A vitamin B12 deficiency can have very unpleasant consequences. It often takes a long time before a diagnosis is made. This is because the complaints are not specific and can therefore correspond to many other conditions. Read about the symptoms and what can be done here.
Cause of a vitamin B12 deficiency
There are several possible causes for a vitamin B12 deficiency. But often the issue is that the intrinsic factor is not produced or not produced enough. Intrinsic factor is a substance that is produced in the stomach and ensures proper absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Reasons why this substance is not produced or not produced enough are:
- inflammation in the stomach, causing the stomach wall to be thinner than normal and less intrinsic factor to be produced
- an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine which causes reduced absorption of vitamin B12
- too little stomach acid production
- Pernicious anemia: one suffers from an autoimmune disease of the gastric mucosa that causes anemia
- an operation on the small intestine in which part of it is removed or damaged
- stomach surgery in which a large part of the stomach is removed
- too little vitamin B12 intake (common in alcoholics and vegetarians/vegans)
- very occasionally due to medication use
Complaints that may be associated with a vitamin B12 deficiency
Unfortunately, there are no specific complaints about a deficiency. As a result, it can sometimes take a long time before a diagnosis is made. It can also take a long time before complaints arise because the body has a large reserve supply. The following complaints may indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency:
- a lack of appetite
- look pale
- feeling light-headed/dizziness
- feeling weak and tired
- diarrhea
- have a sore and/or burning tongue
- unexplained weight loss
- being cold
- headache
- intestinal complaints
only after a longer period of time:
- tingling and/or numbness in the hands and feet
- psychological complaints such as depression, irritability, nervousness and other complaints
- difficulty walking
- a heavy feeling in your body
- memory problems
- muscle strain
- joint complaints
- being short of breath or having symptoms of shortness of breath
- hair loss
Making the diagnosis
If the doctor suspects a vitamin B12 deficiency, he will have a blood test done. This test measures the level of vitamin B12. If this deviates, additional blood tests and/or an examination of the stomach are often performed.
Treating a vitamin B12 deficiency
If examination shows that too little intrinsic factor is produced, the doctor will give vitamin B12 injections. This often has to be given for life. In some cases, the doctor may first try to give high doses of vitamin B12 supplements. It is also possible that injections are given first and then an attempt is made to maintain the level with tablets. If sufficient intrinsic factor is produced, supplements can usually suffice. These must be taken for life if there is limited absorption due to, for example, surgery.
What can you do yourself?
It is important to have a good intake of vitamin B12 by eating sufficient animal products such as meat, fish, chicken, eggs and cheese. Vegetarians/vegans or people who want a supplement can buy supplements at the pharmacy or drugstore. If you suspect a vitamin B12 deficiency, it is advisable to first consult your doctor before taking all kinds of supplements.