What disease is caused by a lack of vitamin B12?

Lto B12 is one of 8 types of vitamin which belong to the B complex, and is one that dissolves with water and is required for the formation and maturation of red blood cells and in DNA synthesis. In view of lack of this type of vitamin can cause disease and the most common is anemia.

Being essential in the formation of mature blood cells, the vitamin b12 it is stored directly in the liver in large quantities and can remain in the body for 3-5 years before disappearing completely and causing a deficiency.

But since it is a vitamin that acts directly in the formation of red blood cells, it can cause anemia, which occurs in the presence of abnormally large red blood cells (macrocytes) and abnormal white blood cells (leukocytes). This disease may not develop until 3-5 years after the deficiency begins. vitamin b12.

The only way to know if the body is supplying the right amount of this vitamin It is through a blood test that shows the state of red blood cells. In addition to anemia, some brain damage can also occur, which can result from symptoms such as problems with concentration, loss of balance, numbness in the hands and feet, hallucinations or loss of touch with reality.

Other times, the lack of vitamin b12 It can cause certain illnesses such as paranoia to lead to dementia or depression.

This type of vitamin is obtained through foods of animal origin, such as meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs and dairy products, so vegans and vegetarians should consume their daily dose through vitamin supplements. . Similarly, a vitamin B deficiency can also occur due to malnutrition during pregnancy or in children with a poor diet.

In the same vein, there are some underlying health issues that could be preventing the proper absorption of vitamin b12 in the organism. These include celiac disease, pernicious anemia, daily and excessive alcohol consumption, or taking antacid medications for heartburn for a long time.

Symptoms due to vitamin B12 deficiency

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue, lack of energy, or dizziness when standing up or exercising
• loss of appetite
• Pale skin
• Pale skin
• Concentration problems
• Shortness of breath, especially during exercise
• Swollen and red tongue or bleeding gums

Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency

The blood test is the study that specialists recommend to detect the lack of vitamin b12 in the body, although when the condition begins to worsen they may also direct the patient to perform a complete blood count, check the levels of reticulocytes, lactate dehydrogenase, serum bilirubin, methylmalonic acid and amino acids in the blood.

Additionally, your doctor may also schedule an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to examine your stomach and small intestine or a bone marrow biopsy if the previous diagnosis isn’t optimal.

Possible diseases due to excessive consumption of vitamin B12

Although anemia and another number of diseases occur due to lack of vitamin b12, its excessive consumption can also cause the appearance of certain diseases. Among its main features, the vitamin b12 It is water soluble, so it is not stored in the body and the excess is usually eliminated in the urine, although some people may have problems eliminating it, especially those with kidney problems.

The daily dose that specialists recommend to ingest is 2.4 micrograms in adults, which is generally completed with a balanced diet including foods such as meat, chicken, shellfish or fish.

retention of vitamin b12 in the body and its excessive consumption could cause the following diseases:

• Heart failure: Given the excessive consumption of this vitamin, it is possible that the heart stops pumping properly and episodes of heart failure begin to appear.
• Hepatic and renal insufficiency: Liver and kidney cells can suffer serious damage if you do not meet your daily intake of this vitamin.
• Blood clot formation: This type of disease prevents proper blood flow, and if clots block blood vessels that carry blood to the heart or brain, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
• Poor eyesight: Being a vitamin that also participates in the development of the neural system, excess vitamin B12 can cause blurred or foggy vision.