Why vitamin B12 deficiency is considered so dangerous

Despite the fact that vitamin B12 deficiency is a widespread health issue with potentially dangerous effects, doctors frequently ignore it.

Despite a small daily requirement, inadequate B12 levels can lead to significant health issues.

B12 is essential for proper blood cell function, nerve health, and other critical bodily processes, found mainly in animal food sources.

One primary symptom of B12 deficiency is fatigue – a level of tiredness or exhaustion so deep that it affects daily life activities. Other symptoms include neurological issues such as tingling in the extremities, confusion, memory loss, depression, and difficulty maintaining balance. These symptoms can become permanent if not addressed. Health care providers might overlook B12 deficiency because so many other conditions can cause similar symptoms. A healthy diet might also give a false sense of security regarding nutrient deficiencies. Inadequate consumption of foods fortified with vitamin B12 or insufficient amounts of naturally occurring vitamin B12 can result in vitamin B12 insufficiency.

Digestive disorders: Conditions affecting the digestive tract, such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease, might hinder your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12.

Alcohol use disorder: This illness can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and harm to your digestive system.

Gastritis: A major cause of vitamin B12 deficiency, gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. Because hydrochloric acid is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12, it can result in a shortage of vitamin B12.

Pernicious anemia: Those who suffer from this uncommon illness are unable to produce the stomach protein known as intrinsic factor. Your body needs an intrinsic factor in order to absorb the vitamins B12 and B12. Pernicious anemia patients are deficient in the vitamin B12.

Surgery: Individuals who have had gastrointestinal surgery, such as a gastric bypass (a procedure used to lose weight), may find it more difficult to absorb vitamin B12.

Hereditary reasons: A uncommon hereditary condition called transcobalamin II deficiency affects how well the body transports vitamin B12, or cobalamin.

B12 is an essential nutrient involved in the proper functioning of blood cells, nerves, and many other critical processes in the body and a breakdown in any absorption step can lead to a deficiency.

B12 absorption begins with food mixing with saliva, a substance in saliva called R-protein protects B12 from stomach acid. Parietal cells in the stomach secrete acid to split food and B12, allowing it to bind with the R-protein. They also secrete an intrinsic factor, which mixes with stomach contents. In the duodenum, pancreatic juices release B12 from R-protein and bind it to intrinsic factor, permitting cellular absorption and aiding nerve cell maintenance and red blood cell formation.

Poor pancreas function also contributes to deficiency, affecting about one-third of patients. Additionally, Metformin, a common medication for Type 2 diabetes has long been associated with B12 deficiency.

Routine B12 measurements are uncommon, with typical well-check exams limited to a complete blood count and a metabolic panel not measuring B12 status. Anyone experiencing symptoms and having risk factors should seek a doctor’s evaluation. Proper lab work and physician consultations are necessary to confirm or rule out B12 deficiency.