Many times, even though I haven't done anything, I always feel very tired, and I can't do anything to lift my spirits, and even a good sleep can't alleviate this very tired state. What's going on here?
In fact, it is also possible that you are deficient in vitamin B12. As one of the members of the B group of vitamins, vitamin B12 is the only vitamin containing metal elements and has a variety of important physiological functions for the human body.
Many people have the problem of vitamin B12 deficiency, or even long-term deficiency, but they don't know that their body has long shown abnormal symptoms.
01
What are the causes of vitamin B12 deficiency?
First of all, we need to focus on the issue of diet. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal foods such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs.
As a result, vegetarians or people who severely limit their intake of animal-based foods are prone to deficiency due to insufficient intake of vitamin B12 in their diet.
Secondly, absorption problems are also an important cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. The absorption of vitamin B12 requires the involvement of intrinsic factors secreted by the cells of the stomach parietal cells.
If the cells of the stomach parietal are damaged, such as in atrophic gastritis or after a large gastrectomy, the secretion of intrinsic factor is reduced, which affects the absorption of vitamin B12.
In addition, intestinal problems can also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. The terminal ileum is the main site of vitamin B12 absorption, and if there is a lesion in this part of the intestine, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, it will affect the absorption of vitamin B12.
Finally, we should also note that there are special conditions, such as the elderly, pregnant and lactating women, etc., whose body has a higher need for vitamin B12 and is also prone to vitamin B12 deficiency if it is not consumed enough or malabsorbed.
02
People who are deficient in vitamin B12 may have 4 manifestations in the body, so you may wish to compare them and supplement them in time
When there is a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the human body, all systems of the body are affected, showing a series of abnormal symptoms.
Endocrine disorders
In terms of the endocrine system, female friends need to be especially vigilant. Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to endocrine disorders in women, with specific symptoms including menstrual irregularities and pernicious anemia.
For women during pregnancy, this deficiency may even adversely affect the development of the fetus, leading to abnormal development. During lactation, vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to stunted infant growth, which is undoubtedly a huge hidden danger for the healthy growth of newborns.
Gastrointestinal tract symptoms
In the gastrointestinal tract, vitamin B12 deficiency may also trigger a range of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, irregular stools, etc. Patients may experience nausea, loss of appetite, and gradual weight loss.
These symptoms not only affect the daily life of the patient, but may further lead to malnutrition and further exacerbate the vitamin B12 deficiency.
Ophthalmic symptoms
The eye area is also a sensitive area for vitamin B12 deficiency. Patients may experience abnormalities such as redness, swelling, and pain in the eye, and the bulbar conjunctiva may also be affected. These symptoms are not only uncomfortable for patients, but can also affect their vision and cause a lot of inconvenience in daily life.
Neurological symptoms
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also trigger a range of neurological symptoms. Patients may experience dizziness, memory loss, and even neurasthenia, decreased sleep quality, and other problems.
These symptoms seriously affect the normal quality of life of patients and prevent them from maintaining an optimal mental state. Therefore, for vitamin B12 deficiency, we must attach great importance to it and supplement it in time to maintain the healthy state of the body.
03
Why should middle-aged and elderly people pay attention to vitamin B12 supplementation?
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is synthesized in a unique way that makes it impossible for the body to produce it on its own, so it has to rely on external ingestion.
It is a special vitamin, and its absorption requires the assistance of endogenous factors in intestinal secretions, which makes it unique among all vitamins.
As we age, the elderly's ability to digest and absorb vitamin B12 gradually weakens, which also affects their absorption and utilization of vitamin B12.
As a result, even older people who do not pursue a vegetarian diet may experience symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency due to reduced absorption.
This deficiency not only affects their physical health, but can also lead to a range of mental and cognitive impairments. Once the body is deficient in vitamin B12, various symptoms will follow.
People may feel depressed, physically numb, lack of energy, and even have a strange temper. They may become paranoid, have memory loss, be indifferent to the things around them, and even develop multiple cognitive dysfunctions.
These symptoms not only seriously affect the quality of life of patients, but also make them more susceptible to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In addition to the elderly, other groups of people also need to pay special attention to vitamin B12 supplementation.
Long-term vegetarians, people with insufficient intake of animal foods, people with low gastrointestinal function, malnourished people, and vegetarian pregnant women and nursing mothers should increase their intake of vitamin B12.