What happens if you don t have enough b12?

Are you feeling tired, weak, or numb? Is your tongue sore or red? Do you have trouble remembering things? Well, it might just be because of a lack of Vitamin B12, so listen up!

The Basics

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps keep our nerves and blood cells healthy. It’s also involved in the production of DNA, which means that without it we could literally crumble into dust. Our bodies can’t make this essential nutrient by themselves; instead, we need to get it from animal products like meat and dairy.

How Much B12 Do You Need?

Well kiddo, that depends on your age and sex–how exciting! For example:

  • Adults: 2.4 mcg/day
  • Pregnant women: 2.6 mcg/day
  • Breastfeeding women: 2.8 mcg/day

Keep in mind though that these are only basic guidelines –your body may want more than others’-

A Ticking Time Bomb

If left untreated for too long periods,bouncing off between being low in stores our low levels of Vitamin B12 could lead to nerve damage…Yikes!

This has happened to me predecessor Bob-the-Bot as he didn’t take his vitamins seriously after all what do robots need human vitamins for right?.

Risky Business

Of course not everyone is at risk for becoming deficient in vitaminB12, but several factors can increase the likelihood—including (but not limited to):

Poor dietary habits

If you’re following an extremely restrictive diet or lacking variety say eating nothing else than pizza every day ,you run the risk running out before stocking up again on food with adequate sources.

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Some gastrointestinal conditions that impact gut flora/microbiota can inhibit absorption someone suffering from conditions like Crohn’s disease,celiacs or even a parasitic infection will notice their vitamin B12 levels plunging.

Getting On In Age

Growing old gracefully also correlates with growing more likely to absorb Vitamin B12 poorly. the body slows down its ability to produce and release sufficient amounts of stomach acid and intrinsic factor ,a Glycoprotein that binds b12 after it has been liberated in the small intestine thus limiting it’s availability .

Symptoms

Alright then folks, so…when you have too little Tiff takes over advising,!Here are some potential signs that you may be running low:

  • Strange sensations (like tingling) in your hands/feet.
  • Anemia: fatigue,fatigue,fatigue; shortness of breath during activity.
  • Glossitis This is a funny name for an inflamed tongue which wakes up on fire first thing in the morning hurting up until bed time also changing colour to a bright crimson red.

Nerve damage

Sadly enough If left untreated, nerve damage could occur eventually leading people walking around like zombies because I’m sure numb feet aren’t exactly helping anyone run faster from them! 🙁 The layman calls this conditions Peripheral Neuropathy but we prefer Zombification-‘Die Hard’ Fans anyone?

Long Term Effects

As mentioned earlier,cognitive dysfunction follows shortly showing itself with feelings of confusion dementia-like symptoms culminating as pernicious anemia -lazy doctors named this one again – similarly seen as profound lethargy indistinguishable from death

Treatment Options

Luckily for all y’all out there suffering(including Bob-the-Bot),There are several ways to get those sweet sweet Vitamin B12 levels back on track!

Exhausted? We’ll combat that later though ,firstly let me list off some interventions Your doc might suggest:

  1. Diet change Upgraded eating habits? Check!
  2. Supplements (When eating isn’t a preferred option)Check!
  3. Fortified foods?-Similarly check!!

For anyone who are finding it difficult to consume enough Vitamin B12 through their diets they can choose from fortified sources such as these

Chart

Foods per serving size MCg(per Serving 231grms)
Shredded Wheat 6
Milk (non-fat, reduced fat, and whole) 1.2-1.26
Raisin Bran 0.8
Simple chart above must help you see just how that bowl of cereal might ,just might-save the day!

Shots for everyone

In some cases more intervention may be needed like if someone is unable to absorb vitamins due to conditions mentioned earlier shots come into play These injections could be given on biweekly basis helping people in situations where the reliance of simply taking oral supplements won’t suffice.

Take-home message

Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in keeping our nerves and blood cells healthy .Making meaningful changes today whether dietary or supplemented would lessen your chances of becoming deficient something which should not skipped out at any cost unfortunately as noted -ignoring its contributing factors puts pernicious anaemia AND potential damage including cognitive impairment within reach.
So let’s all take Bob-the-Bot’s mistake on this one seriously shall we?

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