A vitamin that is essential for normal body functions, including red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and neurological functions.
The most common cause of B12 deficiency is inadequate dietary intake of the vitamin. People who eat an exclusively plant-based diet—such as vegans or vegetarians—tend to be at higher risk for this deficiency, as B12 is primarily found in animal-based foods such as eggs, dairy, and meat.
Certain medical conditions can also hamper the body’s ability to absorb B12 from the gastrointestinal tract, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, as well as an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
Other causes of B12 deficiency could stem from certain medications, like metformin, used to treat diabetes, or proton pump inhibitors, used to treat GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Autoimmune disorders, like pernicious anemia, can also prevent the body from absorbing B12.
Lastly, in some cases, the aging process itself can lead to B12 deficiency, as one’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases with age.
How quickly can B12 levels drop?
B12 levels can drop quickly in some cases, depending on the underlying cause and severity. If there has been a dietary deficiency or an underlying health issue is present, the drop can happen in a matter of days or weeks.
If a person has been taking a B12 supplement and suddenly stops, then their levels could also drop quickly. However, for individuals who are deficient and starting to supplement, it can take months for the levels to reach normal again.
Additionally, levels will naturally decrease slowly over time, although the exact rate can vary from person to person.
What are you lacking If your B12 is low?
If you have a low B12 level, it can lead to a variety of symptoms and deficiencies. B12 is essential for nervous system function, energy production, red blood cells production and DNA synthesis. Therefore, not having enough B12 can cause anemia, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depression, poor memory and balance problems.
Low B12 levels can also lead to nerve damage, affecting your ability to walk, talk and feel. Additionally, low B12 can cause neuropathy, which includes tingling, numbness and even burning sensations in the hands and feet.
Furthermore, B12 helps absorb folic acid, which is essential to healthy cell production, so low levels of B12 can also lead to megaloblastic anemia. Lastly, it can cause an array of digestive issues, including nausea, constipation, heartburn and decreased appetite.
Why is my body not absorbing vitamin B12?
One common cause is a lack of intrinsic factor, an enzyme produced in the stomach lining that accompanies B12 when it is absorbed. A deficiency in this enzyme can lead to vitamin B12 malabsorption. Other causes include digestive disorders such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, as these can all interfere with the body’s ability to absorb B12.
Poor absorption of B12 can also occur as a side effect of some medications, and gastrointestinal surgery can also lead to malabsorption of this important vitamin. Additionally, an autoimmune disorder known as pernicious anemia can also cause problems with B12 absorption due to an antibody that binds to the B12, preventing it from being absorbed.
Lastly, vegan and vegetarian diets can lead to B12 deficiency due to the lack of animal-based foods that are a natural source of B12. If you suspect that you may have B12 absorption problems, it is best to consult with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What does low B12 feel like?
Having low levels of Vitamin B12 can present with a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, feeling weak or lightheaded, loss of appetite, weight loss, dizziness, tingling and numbness in the arms and legs, and depression.
Additionally, people who are low in Vitamin B12 can have difficulty concentrating, cognitive problems and memory loss. People can also experience pale skin, smooth tongue, and soreness in the mouth. Low B12 levels can cause anemia, which may cause shortness of breath, tiredness, and fast heartbeat.
In extreme cases, untreated B12 deficiency can be life-threatening. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to get tested to know for sure if you have low B12. Left untreated, B12 deficiency can lead to irreversible nerve and brain damage, so it’s important to get tested, get treated and get back on track to optimal health.
How can I raise my B12 levels fast?
The best way to raise your B12 levels fast is to start by consuming more B12-rich foods such as shellfish, beef, eggs, dairy products, tuna, salmon, fortified breakfast cereals, and fortified nutritional yeast.
It is also important to note that some plant-based foods are fortified with B12 such as certain brands of plant-based milk, some veggie burgers, and nutritional yeast, so be sure to check labels. If you are vegan or vegetarian, you may also want to consider taking a B12 supplement as this is the most reliable way to reach and maintain optimal levels of vitamin B12.
Additionally, if you think you may be deficient in B12, it is important to get your levels checked by your doctor. If levels are low, your doctor may recommend a B12 shot or oral supplementation to quickly restore B12 levels to normal.
Can stress cause vitamin deficiency?
Yes, stress can lead to vitamin deficiency. Stress hormones are often released as part of the body’s “fight or flight” response to a perceived threat. The production of these hormones takes priority over the absorption and assimilation of vitamins.
This can lead to a deficiency in vitamins. Additionally, elevated stress can lead to an increase in cortisol production which is linked to lower levels of B1, B2 and B3 vitamins. Studies have also shown that elevated cortisol levels can decrease glutathione levels which is the body’s primary antioxidant and can lead to depleted vitamins such as C and E.
Also, stress can cause changes in eating habits which could lead to a vitamin deficiency if the diet does not contain all the essential vitamins. For example, if a person is feeling stressed, they may resort to eating processed foods or comfort foods which do not have the essential vitamins needed for good health.
Therefore, it is important to manage stress levels and to eat a balanced diet to ensure that the body is getting the essential vitamins it needs.
Can the effects of B12 deficiency be reversed?
Yes, the effects of Vitamin B12 deficiency can be reversed. The first step in treating B12 deficiency is to determine the cause. This can be done through blood tests, scans and other laboratory tests.
Once the cause of B12 deficiency is determined, it is important to manage it accordingly. In some cases, dietary changes or supplementing with Vitamin B12 may be recommended. If the underlying cause is related to a condition like pernicious anemia, then appropriate medications may be required in conjunction with Vitamin B12 supplementation.
The effects of Vitamin B12 deficiency can begin to reverse within just a few weeks of supplementation, however, it can take up to 6 months to see full effects. Diet and lifestyle modifications may also be necessary to encourage optimal outcomes.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding treatment and contact them if you experience any changes in symptoms.
Can borderline low B12 cause symptoms?
Yes, borderline low B12 levels can cause symptoms. Depending on the person, the type and severity of symptoms may vary. Generally, symptoms of low B12 can include low energy and fatigue, confusion, memory loss, depression and anxiety, loss of appetite, tingling in the hands and feet, numbness, a sore or swollen tongue, and pale skin.
In extreme cases, anemia, seizures, and irregular heart rates can occur. It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and that everyone’s experience with low B12 can be different. It is also important to speak to your doctor if you think you may be experiencing symptoms of low B12, as they can provide a diagnosis and make recommendations for how to best address any low B12 levels.
Can B12 deficiency come on quickly?
Yes, B12 deficiency can come on quickly, depending on a number of factors. While it is more common for B12 deficiency to develop over a long period of time due to malabsorption or dietary issues, it is possible to develop a B12 deficiency in a relatively short period of time, such as a couple of months.
This can be especially true if you have an underlying medical condition that interferes with your ability to absorb vitamin B12, such as pernicious anemia or other gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, certain medications can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12, causing your levels of B12 to decrease in a short period of time.
In any case, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a B12 deficiency in order to recognize and address it swiftly. Some of the symptoms of B12 deficiency include feeling fatigued, headaches, poor concentration, depression, nerve damage and irritability.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and think they may be the result of a B12 deficiency, it is important to seek medical advice from your doctor to get tested and receive appropriate medical support.
How long does it take for B12 levels to change?
It typically takes a few weeks of consistent B12 supplementation or treatment with B12 shots for B12 levels to change. However, the exact amount of time it takes for levels to change depends on individual factors, such as the size of the dose and the specific type of B12 supplement or shot that is being taken.
Additionally, some individuals may require higher doses of B12 or more frequent treatments such as weekly injections in order to raise their levels more quickly. It is important to note that B12 levels are not typically monitored on a regular basis, so individuals should be aware that it can take one to three months for individuals to notice any noticeable changes in terms of enhanced energy, improved memory, improved mood, or other health benefits.
Ultimately, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to develop an individualized B12 treatment plan for the most effective and quickest results.
How do you know if your B12 is down?
It can be challenging to determine the exact levels of B12 in your body without a blood test, however there are certain signs and symptoms that can indicate that your B12 levels are low. Common symptoms of a B12 deficiency include: feeling tired or weak; pale or jaundiced skin; difficulty walking or muscle weakness; shortness of breath or chest pain; loss of appetite or weight loss; anemia; numbness or tingling in the hands and feet; confusion or memory loss; depression; and swollen or inflamed tongue.
You may also experience pale or yellow skin, lightheadedness, and loss of balance. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor as soon as possible to discuss the possibility of a B12 deficiency and to determine the best course of treatment.
How do you fix B12 deficiency fast?
B12 deficiency can be fixed relatively quickly with proper supplementation. The recommended daily requirement is 2. 4mcg, but it may depend on a person’s individual needs. Supplements can come in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids and injections.
Studies have shown that sublingual tablets, or tablets that dissolve under the tongue, result in higher and faster levels of absorption than tablets that have to pass through the digestive system. Supplements should be taken regularly, and it may be necessary to take a vitamin B complex supplement if one is deficient in other B vitamins.
It’s important to speak to a doctor and get tested for a B12 deficiency before starting a supplementary regimen and then monitor the levels after to make sure the supplement is doing the job. If a person prefers not to take dietary or oral supplementation, then injections are available as well.
Injections of B12 can quickly lead to an elevated level of B12 in the body, but regular injections may be necessary for some individuals.
How often should you recheck B12?
The frequency at which B12 should be rechecked depends on the individual and any pre-existing health conditions they may have. For most people, a B12 level should be checked at least once a year. However, people with certain health conditions, such as pernicious anemia, should get their B12 levels checked more frequently.
Additionally, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as older adults, may benefit from more frequent testing. Depending on their unique health needs, some people may need to check their B12 levels every three to six months.
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine how often and when to recheck B12 levels.
Can anxiety lower B12?
Yes, anxiety can lower B12 levels in the body. B12 is a “stress hormone” and anxiety can cause an increase in this hormone, leading to a decrease in B12 levels. Additionally, research has shown that some types of stress increase cortisol levels, which can also decrease B12 levels.
Furthermore, some medications used to treat anxiety and depression can interfere with the absorption of B12, which can then lead to a decrease in B12 levels. It is important to monitor your B12 levels if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or are taking medications to treat these conditions.