Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes

Vitamin B12 is crucial for the proper formation of red blood cells, as well as the health of nerve tissue. Vitamin B12 deficiency, or B12 deficiency, if left untreated can result in anemia, as well as irreversible nerve and brain damage. 

A lack of vitamin B12 in the blood can lead to a blood disorder called pernicious anemia. Those with the disorder are unable to produce enough of a protein substance - IF (intrinsic factor) - in their stomach that allows their body to absorb vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is injected straight into the patient's blood, therefore bypassing the stomach which is unable to absorb it properly. 

The vitamin B12 deficiency causes vary from person to person and because of various other factors within the person. No matter what the cause may be, it is very important that it be treated as soon as possible because there could be detrimental consequences if it is not treated right away. A deficiency of B12 typically results in a person feeling very tired, them experiencing muscle weakness, and a general sense of fatigue all of the time. Other symptoms include constipation, pale skin, loose stool, a part or complete lack of appetite, and even some loss of weight. A person who finds themselves a victim of these symptoms should go to a doctor and determine if he or she has a deficiency. A blood test will be done in order to determine this.

This particular ailment typically results from a poor or low vitamin diet. A person that does not eat foods such as vegetables, greens, dairy, and protein are typically the people that find themselves dealing with this deficiency. Anemia is also a way that one can get this illness because the stomach cells eat away the B12 before the body has a chance to absorb it and use it. There are a few other diseases that may cause someone to have a deficiency; but there are also several options that can be used in order to treat the deficiency.

One way to reverse a deficiency is by eating foods that are rich in B12. This will provide almost instant results because you will be providing your body with the nutrients it so desperately needs in order to survive. Celery, spinach, broccoli, lettuce, and any other leafy green items are excellent food choices. Dairy products, multivitamins, and a B12 supplement are also options that one can take in order to increase the amount of the vitamin in his or her body.

A vitamin B12 deficiency may be hereditary in some situations. If this is the case, changing what you eat so that you are ensuring that you are eating foods rich in B12, taking a supplement or a vitamin, and monitoring the condition are all ways not to worry about the ailment. It is very important to treat this deficiency as soon as possible so that you can stop feeling weak and overly tired and so that your body can once again receive the nutrients it so greatly needs. Treating this deficiency is quite easy, but one must make an effort to do so.