Vitamin B12 Deficiency: How Long Does It Take To Recover?

Vitamin B12 is an essential component that helps your body make red blood cells and DNA. Although vitamin B12 deficiency is harmless, if left untreated it can result to physical, neurological and psychological problems.

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Vitamin B12 deficiency is a medical condition that occurs when your body is either not getting enough or not absorbing enough vitamin B12 from the foods you consume. Vitamin B12 deficiency usually happens due to inadequate dietary intake, gastrointestinal disorders, certain medications, and age-related decline.

This nutrient is an essential component that helps your body make red blood cells and DNA. Although vitamin B12 deficiency is harmless, if left untreated it can result to physical, neurological and psychological problems.

Side Effects Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

A person with vitamin B12 deficiency may often experience fatigue, pale yellow skin, headache, depressive symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, constipation, bloating, and gas. Vitamin B12 deficiency patients also find difficulty in concentration and feel burning or pins-and-needles sensations in certain areas of the body like the hands and feet. Other signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency also include muscle cramps, impaired coordination, erectile dysfunction and vision disturbances.

You’re Body Doesn’t Make Vitamin B12

Interestingly, you’re body doesn’t make vitamin B12 on its own. A person living with this kind of deficiency must consume food and drink that contains vitamin B12 to increase it naturally. Experts recommend that Vitamin B12 are generally found in animal-based products like meat, fish, dairy and eggs.

Other ways to increase vitamin B12 are by adding fortified foods like cereal, bread, plant-based milk and nutritional yeast. Cleveland Clinic states that adults require at least 2 to 4 micrograms of vitamin B12 in a single day, and individuals who are pregnant and breastfeeding typically need more.

How Long Does It Take To Recover?

Experts say that recovering from vitamin B12 deficiency depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. In most cases improvement in symptoms may typically occur within a few weeks to a few months with correct treatment.

“Mild deficiencies may resolve relatively quickly through oral B12 supplements or dietary adjustments,” Healthline clarifies. “However, severe deficiencies or absorption issues may require longer recovery periods, often involving B12 injections or higher-dose oral supplements.”

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FAQs

Who is at risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Older adults, people with certain medical conditions, those taking certain medications and people who avoid or consume less animal products are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.