The exact level at which B12 deficiency begins to cause symptoms is still under debate, however deficiencies are typically seen when serum B12 levels are lower than 200 pg/ml or 148 pmol/l. Symptoms can vary from person to person and the severity of the symptoms can increase as the levels drop lower.
Common symptoms of B12 deficiency can include tiredness, weakness, a sore mouth or tongue, loss of appetite, changes in the way food tastes, diarrhoea, constipation, weight loss, pins and needles, tingling/numbness and psychological symptoms.
As B12 deficiency is considered one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world, it is important to ensure adequate B12 levels, through a balanced diet and/or supplementation.
What is considered severe B12 deficiency?
Severe B12 deficiency is defined as a serum vitamin B12 level below 120-129pmol/L. Symptoms of severe B12 deficiency may include weakness, fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath, nerve damage, confusion and memory problems.
If left untreated, it can lead to anemia, vision loss, depression, and other neurological problems. Severe B12 deficiency can be caused by a few things including pernicious anemia, a condition where the immune system attacks cells in the stomach that are responsible for producing an intrinsic factor needed to absorb B12 in the digestive system, or dietary deficiency.
It can also be caused by certain medications like proton pump inhibitors, chronic use of antacids, metformin, and nitrous oxide. Treatment typically includes vitamin B12 injections and possibly additional supplementation with oral B12.
It’s important to treat this deficiency as soon as possible to avoid further health complications.
Are neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency reversible?
Yes, neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency can be reversed. B12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems such as memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. With early detection, the neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency can be reversed by increasing one’s B12 intake.
This could be done with foods such as meat, eggs, seafood, and dairy products, or through supplements and injections. B12 injections are typically given if a person has had B12 deficiency for a long period as they are more effective than dietary changes in treating severe B12 deficiency.
Additionally, since B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, dietary changes don’t need to be permanent; a person can focus on increasing B12 intake until blood levels of B12 normalize, and then focus on other dietary changes.
Long-term, adequate intake of B12 is necessary to prevent further B12 deficiency, and a person should continue to receive regular blood tests to monitor B12 levels. With proper diagnosis and treatment, neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency can be reversed.
What happens if your B12 is low for too long?
If your B12 levels remain low for an extended period of time, it can lead to a variety of health problems. A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, a loss of appetite, weight loss, nerve damage, difficulty maintaining balance, and depression.
Even mild deficiencies can lead to neurological issues such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating. Studies have found that long-term B12 deficiency can also cause damage to the heart, brain, and other organs.
Additionally, if left untreated, a B12 deficiency can lead to permanent nerve damage, although this is rare. If you think you may have a B12 deficiency, it is important to seek treatment right away to prevent further health complications.
A simple blood test can measure your B12 levels and allow you to start treatment as soon as possible.
When should I be concerned about low B12?
You should be concerned about low B12 if you experience any of the following symptoms: fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, a sore tongue, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, abnormal gait, headache, pale or yellowish skin, cognitive abnormalities such as confusion, depression, and irritability, difficulty with balance, heart palpitations, chest pain, joint pain, and a weakened immune system.
Additionally, you should be concerned about low B12 if you have any of the following conditions: vegetarians and vegans who do not take supplements, digestive disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, poor absorption, or a history of weight loss surgery.
If you experience any of these symptoms or conditions, it is important to see your doctor to determine if your low B12 levels are the result of an underlying condition or lifestyle factors.
Is B12 deficiency urgent?
Yes, B12 deficiency can be an urgent medical condition. If left untreated, B12 deficiency can lead to serious health problems, such as anemia, nerve damage, and weakened bones. Symptoms of B12 deficiency can include tiredness, lightheadedness, pale and yellowish skin, and more.
If you feel that you may have a B12 deficiency, it is important to talk to a medical professional as soon as possible in order to receive a diagnosis and, if necessary, begin a treatment plan.
What is considered a low B12 level for a woman?
A low B12 level for a woman is generally considered to be less than 186 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). B12 is an important component of healthy nutrition and physical health. Low levels of this essential nutrient can cause fatigue, neurological symptoms, anemia, and an increased risk of certain illnesses.
If a woman’s B12 level is found to be below 186 pg/mL, it is recommended to receive both a B12 injection and regular additional B12 supplementation to prevent further low levels. Diet modifications and lifestyle changes may also be necessary for full health restoration.
It is important to have regular blood tests and to monitor any changes in B12 levels over time in order to ensure optimal health.
How long does it take to recover from vitamin B12 deficiency?
The length of time it takes to recover from a vitamin B12 deficiency depends on several factors, such as the severity of the deficiency, what caused the deficiency, and any possible health complications due to the deficiency.
Generally speaking, if the deficiency is mild, a person may only need a few weeks or months to recover. For more severe deficiencies, the recovery may take 6 months or more. During recovery, a person needs to take supplemental vitamin B12 and an additional medical plan may be prescribed depending on the circumstances.
If any underlying medical issues have been identified, treating those should also help with the recovery. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as eating more foods that are high in B12 and making sure to get adequate exposure to the sun to help with your body’s natural production of B12 can help.
What can extremely low B12 cause?
Extremely low levels of B12 can cause a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from anemia, fatigue, and a weakened immune system to more neuropsychiatric issues, including disturbed vision, depression, and certain types of dementia.
Anemia is one of the most common issues caused by severely low B12 levels and this can manifest itself in a variety of symptoms, including chest pain, confusion, dizziness, lack of energy, and muscle weakness.
Low levels of B12 can also cause nerve damage, which can result in numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, cognitive decline, and balance issues. In addition, evidence suggests that low levels of B12 are linked to depression, though the exact reasons for this are still unclear.
Lastly, very low levels of B12 can also lead to certain types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, as well as other issues with memory and thinking. As such, it is important to make sure your B12 levels are at an optimal level by eating foods that are rich in B12 and taking a B12 supplement if necessary.
What is the normal range for B12 levels?
The normal range for B12 levels is 200-900 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). B12 levels above or below these levels can indicate a variety of issues, depending on the individual’s unique health profile.
For instance, if the individual has only slightly above or below optimal levels, it may be due to dietary deficiencies or absorption issues. On the other hand, a large fluctuation in B12 levels could potentially represent a more serious health issue, such as a malabsorption disorder, bleeding within the digestive tract, or an immune problem.
It is important to note that the “normal range” for B12 is quite broad—healthcare providers usually prefer to see levels above 350 pg/mL for optimal health. Therefore, if your B12 levels are borderline, it is important to seek out additional testing and consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Additionally, if symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the extremities, chronic fatigue, or a lack of mental clarity are present, then additional testing and supplementation may also be warranted.
What is normal level of vitamin B12 in elderly?
The normal range for vitamin B12 in elderly adults is between 190–914 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). However, since there is no consensus on what a normal level is, many healthcare providers will look to the lower end of the range to determine if an elderly patient needs additional supplementation or replacement therapy.
Supplementation is especially important for people who have diets that are low in animal proteins, vegetarian, vegan, or for those who are lacking in absorption in the digestive tract and may require higher levels than the normal range.
For elderly adults specifically, many healthcare providers may recommend supplementation to ensure adequate levels of vitamin B12, especially if there are conditions like diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or any other chronic conditions that can affect nutrient intake.
What does low B12 feel like?
Low levels of Vitamin B12 can cause a wide range of symptoms and can also have long-term health consequences if left untreated. Common signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency include feeling very tired, having difficulty concentrating and thinking, depression and feeling irritable, having a sore and red tongue, a tingling sensation in your hands and feet, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, headaches, diarrhea and constipation, a decrease in appetite, and anemia, and weight loss.
Other symptoms may include visual problems such as blurred vision and possibly nerve damage which can cause balance issues, numbness and tingling, feeling weak and having trouble walking, and a decrease in red blood cells which can cause paleness.
Additionally, low Vitamin B12 levels can also cause your mouth and tongue to feel unusually dry and result in a decrease in taste and smell.
Does high B12 mean liver damage?
No, it does not necessarily mean that someone has liver damage if they have high B12 levels. B12 is a nutrient that is most commonly found in animal foods such as poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products, and it helps to support the normal functioning of several bodily systems such as brain function and the production of red blood cells.
Having too much B12 in one’s system can be caused by a variety of different factors, such as eating a diet that is rich in B12, taking B12 supplements, having pernicious anemia, or having an overactive parietal cell in the stomach.
However, having high B12 levels is not necessarily an indicator of liver damage; rather, high B12 levels can occur due to other factors and may not necessarily be indicative of any specific underlying health condition.
However, high B12 levels may warrant further medical investigation if an individual is experiencing any other symptoms.
How do you feel if your B12 is too high?
If your B12 levels are too high, it is likely that you are experiencing signs and symptoms which can be uncomfortable and concerning. Common symptoms of high B12 levels include headaches, fatigue, confusion, heart palpitations, paranoia, and irritability.
These symptoms can be caused from a number of sources and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis before attempting to self-treat. In some cases, high B12 levels can be caused by over-supplementation or an underlying medical condition, such as Grave’s Disease or an infection.
Treatment for high B12 levels depends on the cause. If your B12 level is caused by over-supplementation, your healthcare provider will recommend decreasing or discontinuing your supplement. If the high B12 level is caused by an underlying medical condition, the provider may prescribe medication to help reduce the levels.
Ultimately, it is important to monitor your B12 levels closely and to speak to your healthcare provider before beginning or discontinuing any medications.