Vitamin B Deficiency
Vitamin B is just one of many vitamins the body needs to function properly. Many people do not get enough Vitamin B or have health problems that prevent their bodies from absorbing or processing it properly. Vitamin B helps create red blood cells and DNA. People who have a Vitamin B deficiency can suffer from numerous health problems.
Risk Factors for Vitamin B Deficiency
While anyone can suffer a Vitamin B deficiency, there are certain people who are more at risk than others. Just because a person has one of these risk factors does not mean they are or will be Vitamin B deficient, it just means they are more likely to suffer from this condition. Some risk factors include:
- Eating disorders
- Blood disorders
- Anemia
- Alcohol abuse
- Digestive diseases
Vitamin B Deficiency Causes
Vitamin B deficiency can be a genetic problem or one caused by behavioral or environmental factors. In some cases, there is no known cause for the condition. Finding the cause is important because it can help doctors determine how to treat the problem. Some other common causes include:
- Vegan and vegetarian dieting
- Family history for autoimmune disorders
- Pernicious anemia
- MTHFR gene mutations
- Leaky gut
- Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
- Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
- Bariatric surgery
- Diabetes medication
- Old age
- Alcoholism
Vitamin B Deficiency Symptoms
The symptoms of Vitamin B deficiency can vary by person and, in some cases, can mimic those of other health problems and conditions. Many people only experience mild symptoms and do not seek help until they become severe. Some people never experience severe symptoms and ignore their symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of the condition include:
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Light-headedness
- Heart palpitations
- Breath shortness
- Pale skin
- A smooth tongue
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Appetite loss
- Gas
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Problems walking
- Vision loss
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Behavioral changes
Vitamin B Deficiency Diagnosis
Diagnosing a Vitamin B deficiency is fairly simple. Doctors can check a patient’s overall health and then order a blood test. The blood test will show the doctor the patient’s Vitamin B levels. They can compare those levels to normal levels and determine if the patient is suffering from Vitamin B deficiency and the severity of it.
Vitamin B Deficiency Treatment
Patients who have a Vitamin B deficiency need to find a way to get the vitamin. Doctors may recommend diet changes or advise their patients to take Vitamin B shots. Vitamin B is also available in drops, supplements, and nasal sprays.
Vitamin B Deficiency Prognosis
Once a person has been diagnosed with Vitamin B deficiency and receives treatment, the prognosis is good. Most people are able to live normal lives without any other issues. They may need to be monitored to ensure that their levels have not dropped.
Vitamin B Deficiency Complications
People who do not seek treatment for this condition can face complications. Their symptoms can worsen over time and it can be harder to treat more severe deficiencies. In severe cases, permanent neurological damage is a complication. Vitamin B can also worsen other existing health problems and even interfere with the way medication works. In severe cases, Vitamin B deficiencies can also cause heart problems.
