A deficiency in vitamin B12 is relatively common in the United States, but the treatment for it should really be handled by a medical professional. Over 200,000 reported cases of vitamin B12 deficiency are seen every year in the US. While the symptoms of it can last weeks or months, is it possible to avoid it altogether? We here at HPFY can give you all the information you may need to deal with or even possibly avoid a vitamin B12 deficiency.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 is characterized as low levels of vitamin B12 in the body that can lead to anemia, a low level of red blood cells. In order to maintain healthy levels of B12 in the body, we should include meat and dairy in our everyday diets or yeasts (such as brewer’s yeast). As you can imagine, healthy red blood cells in our bone marrow is vital to our overall health. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can be caused by:
Many of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can develop slowly over time and since they develop slowly, they may not be recognized immediately. It is critical to recognize the symptoms and treat them as soon as possible since, if ignored, permanent damage can result. These symptoms include:
If left undiagnosed for ignored, a vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to permanent damage. Numbness in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, and irritability/depression are some possible permanent issues related to vitamin B12 deficiency. Also, cognitive function can be negatively affected with memory loss/dementia and psychosis possible side effects of this deficiency.
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So, if you have been diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency, how do you treat it? One obvious treatment is to start taking a B12 supplement. As always, you should consult your physician before starting any supplement regimen. Treatments for vitamin B12 deficiency are typically done in two stages. Initial therapy (phase 1) can include high doses of vitamin B12 to offset low levels in the body followed by a maintenance level (phase 2) of B12 to include the daily amount necessary to maintain proper levels. Also, treatment for B12 deficiency can be directly related to the cause of your deficiency. Common treatments include:
The best treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency is prevention. As the saying goes “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Most folks can prevent any deficiency by eating plenty of meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. For those who may have to supplement their diet due to malabsorption or a vegan diet, you should consult your physician to determine how much you may need and if there is any possible interaction with the medication you may be taking.
Vitamin B12 does a lot of things for your body, including making your DNA and red blood cells. Making sure you get proper amounts daily can ensure that you stay healthy. Since your body does not create vitamin B12, ensuring you eat the proper foods or intake supplements is vitally important. Be smart and stay healthy!!
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.
In 2006, ...
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