People over 60 are more at risk of vitamin deficiency and are also more likely to suffer from dementia than younger people.< br>
Symptoms are not always clear when it comes to what may be causing them.
Some symptoms, such as headaches, for example, are associated with a variety of health problems. This is why it is important to see a doctor for any unexplained symptoms to get to the root cause.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a health problem that can easily be confused with other problems due to the wide range of symptoms it causes.
The vitamin is vital for the body, so its deficiency can have serious consequences.
“Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin, meaning it cannot be produced in the human body and must be obtained from the diet. It is found in red meat, poultry, fish, dairy products and eggs. Some breakfast cereals are fortified with B12. Once taken orally, B12 is absorbed in the intestines by a protein called intrinsic factor. B12 is vital for the creation of DNA – therefore, it is necessary for a wide range of processes and functions of the body, including the formation of red blood cells and nerve function in the peripheral nerves, throughout the brain and central nervous system,” says general practitioner Irina Andreeva exclusively for MedicForum.< She warned that about six percent of adults suffer from B12 deficiency, with this statistic rising to 20 percent among people over 60. B12 is “stored” in the liver and can take up to three years to reach reserves will be exhausted and symptoms will gradually appear. Because symptoms appear so slowly, B12 deficiency may go undetected for a long time. Because vitamin B12 is essential for brain function, some of the most serious symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can be mistaken for signs of dementia. These include:
- < li>Impaired thinking and decision-making processes
- Behavioral changes
- Decreased ability to think and solve problems
- Depression
- Visual impairment.
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In some cases, vitamin B12 deficiency has actually been linked to Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia.
“B12 deficiency has serious consequences for human health. B12 deficiency is also associated with depression and psychosis, as well as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.”
She listed other symptoms of deficiency:
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Feeling weak
- Headaches
- Palpitations
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Red tongue sore
- Mouth ulcers
- Pale yellow skin (jaundice)
- Pins and needles
What to do if you think you have a B12 deficiency
If you are experiencing symptoms of B12 deficiency, you can try increasing your intake with diet.
“This includes eating more meat, fish, cheese, eggs and foods fortified with vitamin B12.”
If your symptoms are more severe and dietary changes are not possible or do not help, you should Contact your healthcare provider.
They may run tests to see if you have a deficiency. If they feel that regular B12 supplements will be sufficient, they may suggest injections.
MedicForum previously wrote about the need to limit caffeine in the fall.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
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