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Is B12 deficiency serious?

Yes, B12 deficiency is a very serious health condition and can cause many of physical and mental health issues. B12 is an essential nutrient that helps with red blood cell production and helps keep the central nervous system functioning properly.

If your body lacks enough vitamin B12, you may have anemia, fatigue, nerve damage, and weakened immunity. Long term B12 deficiency can cause serious problems like permanent nerve damage and increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

B12 deficiency can occur in anyone, including those who are pregnant or who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet and don’t consume enough B12 through fortified foods. If you suspect you may have a B12 deficiency, it’s very important to see your doctor and get tested in order to have it properly diagnosed and treated.

What happens if your B12 is low for too long?

If your B12 levels remain low for an extended period of time, it can lead to a host of complications and health problems. Low B12 levels can cause anemia, which is a decrease in red blood cells. This can result in fatigue, pale skin, feeling short of breath, and an increased risk of infections.

It can also damage the nervous system, causing numbness, memory problems, and difficulty walking. Poor concentration, depression, and personality changes can also occur. If left untreated, low B12 levels can lead to permanent nerve damage and other serious health complications.

Therefore, it is important to have your B12 levels monitored regularly and to seek medical treatment if levels are too low.

What can extremely low B12 cause?

An extremely low B12 level can cause a host of physical and mental health problems. Some of the most common issues associated with B12 deficiency include feeling fatigued and weak, developing pale skin, suffering from anemia, experiencing muscle weakness and joint pain, memory loss and confusion, breathlessness, tingling in the extremities, and experiencing an abnormally fast heart rate.

Low B12 levels can also impair your sense of balance and coordination. A severe deficiency over a longer period of time can cause irreversible nerve damage, including memory loss, dementia, and difficulty walking.

In pregnant women, B12 deficiency can cause miscarriages and birth defects. Because B12 plays a role in synthesizing neurotransmitters, a lack of it can also cause mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and irritability.

If you think you may have a B12 deficiency, it is important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

How long can you have low B12?

The time frame for how long you can have low B12 levels typically depends on the underlying cause and severity. If the deficiency of B12 is caused by an easily rectifiable issue, such as an unhealthy diet, the negative effects of low B12 may be felt relatively quickly, in just a few weeks.

However, if the deficiency is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a digestive disorder or a gastrointestinal ailment, it may take longer for levels to return to normal. Additionally, the older you are, the longer it may take to restore your B12 levels to a healthy range because your body’s ability to absorb the vitamin declines with age.

As such, the answer to this question may range from several weeks to several months to several years, depending on the cause and level of deficiency.

What level of B12 is dangerously low?

A dangerously low level of B12 is below 200 picograms per microliter (pg/mL). B12 is a nutrient found in eggs, dairy, meat, and some sea vegetables. It is also found in small amounts in some fortified foods.

A B12 deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms including fatigue, weakness, memory loss, depression, confusion, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, anemia, and trouble balancing. While a B12 level of 200 pg/mL is considered to be the lower limit of normal, levels below 200 pg/mL can still cause health problems.

Therefore, a dangerously low level of B12 is considered to be anything below 200 pg/mL. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you think you might have a B12 deficiency and get your B12 level tested to determine a baseline.

Some people may need to take B12 supplements or a multivitamin to increase their B12 levels.

How can low B12 make you feel?

Low B12 can cause a wide array of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common symptoms of low B12 include fatigue, a lack of energy, changes in mood, difficulty thinking and forming thoughts, memory issues, neurological problems, pins and needles sensations in the hands and feet, pale or yellowing skin, a swollen tongue, mouth ulcers, depression, headaches, and vision problems.

Low B12 can also cause anemia, which can lead to further symptoms such as feeling cold all the time, heart palpitations, and restless legs. If left untreated, low B12 can cause permanent nerve damage and be life-threatening.

If you suspect you have low B12 levels, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Can low B12 cause stress?

Yes, low B12 levels can potentially cause stress. B12 is essential for the body to function properly and helps to keep the body balanced, so when B12 levels are depleted, it can lead to physical and mental exhaustion.

Imbalances in B12 levels can impact nerve conduction and the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, which are necessary for good physical and mental health. People with low B12 often experience fatigue and confusion, which can lead to anxiety and depression—conditions that can contribute to an overall sense of stress.

Additionally, B12 deficiency can cause an imbalance in homosysteine levels, which are amino acids associated with depression and other mental health conditions.

To ensure your B12 levels stay adequate, it is important to eat a balanced diet that includes animal sources of protein like poultry, fish and dairy, since B12 is only found naturally in animal products.

Additionally, dietary supplements and injections may be necessary if diet alone is not sufficient to maintain adequate B12 levels.

Does vitamin B12 help with stress?

Yes, Vitamin B12 may help with stress. Vitamin B12 can help reduce levels of the hormone cortisol, which is released in response to stress. It also helps build up your reserves of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are used to regulate moods and can be depleted during times of stress.

In addition, Vitamin B12 helps the body produce red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body and to the brain, which can help you to think more clearly and efficiently during stressful situations.

Finally, Vitamin B12 helps the body to produce melatonin, which is a hormone that helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythms and promote restful sleep, which can be an important factor in managing stress.

All in all, Vitamin B12 can be an important tool in managing stress levels.

Does B12 help with anxiety?

B12 is an essential vitamin that is important for normal functioning of the body in a variety of ways. Although there has not been much research into the effects of B12 on anxiety, there are some preliminary findings that suggest that B12 may be beneficial for reducing anxiety symptoms.

One study found that B12 deficiency was associated with an increased risk of anxiety-related disorders. Additionally, studies have found that B12 supplementation may help reduce symptoms of stress, which can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from anxiety.

Some people also report feeling calmer, less anxious, and better able to cope with stress after taking B12 supplements.

In addition to its potential benefits on anxiety, B12 is also important for overall health and wellbeing. This vitamin helps to produce red blood cells and metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body.

B12 also helps to maintain healthy nervous system function, so it can be beneficial for mood regulation.

To get the full benefits of B12, it is important to get enough of this vitamin from dietary sources. Foods rich in B12 include animal products such as fish, eggs, and dairy, as well as fortified cereals and grains.

Additionally, those who are deficient in B12 can take a B12 supplement to ensure they are getting enough of this vitamin.

While more research is needed to confirm the potential benefits of B12 on anxiety, it can be a good idea for those suffering from anxiety to ensure that they are getting enough of this important vitamin.

What is considered a serious B12 deficiency?

A serious B12 deficiency is a medical condition that occurs when the body has very low levels of Vitamin B12. Symptoms of B12 deficiency can range from mild to severe and can include fatigue, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, a smooth tongue, confusion, memory loss, depression, and tingling in the hands and feet.

If left untreated, a serious B12 deficiency can lead to long-term health problems such as anemia, nerve damage, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you think you might have a B12 deficiency. Diagnosis usually requires a blood test to measure B12 levels, and treatment involves taking supplements of B12 and sometimes other vitamins or medications.

Eating a diet rich in Vitamin B12, such as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and fortified cereals can also help maintain and normalize B12 levels.

Is low vitamin B12 life threatening?

Yes, low vitamin B12 can be life threatening. A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause serious health problems including anemia, nerve damage, and even irreversible damage to the brain and central nervous system if left untreated.

A vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by a number of different factors, such as not eating enough foods with vitamin B12, having a poor absorption of vitamin B12 due to a medical condition, or not getting enough B12 from supplements.

In more severe cases, a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause jaundice, confusion, and even seizures. If you suspect you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to diagnose the problem and receive treatment.

Additionally, it is important to maintain regular B12 tests and supplement with the appropriate doses according to your doctor’s instructions in order to avoid any serious health-related consequences.

What are the symptoms of severe vitamin B12 deficiency?

The symptoms of severe Vitamin B12 deficiency can vary, and may include fatigue, nerve problems such as numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the hands and feet, balance problems, vision changes, pale or jaundiced skin, a smooth or sore tongue, a swollen or inflamed tongue, confusion, memory loss and changes in mood or behaviour.

Other signs associated with deficiency may include shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, headaches, weight loss, anemia, and an increase in the number of infections. Some people may even develop hallucinations or delusions.

It is important to seek medical attention right away if you develop any of these symptoms.

Will I need B12 injections for life?

The answer to this question depends on the underlying cause of your B12 deficiency and what your doctor prescribes. In some cases, B12 injections may be necessary for life, particularly if there is an autoimmune disorder or neurological damage that has caused permanent complications.

However, for some people, B12 injections may only be necessary for a short time as a part of a treatment plan. Once your B12 levels have returned to normal, your doctor may recommend dietary changes or supplementation to maintain healthy levels since dietary intake is the primary source of B12.

In these cases, B12 injections may no longer be necessary.

Your doctor will be able to evaluate your individual case and prescribe the best course of treatment to restore your B12 levels. Therefore, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider and follow their advice to determine whether B12 injections will be necessary for you in the long-term.

Why does my B12 keep dropping?

It is possible that a number of factors could be contributing to your B12 levels dropping. B12 is an essential nutrient for our health and normally comes from food sources such as animal products, especially eggs, meat and fish.

Nutritional deficiency can be a cause of low B12 levels, so it is important to ensure that your diet is providing adequate amounts of this nutrient. Additionally, if you are a vegetarian or vegan you may need to supplement your diet with B12 to meet your dietary needs.

An inadequate absorption of B12 can also be caused by a number of medical conditions, such as pernicious anemia, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or inflammatory bowel disease. Certain medications, such as Metformin, can also interfere with B12 absorption.

In rare cases, there may be a vitamin B12 deficiency due to a genetic disorder.

Finally, if you are over the age of 50, you may be at a higher risk of developing a B12 deficiency as the body’s ability to absorb B12 from dietary sources decreases with age.

If your B12 levels continue dropping, it is important to seek medical advice to investigate the cause.