Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes
Vitamin B12 is due to the lack of intrinsic factor which is a substance made by cells in the stomach that makes it possible to absorb Vitamin B12. The reason for the lack of intrinsic factor is unknown which maybe an autoimmune reaction, a genetic factor, or both.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Definition
Vitamin B12 deficiency is the deficiency which usually result from the failure of the digestive tract to absorb Vitamin B12 or Cobalomin which is necessary for making red blood cells and which is responsible for keeping the nervous system functioning. It is said that this deficiency may cause irreversible damage to the person's nerve (Insel, P., Turner, E., Ross, D. (2005). Discovering Nutrition, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, p. 353).
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Diagnosis
Diagnosis includes own observation of symptoms and consequently physical examination and medical history evaluation of physician. Medical tests which include blood tests for Vitamin B12 levels to check for antibodies to the intrinsic factors are also used to confirm the condition (Griffith H.W., Moore, S., (2006). Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness and Surgery, Perigee, p. 148).
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms and Signs
Its symptoms usually develop slowly and take time to be notice. The most prevalent symptoms are the following: weakness especially in the arms and legs, sore tongue, nausea, loss of appetite and weight loss, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty in maintaining proper balance, pale lips, tongue and gums, yellowish eyes and skin, bleeding of the gums, shortness of breathing, depression, confusion, poor memory and dementia, headache and tinnitus or the ringing of the ear.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Treatment
Treatment includes Vitamin B12 replacement and Vitamin B12 therapy or diet. Administration of Vitamin B12 supplements is also advised.