Your body does not make vitamin B12 on its own, so you have to consume food and drinks that have vitamin B12 in order to get it. Signs and symptoms may be subtle at first but usually increase as the deficiency worsens. It is usually possible to completely correct a vitamin B12 deficiency within 6 weeks to 3 months. (9). These include: Many sources of vitamin B12 come from animal proteins. Some symptoms related to the brain or the nerves, such as numbness and tingling, may not go away even with treatment. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause physical, neurological and psychological symptoms. In some cases, an autoimmune condition can affect intrinsic factor and lead to pernicious anemia. Elderly people who show signs of low B12 often have difficulty keeping their balance. 3 Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies That Could Derail Vitamin supplements, taken by pill or injection, can correct the deficiencies. 2015; 15(2): 145-150. Neurological disorders in vitamin B12 deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency neuropathy; a rare diagnosis in young adults: a case report, Molecular and cellular effects of vitamin B12 in brain, myocardium and liver through its role as co-factor of methionine synthase, Vitamin B12 deficiency: recognition and management, The many faces of cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency, Bariatric surgery and long-term nutritional issues, Laboratory evaluation for vitamin B12 deficiency: the case for cascade testing, Diagnosis and treatment of macrocytic anemias in adults, Oral vitamin B12 replacement for the treatment of pernicious anemia, Vitamin B12 - Fact sheet for health professionals, Anemia, when you don't have enough red blood cells, Fatigue, dizziness, paleness, and a rapid heart rate, Tingling, numbness, weakness, and balance problems, Cognitive decline when the brain has difficulty with things like memory and judgment, Inflammatory gastrointestinal (GI) disorders like, Prolonged use of certain medications like the diabetes medication. Take this quiz to see how much you know about vitamin B12. That is where the danger lies. Kellerman RD, et al. other information we have about you. Accessed Oct. 21, 2021. If vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause lasting serious side effects that affect the nervous system and brain. Vitamin B12 supplements are usually necessary if malabsorption or digestive problems are the reasons for cobalamin deficiency. 2019;3(2):200-214. doi:10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2019.03.002. All rights reserved. Thats a substance that helps your stomach absorb B12 from food. An estimated >20% of older adults aged 60 years have vitamin B12 deficiency. If you have risk factors for developing vitamin B12 deficiency or are experiencing symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor to get a blood test to check your levels. Low levels of vitamin B12 can result in noticeable mood changes such as depression and mood swings. In the U.S., about 6% of adults under age 60 are deficient in B12. For example, low vitamin B12 levels are sometimes seen in persons who have had gastric bypass surgery. (29). One study involving over 2,200 adults found that not enough vitamin B12 affects peripheral nerve function. Certain drugs, including metformin and antacids, can lessen your bodys ability to take in B12. This reduces their ability to carry oxygen. I have for the last 3-4 months felt the following symptoms - motion sickness type wooziness: this isn't spinning dizziness but rather it's more like when I move my head driving, it feels lagged and woozy, it feels like I am floating, and when driving and idling to a stop it can feel like I am still moving. Sometimes, you can help to fix a vitamin B12 deficiency or prevent anemia through diet. Medicines to treat heartburn, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), work by suppressing stomach acid. People with this condition may also have neuropathy-like symptoms. (5). Dont worry if you dont know how to change your diet. The process occurs gradually and can take up to six to twelve months to fully recover. It may take you a few years to notice any problems. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022. Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that helps your body keep your nerve cells and blood cells healthy. These categories can cause a range of symptoms. This is called neuropathy, an impairment in nerve function. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Accessed Aug. 18, 2021. This can result in tingling in the feet and hands, weakness in the limbs, and even loss of sensation. How long (19), Other studies have shown that a lack of vitamin B12 or folate (vitamin B9) can result in megaloblastic anemia. Pavlov CS, Damulin IV, Shulpekova YO, Andreev EA. By Peter Pressman, MD Vitamin deficiency anemia - Symptoms and causes Most adults only need 2.4 micrograms a day. ( 6) However, with the proper B12 supplements, you can start to fix a WebThat said, B12 deficiency can present with balance issues. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. It depends on how serious the nerve damage is. (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0915/p384.html), (https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/). Large amounts of B12 come from animal products, like red meat and fish. Vitamin B12 supplements are hailed as a remedy for everything from weight loss to Alzheimers. Options for vitamin B12 treatment include: A person is more likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency if they have one or more of the following risk factors: Most people can prevent vitamin B12 deficiency by consuming foods and drinks that have vitamin B12. These cells carry oxygen through the body. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Some symptoms will "disappear" quite quickly whereas others may take months or even years. At least 6% of people who are 60 years or over. Good food sources of vitamin B12 include dairy products, eggs, fish, meat, and poultry. So you could be on the right track. Menstrual problems. (14, 11). A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle weakness, and depression. The injection will help the vitamin absorb directly into your body. Nasal spray. Symptoms of B12 deficiency, which can develop over years, may include fatigue, pale skin, numb or tingly hands or feet, and confusion. All rights reserved. It is usually possible to completely correct a vitamin B12 deficiency within 6 weeks to 3 months. When Will I Feel Better With B12? | livestrong Most people get enough vitamins from the foods they eat. A registered dietitian unpacks what vitamin B12 deficiency is, the vitamin also helps boost your recovery from a workout, as well. Front Med. Live Chat with us, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.