Fatigue, weakness, anaemia, and neurological problems are all related to vitamin B12 deficiency. Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. Unlike many other nutrients, vitamin B12 is not made in the human body. It is produced by certain bacteria, primarily in the guts of animals and humans, and it enters the human body through the consumption of animal products or fortified foods. So what causes vitamin B12 deficiencies? 

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Pranjit Bhowmik, Director- Internal Medicine, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, not only discusses the factors that lead to B12 deficiency, but also shares ways to increase nutrient levels. 

Role Of Vitamin B12 

Here’s a look at what vitamin B12 does to the body:

DNA Synthesis: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the synthesis of DNA, the genetic material present in every cell of your body.

Red Blood Cell Formation: Vitamin B12 is involved in the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body.

Neurological Function: Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining the health of nerve cells and supporting proper neurological function. Deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and even cognitive changes. “B12 deficiency may cause demyelination of nerves in the peripheral and central nervous system and has been associated with peripheral neuropathy, loss of sensation in peripheral nerves, and weakness in lower extremities in older adults,” says a study published by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 

Also Read: Two Vitamin Deficiencies That Can Lead To Anaemia: How To Get Optimum Levels

Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most prevalent deficiencies among others. 

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, over 65 crore people have vitamin B12 deficiency.  Some of the most common risk groups include: 

Older adults due to reduced stomach acid production and decreased intrinsic factor secretion.

Individuals with gastrointestinal conditions that affect B12 absorption, such as pernicious anaemia, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease.

People taking certain medications that interfere with B12 absorption, like PPIs and metformin.

Causes Of B12 Deficiency

When it comes to vitamin B12 deficiency, certain factors can pose greater risks, according to Bhowmik. These include:

Diet plays an important role in controlling vitamin B12 deficiency as the vitamin is mainly found in foods like meat, eggs and milk. Also, some foods are fortified with vitamin B 12 including some nutritional yeast products and breakfast cereals. People who don’t eat sufficient amounts of foods rich in this vitamin may need to take B 12 supplements. 

Surgical removal of some portions of your intestines or stomach can lead to reduced amount of intrinsic factor produced along with reduction of the amount of space available for absorption of vitamin B 12.

Intestinal conditions like celiac and Crohn’s disease can affect the absorption of vitamin B 12. Also tapeworm infection acquired from eating contaminated fish can result in deficiency of B 12.

Pernicious anaemia is another important condition responsible for vitamin B 12 deficiency. In this, stomach cells responsible for producing a substance called intrinsic factor are attacked by the body’s immune system. Vitamin B 12 can’t be produced in the absence of this factor.

Also Read: High Blood Pressure Can Increase Your Risk Of Heart Attack: Best Ways To Bring It Down

Best Foods To Add To Your Diet

Dr Bhowmik says, “A healthy diet that includes a variety of foods can help prevent some forms of vitaminB12 deficiency.” These include

• Milk
• Cheese
• Yoghurt
• Beef
• Liver
• Chicken
• Fish 
• Eggs
• Fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals 

Bottomline

According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin B12 varies by age and life stage. For adults, it is generally around 2.4 micrograms per day. For those who suspect a deficiency, it is important to visit a healthcare professional to decide on a treatment.