Other Signs and Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
In addition to the above, a vitamin B12 deficiency may cause the following symptoms:
- Muscle weakness and muscle cramps.
- Impaired balance and coordination, trouble walking.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Vision problems due to optic nerve damage.
What Vitamin B12 Does Not Do
According to Harvard Health Publishing, there is no solid scientific evidence that getting enough vitamin B12 can prevent health conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, infertility, eczema, and fatigue. For example, while many people with Alzheimer’s disease are found to have low vitamin B12 levels, there is no improvement in cognitive function after supplementation with high doses of vitamin B12.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Given that a deficiency of vitamin B12 can affect so many organs in the body, it’s important to seek treatment. People who are at a high risk of B12 deficiency, such as those who eat strict vegetarian diets, should talk to their healthcare professional about screening for this condition.
Your doctor can diagnose B12 deficiency based on your medical history and a physical exam. They might also order a routine blood test like a complete blood count or additional blood tests. In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be necessary.
A standard multivitamin may be all that is needed to correct a mild vitamin B12 deficiency. If a serious deficiency is detected, it can be corrected with high-dose vitamin B12 pills or weekly shots.
You can reduce your risk of developing a B12 deficiency by eating animal products that are rich in this vitamin. If you are a vegetarian, include fortified bread, cereals, and grains or take a daily B12 supplement.
