Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12, also known as COBALAMIN,
is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in the metabolism of every cell of
the human body: it is a cofactor in DNA synthesis, and in both fatty acid and
amino acid metabolism. It is particularly important in the normal functioning
of the nervous system (the network of nerve cells and fibers which transmits
nerve impulses between parts of the body) via its role in the synthesis of
myelin, and in the maturation of developing red blood cells in the bone marrow.
The myelin is a lipid-rich (fatty) substance that surrounds the nervous
system’s wire.
Vitamin B12 is found in animal
by-products, such as fish, meat and dairy. Other sources include fortified
cereal, breads and plant milks. People who don’t regularly consume animal
products are at risk of becoming deficient in B12.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is recognized by the World Health Organization as a global health problem that could impact millions of lives, symptoms of B12 deficiency are extreme tiredness, lack of energy, muscle weakness, and even problems with memory, it can also cause a number of serious health problems, such as irreversible nerve damage, anxiety or depression, or disorders which affect balance, coordination and speech, And The most common reason for low B12 levels worldwide is an autoimmune disorder called Pernicious Anemia, it means that your body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to every part of your body, and without them your tissues and organs won’t work like they should; this condition makes it difficult for people to process vitamin B12 because of the lack of a stomach protein called “intrinsic factor” (IF). This is a chronic form of low B12 that can have serious consequences on health if left untreated long-term, it can cause physical distress and serious psychological harm, it affects people of all ages, and symptoms can start at any time. However, the condition is more common in people over 60 years old. Low levels of B12 can lead to nerve damage, as the vitamin is essential to producing myelin, which protects nerve cells from damage. Symptoms of low B12 might initially feel like tingling or numbness in hands and feet, or difficulty with balance. If Pernicious Anemia is left untreated, symptoms can become debilitating and nerve damage irreversible. A long time ago, this disorder was believed to be fatal or pernicious that means deadly.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is recognized by the World Health Organization as a global health problem that could impact millions of lives, symptoms of B12 deficiency are extreme tiredness, lack of energy, muscle weakness, and even problems with memory, it can also cause a number of serious health problems, such as irreversible nerve damage, anxiety or depression, or disorders which affect balance, coordination and speech, And The most common reason for low B12 levels worldwide is an autoimmune disorder called Pernicious Anemia, it means that your body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to every part of your body, and without them your tissues and organs won’t work like they should; this condition makes it difficult for people to process vitamin B12 because of the lack of a stomach protein called “intrinsic factor” (IF). This is a chronic form of low B12 that can have serious consequences on health if left untreated long-term, it can cause physical distress and serious psychological harm, it affects people of all ages, and symptoms can start at any time. However, the condition is more common in people over 60 years old. Low levels of B12 can lead to nerve damage, as the vitamin is essential to producing myelin, which protects nerve cells from damage. Symptoms of low B12 might initially feel like tingling or numbness in hands and feet, or difficulty with balance. If Pernicious Anemia is left untreated, symptoms can become debilitating and nerve damage irreversible. A long time ago, this disorder was believed to be fatal or pernicious that means deadly.
These days it’s easily treated with B-12 tablets or injections of Hydroxocobalamin. Once the deficiency has been corrected, levels can be managed by changing diet or regularly taking a supplement, but the nonspecific nature of the condition’s initial symptoms can make it difficult to properly diagnose people. One study interviewing members of the Pernicious Anemia Society found that nearly half had been misdiagnosed.
The lack of appropriate guidelines for diagnosis and
treatment of Pernicious Anemia is problematic and there is an urgent need for
this to be reviewed before long term damage occurs. It is important that both the general public and
health professionals have increased awareness of the symptoms that arise from
inadequate levels of B12.
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