Poor B12 (deficient B12 status and low serum B12) is associated with worse sensory and motor peripheral nerve function. Nerve function impairments may lead to physical function declines and disability in older adults, suggesting that prevention and treatment of low B12 levels may be important to evaluate.
Other neurological findings include altered sensation, paresthesia in the extremities, gait ataxia, poor vision, dizziness, loss of taste or smell, urinary or fecal incontinence, loss of cutaneous sensation, impaired sense of vibration, proprioception, psychiatric manifestation, memory impairment, personality changes, ...
The deficiency commonly causes megaloblastic anemia, loss of position and vibration sensation (which occurs early and progresses), and, when advanced, paranoia, delirium, and confusion. Do a complete blood count and measure vitamin B12 and folate levels.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
A mild deficiency may cause no symptoms. But if untreated, it may lead to symptoms such as: Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness. Heart palpitations and shortness of breath.
People with low B12 levels may experience mental fogginess, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty accomplishing tasks because a B12 deficiency negatively affects the central nervous system. Because the risk of B12 insufficiency rises with age, older persons are particularly vulnerable to these negative effects.
1. Tingling hands or feet. Vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause “pins and needles” in the hands or feet.
B12 deficiency is associated with axonal degeneration, demyelination, and subsequent apoptotic neuronal death. Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause the demyelination of neurons in the cochlear nerve, resulting in hearing loss.
If the level of vitamin B12 stays low for a long time, it can damage your nerve cells. If this happens, you may have: Numbness or tingling in your fingers and toes. A poor sense of balance.
Those with a deficiency of B12 can present with peripheral neuropathy, pernicious anemia, or a cognitive disorder. Previous studies have revealed that a deficiency of B12 is associated with cognitive decline or Alzheimer disease.
Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment. If you can, it's a good idea to address what's causing the deficiency.
Overall, it can also be summarized for vitamin B12 that it is essential for the nervous system, particularly with regard to myelin synthesis, nerve metabolism, and neuronal regeneration.
Inadequate dietary intake
A balanced diet typically provides sufficient vitamin B12; however, strict vegans and people with a poor diet are at higher risk of developing a deficiency. Good sources of vitamin B12 include: Meat. Fish.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12, called hydroxocobalamin. At first, you'll have these injections every other day for 2 weeks or until your symptoms have started improving. Your GP or nurse will give the injections.
Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) is an essential vitamin for neurological function. Vitamin B12 deficiency optic neuropathy is a rare complication of this deficiency that results in progressive, bilateral, painless vision loss that is often associated with reduced color vision and central or cecocentral scotomas.
Injections are usually for people with bodies that have problems absorbing vitamin B12 and those who have undergone gastric surgery. This is because shots enable the body to absorb vitamin B12 without it having to go through the digestive system.
Gastritis: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, and it's a common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. It can cause vitamin B12 deficiency due to a lack of hydrochloric acid in your stomach, which is needed for vitamin B12 absorption.
Pernicious anaemia causes your immune system to attack the cells in your stomach that produce the intrinsic factor, which means your body is unable to absorb vitamin B12.
Normally, vitamin B12 is readily absorbed in the last part of the small intestine (ileum), which leads to the large intestine. However, to be absorbed, the vitamin must combine with intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach.
This helps to reduce symptoms such as tiredness and lack of energy. When will I feel better? Hydroxocobalamin starts to work straight away. However, it may take a few days or weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve.
You should not use Vitamin B12 if you are allergic to cyanocobalamin or cobalt, or if you have Leber's disease (an inherited form of vision loss). Cyanocobalamin can lead to optic nerve damage (and possibly blindness) in people with Leber's disease.
B12 injections work quickly; they are the most effective way for your body to absorb Vitamin B12. Within 48 to 72 hours, your body will begin to make new red blood cells. For mild deficiencies, you may need two to three injections over several weeks to notice peak impact.