My experience with vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a health problem that may not be easily diagnosed because its symptoms are similar to other diseases. My experience with this deficiency was a turning point in my health and daily life.
My symptoms started with feeling constantly tired and exhausted for no apparent reason, which affected my quality of life and daily performance. In addition, I started noticing a weakness in my memory and difficulty concentrating, which made me even more anxious.
After visiting the doctor and undergoing the necessary tests, I was diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency. This moment was a turning point, as my journey began to learn about the importance of this vitamin for the body and how to deal with the deficiency.
Vitamin B12 is essential for many vital functions in the body, including red blood cell production and nerve function. I learned that a diet rich in vitamin B12 and supplements can help overcome this deficiency.
I started modifying my diet to include sources rich in vitamin B12 such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. The doctor also advised me to take vitamin B12 supplements to raise its levels in the body faster.
Over time, I started to notice a noticeable improvement in my energy levels and the symptoms I was experiencing subsided. I became more energetic and my ability to concentrate and remember improved.
Through my experience, I have realized the importance of paying attention to the signals your body is sending and the importance of correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Vitamin B12 deficiency may not be a commonly discussed problem, but its impact on the body and daily life can be significant.
In conclusion, my experience with vitamin B12 deficiency taught me the importance of paying attention to proper nutrition and listening to the body. It is essential to seek medical advice when feeling any unusual symptoms and work to improve the quality of life through proper nutrition and appropriate treatment.
Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency
There are several factors that may lead to a deficiency in vitamin B12, due to their effect on the body’s ability to absorb this essential vitamin from the digestive system. These factors include:
A defect in the secretion of the intrinsic factor necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 occurs as a result of autoimmune activity, as is the case in pernicious anemia, where the body attacks the stomach cells that secrete this factor.
Diseases affecting the digestive system such as gastritis, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease, in addition to irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease, which damage the lining of the intestine.
Excessive and continuous alcohol consumption can also disrupt the absorption of vitamin B12.
Surgeries that involve removing parts of the digestive system, such as gastric bypass or removal of part of the intestine, also contribute to deficiency.
Moreover, long-term use of some medications may negatively affect vitamin absorption, including metformin, which is used to treat diabetes, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, and histamine 2 receptor antagonists such as famotidine.
Stages of vitamin B12 deficiency
Initially, the human body goes through four different stages when it is deficient in vitamin B12.
In the initial stage, a person may not show any obvious signs of deficiency, even though the concentration of the vitamin in the blood has begun to decrease.
This is followed by the second stage, where vitamin levels continue to decline without any physical symptoms, but at this stage, cell functions become dysfunctional as a result.
The third stage is characterized by the onset of noticeable signs such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and gas, along with digestive problems and indigestion.
There is also an increase in the level of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid in the blood. One may experience numbness, weakness, and fatigue in addition to a tingling sensation.
In the final and most severe stage, the body suffers from low hemoglobin levels, indicating the presence of anemia.
Physical symptoms such as general weakness, shortness of breath, and lethargy appear.
At this stage, the person may face permanent damage to the nervous system if the deficiency is not treated, and in rare cases it may even lead to paralysis.
Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency
To correct vitamin B12 deficiency, it is necessary to identify the underlying causes of this deficiency in order to choose the appropriate method of treatment. Among the available treatment options are:
1. Rely on eating foods that contain high levels of vitamin B12, such as:
-Beef and goat meat.
- Poultry.
– Fish, especially tuna.
- eggs.
Dairy products such as milk and cheese.
2. Use oral vitamin B12 supplements, which are commonly used for people who cannot obtain the vitamin from its natural sources.
3. Resorting to intramuscular injections of vitamin B12, which are used especially in cases of pernicious anemia, absorption problems, or when the deficiency is severe.
As for the duration of treatment, it varies from person to person. Some patients may need to continue taking vitamin B12 pills or receive injections for life.
