to decreased absorption of vitamin B12. Individuals who take these medications for long periods should be monitored for possible deficiency and may require supplementation.

Aging

Older people are more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency due to various factors. With age, the stomach lining can become thinner, leading to decreased acid production. In addition, many older adults have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from their diet. Regular checkups and nutritional supplements are often recommended for older adults.

2023-10-20 04:00:00

#people #develop #vitamin #B12 #deficiency #nutritional #supplements

Fatima Khalil wrote Tuesday, October 10, 2023 09:00 PM

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various body functions. It is necessary for the production of red blood cells, maintaining a healthy nervous system, and DNA synthesis. Since our bodies cannot produce vitamin B12 on their own, we must We have to get it through our diet or…Nutritional supplementsAccording to what was published by the Times of India website.

What is the normal level of vitamin B12 in the human body?

Vitamin B12 levels above 300 pg/ml are considered normal. When vitamin B12 levels drop significantly, it can lead to a condition known as vitamin B12 deficiency. This deficiency can have serious health consequences if left untreated.

Signs of severe deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body

Fatigue and weakness

One of the most common early signs of vitamin B12 deficiency is fatigue and weakness. This happens because vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

Without enough red blood cells, tissues and organs do not receive an adequate supply of oxygen, leading to fatigue and weakness. Individuals with low vitamin B12 levels often describe feeling tired, sluggish, and lacking energy, even after a good night’s sleep.

Cognitive decline

Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system, including the brain.

Low levels can affect Vitamin B12 It affects cognitive functions, leading to difficulties concentrating, memory problems, and mental confusion.

In severe cases, this may lead to mood disorders, such as depression and irritability. These cognitive impairments can impact daily life and overall health, making it necessary to treat vitamin B12 deficiency immediately.

Numbness and tingling

Another characteristic sign of very low vitamin B12 levels is numbness and tingling sensations, especially in the hands and feet.

This condition, known as peripheral neuropathy, occurs because a vitamin B12 deficiency can damage the myelin that surrounds nerves. As a result, the nerves cannot transmit signals properly, resulting in a tingling, burning, or numbness sensation.

Over time, this can develop into more serious symptoms, such as muscle weakness and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Vision problems

In some cases, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to vision problems.

Optic neuropathy, a condition in which the optic nerve is damaged, can be caused by low levels of vitamin B12. This can lead to blurred or disturbed vision, difficulty distinguishing colors, and even vision loss in severe cases.

Although it is not a common symptom, it underscores the importance of treating vitamin B12 deficiency immediately to prevent further complications.

Mouth ulcers

Oral symptoms can also be an indicator of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Individuals with low levels of vitamin B12 may suffer from glossitis. This can make the tongue appear swollen, red, and shiny.

In addition, mouth ulcers or ulcers may develop, causing discomfort and pain while eating or speaking. These oral symptoms can be among the early signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Difficulty walking and balance problems

As vitamin B12 deficiency progresses, it can lead to neurological symptoms, including difficulty walking and problems with balance. This is caused by damage to the nerves that control muscle movement and coordination. Individuals with severe vitamin B12 deficiency may experience muscle weakness, stumbling, and an unsteady gait, making them more susceptible to falls and injuries.

Pale skin

Vitamin B12 deficiency can also manifest in changes in the appearance of the skin.

Anemia resulting from a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause pale or yellow skin. This occurs because red blood cells produced in the absence of sufficient vitamin B12 can be abnormally large and fragile, leading to their premature breakdown and a decreased number of healthy red blood cells in the body. blood circulation and this can give the skin a pale or yellowish colour.

2023-10-10 18:00:00

#signs #severe #decrease #vitamin #B12 #body