What does low b12 mean?

You’ve heard the term “low b12” tossed around everywhere from healthy-eating blogs to life insurance commercials. But what does it really mean? Is low b12 a big deal, or just another annoying thing about getting older that we have to worry about? In this article, we’ll answer all your questions and probably make you laugh along the way.

Let’s Start With The Basics

First off, let’s establish what even is vitamin b12 (cobalamin). This little nutrient plays a HUGE role in our bodies’ functioning- everything from DNA production to energy metabolism depends on having enough of it. Unfortunately, our bodies don’t naturally produce it- which means we need to get it through our diets (or supplements).

B12 lovers can normally find their fix in animal products like meat and dairy (vegetarians rejoice – soy milk and cereals are often fortified with B vitamins). It’s important for everybody (!) out there to get an adequate amount of b12- but some people are more susceptible than others!

Who Needs To Pay More Attention To Their B12 Levels?

-Folks who follow veggie-heavy/plant-based diet (PSA: just because someone is vegan doesn’t mean they’re not liable for a deficiency)
-People dealing with pernicious anemia
-Elders (let me tell ya folks: things start breaking down when you hit 25…)
-Recovering alcoholics

Now that you know what cobalamin is-awesome — so proud of us- let’s discuss low levels.

How Can I Know If My B12 Level Is Too Low?

Unfortunately signs like those terrible eye bags your roommate gets after she stays up past midnight don’t always come into fruition if your B-vitamin intake isn’t proper; however a simple blood test at any doctor’s office can diagnose if you’re running low.

As always, prevention is worth a pound of cure- so pay attention to the following warning signs:

Symptoms Of Low B12

-Fatigue (that amazing energy metabolism mentioned above we mentioned gets suppressed)
-Pallor
-Loss of appetite (and all our yoga and aerobics classes are for nothing!)
-Smoothness in tongue texture
-Numb hands and feet
-Yellow tinge to your skin

Sure, those symptoms could indicate just about anything else that can go wrong with the body- but if they’re persistent or worrying, it’s worth checking out.

Is Low B12 Really That Bad?

So yah! Easy question! No big deal right? WRONG.

Low b12 levels built up will affect

  1. Memory loss.
  2. Cognitive impairment.
  3. The development of megaloblastic anemia which makes people feel tired easily.

If the level drops severely into dangerous territory (200pg/mL) then risks of neurological damage increase exponentially— certainly not something anyone wants on their resume/medical record!

Plus – being absent-minded is such an endearing trait in sitcom characters (- note that there’s no actual science behind this statement.)

All jokes aside: If you think you might have a deficiency going on, talk to your doc; treatment options range from supplements to dietary changes depending on severity/staff preference at any given walk-in clinic.

Are There Any Risk Factors I Should Consider?

We already touched on who might be more susceptible than others when it comes to b12 -> vegetarianism, elderliness…etc., etc.; there are also a couple other things folks should bear in mind before eating that fourth hot dog(chickpea frankfurters excluded):

Other Lifestyle Habits Linked To Deficiency

Chronic alcohol abuse has been known cause lower absorption rate
Anything gastritis-related, Crohn’s patients in particular
Stomach surgeries (our insides are sensitive folks!)

How Can I Prevent B12 Deficiency

The easiest ways to make sure b12 isn’t keeping you down? (Key word prevent):

-Consuming foods that naturally contain b12 like trout drool, salmon double drool, and clams.
-Vegetarians/non-fish eaters may want to load up on fortified cereals (mmm weetabix!), soy milk, or choose supplements for extra measure.
-Lastly: consuming mastic gum with potential vitamin-taking offers benefits through promoting absorption processes.

Bonus Points For Vegetarian Folks Out There:

If a two-month supply of intramuscular injections aren’t your style but you’re also discovering the local seafood store air quotes “ain’t it,” there’s other options!

-Munching some breakfast cereal or granola type options can be helpful! In fact Kellogg has got us covered specifically filling up almost an entire day’s worth if consumed as one serving.
-Try incorporating nutritional yeast into meals; this food condiment has been found occasionally helpful with covering vegetable lover’s dietary needs.

Overall, low b12 levels don’t just have the risk of wreaking havoc on our bodies’ ability to function properly — they can cause anxiety about missed opportunities considering many treatment plans only help mild deficiencies! Do yourself a favour and get tested; no matter how far off ice-skating championships might seem right now because yah know what? Only well-fed figure skaters go gold 😉

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