Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms: Four signs of low B12 levels that ‘mimic dementia’
Dr Dawn Harper on signs of vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency
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The impact vitamin B12 has on the body is extensive. Among other things, the vitamin underpins the central nervous system and helps form healthy red blood cells. Given its contribution, it is little wonder the body goes awry without it.
Some of the most acute symptoms are the result of low B12 dealing a hammer blow to the nervous system.
This is collectively known as vitamin B12 neuropathy.
According to Bupa, when low B12 starts impacting the nerves, it can cause confusion, depression, poor concentration and forgetfulness – symptoms that can “mimic dementia”.
“It may affect your movement and sensation, especially in your legs, cause numbness or pins and needles and decrease your sensitivity to touch, vibration or pain,” notes the health body.
How to respond
You should see a GP if you think you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency, advises the NHS.
“These conditions can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and the results of a blood test,” explains the health body.
It’s doubly important for vitamin B12 deficiency to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
“This is because although many of the symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible,” warns the NHS.
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What causes low B12?
B12 deficiency has two primary causes – pernicious anaemia and diet.
The former is the leading cause of B12 deficiency in the UK. If you have pernicious anaemia, your immune system attacks healthy cells in your stomach, preventing your body absorbing vitamin B12 from the food you eat.
Some people struggle to get enough B12 in their diet, namely strict vegans and vegetarians.
That’s because vitamin B12 is found naturally in a wide variety of animal foods, and manufacturers add it to some fortified foods, explains the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
“Plant foods have no vitamin B12 unless they are fortified,” warns NIH.
According to the health body, you can get recommended amounts of vitamin B12 by eating a variety of foods including the following:
- Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and other dairy products contain vitamin B12.
- Clams and beef liver are some of the best sources of vitamin B12.
- Some breakfast cereals, nutritional yeasts, and other food products are fortified with vitamin B12.
How to treat B12 deficiency
The treatment for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia depends on what’s causing the condition.
Most people can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia (low red blood cell count) is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12.
There are two types of vitamin B12 injections:
- Hydroxocobalamin
- Cyanocobalamin
“At first, you’ll have these injections every other day for two weeks or until your symptoms have started improving,” adds the NHS.
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