Vitamin B12 deficiency is quite common nowadays, especially in older adults. This nutrient plays a complex role in your body; and, its deficiency severe health issues, like anemia, neuropathy, dementia, etc. Moreover, diagnosing its deficiency in the body is tricky, as its symptoms are same as other health conditions. In this blog, we’ll tell you six important facts about vitamin B12 deficiency you should know-

Vegans And Adults Are At Risk

Vitamin B12 good for nerves, brain, and blood cells, is naturally present in animal products. Vegetarians’ diet consists of plant-based foods, like beans, soy, fruits, and vegetables. Vegans should include eggs and dairy products to their diet at least once a day. Or, buy good-quality vitamin B12-fortified foods, like grains, or cereals.

Also, adults over 50 are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. At this age, the stomach produces less acid, which is important for vitamin B12 absorption. People who are deficient in vitamin B12 may also need to take supplements. But not all supplements are made equal. So, make sure to check the label before you buy.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Is Hard To Recognize

Our body can store vitamin B12 for a few years. So, early symptoms of its deficiency don’t appear instantly, which makes it difficult to figure out if your body is deficient in vitamin B12. Some initial signs include brain fog, fatigue, weakness, followed by more severe clues, like numbness in limbs, hallucinations, etc. These symptoms are so varied that they don’t appear in everyone. Thus, it is a bit difficult to diagnose the deficiency at an early stage.

You Can Confirm Vitamin B12 Deficiency With A Blood Test

If vitamin B12 levels in blood is less than 160 pg/mL, it could be a sign of deficiency. Generally, these blood tests are accurate. Sometimes, a false positive appears due to oral contraceptives, pregnancy, folate deficiency, or certain cancers. Besides, false negatives are also possible related to liver disease, blood cell disorders, etc. Consult your physician; they will take care of your test.

Digestive Issues Can Cause Vitamin B12 Deficiency

People with GI issues are at a higher risk of B12 deficiency. The reason is, digestive issues can make nutrient absorption more difficult. People with gut issues, like leaky gut syndrome, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, etc. are also at a higher risk. If you have any of these digestive problems, talk to your doctor about vitamin B12 supplements.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Is Mistaken For Dementia

B12 deficiency symptoms often mimic those of dementia. For example, disorientation, memory loss, etc. Also, older people are at higher risk of both neurological complications and nutrient deficiency. Thus, it becomes difficult to distinguish B12 deficiency from dementia. Furthermore, the two conditions also overlap. Furthermore, when B12 deficiency is found in younger people, it resembles dementia. Experts are yet to confirm the relationship between the two health conditions. However, people with cognitive decline are recommended to get tested for vitamin B12 deficiency.

Multis Can Help With Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that keeps your body’s blood cells, and nerves healthy. If your body is deficient of this vitamin, doctors or physicians recommend you to take supplements to empower a healthy nerve function. It will provide energize your mood, improve metabolism, and ensure the proper functioning of your body. With good-quality multivitamins, you can get all the benefits of this nutrient without any side effects.

These are some of the important things about vitamin B12 deficiency you should know. This information will help you make better health decisions.