What Are The Hidden Signs Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency That Mimics Depression And Ageing?

Vitamin B12 is a powerful nutrient which is required to keep your nerves and blood cells healthy by generating red blood cells and DNA. However, people living with a vitamin B12 deficiency may experience certain symptoms that may hinder their quality of life.

Are you lately feeling fatigue, unable to focus and feeling tingling or numbness? These are some classic signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, which plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells and DNA.

What Is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that you have to get from animal-based products like eggs, dairy, meats or supplements. Your body cannot make this essential nutrient on its own.

This powerful nutrient is required to keep your nerves and blood cells healthy by generating red blood cells and DNA. However, people living with a vitamin B12 deficiency may experience certain symptoms that may hinder their quality of life.

Hidden Signs Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

According to WebMd, some of the warning signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include pale skin, digestive issues, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, tiredness, weakness, etc. The online health platform further states that if vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it may lead to severe neurological problems such as problems in speaking and walking, vision loss, numbness, muscle weakness, difficulty remembering things and even depression or mood swing.

Half Of Indians Tested insufficient Vitamin B12

A 2020 study by AIIMS discovered that nearly half of Indians are suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency. Interestingly, researchers further revealed that people who have insufficient vitamin B12 are urban adults who eat little dairy or animal protein.

The findings also show that certain medications such as metformin or acid-reducing drugs can lower absorption, including ageing. These certain cases may cause stomach acid production to reduce over time, making it harder to release vitamin B12 from food.

Best Foods To Increase Vitamin B12

Some of the best foods that may help you to increase vitamin B12 to prevent health issues, include meat, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, fortified breakfast cereals, breads, nutritional yeasts and plant milks.

Vitamin B12 Daily Intake

Experts recommend that an adult should at least get 2.4 micrograms of this essential nutrient daily. Healthline outlines that the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin B12 during pregnancy is 2.6 micrograms, and 2.8 micrograms for breastfeeding women.

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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.

What causes Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur due to a diet lacking in animal products, certain medical conditions, older age, and certain medications.

What causes Vitamin B12 deficiency in women?

Common causes include poor diet, vegetarian or vegan lifestyle without supplements, digestive issues like pernicious anaemia, and certain medications that affect nutrient absorption.