The role of nutrition in vitamin B-12 deficiency
The first symptoms that can be noticed with a vitamin B12 deficiency are skin symptoms. The mucous membranes in the throat and lips are often affected. Torn corners of the mouth or an inflamed and sore tongue can also be the first signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Since vitamin B12 is essential for the blood formation system, the nervous system and the cardiovascular system, symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are mainly manifested in Other symptoms that may be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency Learn about diarrhea caused by vitamin B12. A very severe vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to functional disorders in the spinal cord. This so-called funicular myelosis usually affects older people.
Typical symptoms of funicular myelosis are polyneuropathies with loss of sensation of vibration and sense of position, muscle weakness and paralysis, as well as brain changes (encephalopathy) with loss of cranial nerves.
- Anemia (pernicious anemia)
- An increased risk of arteriosclerosis and heart attack
- In psychological and neurological symptoms such as memory disorders, dementia and polyneuropathies (sensory disturbances in hands and feet)
- Burning of the tongue, due to atrophic inflammation of the tongue (Hunter Glossitis)
- Swindle
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation or diarrhea
- An increased susceptibility to infection
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to retinal bleeding and optic nerve degeneration. The symptoms are various visual disorders.
It is possible that visual acuity becomes worse or the visual field is restricted by scotomas (circular visual field losses). In about one third of the cases, the symptoms occur in the eyes before the vitamin B12 deficiency causes other symptoms. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the health of our hair, and hair loss is a possible symptom of a vitamin B12 deficiency.The reason for this is that vitamin B12 is needed for the new formation of the genetic material of our cells, the DNA.
In case of vitamin B12 deficiency, the formation of new cells is disturbed, the hair shaft is poorly nourished and regenerates less well, which leads to the death of the hair follicle and thus to hair loss. Sweating is not a typical symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. However, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anaemia.
This in turn causes shortness of breath and palpitations during physical exertion, which can be accompanied by increased sweating. This sweating is therefore more indirectly caused by vitamin B12 deficiency and does not occur at rest. Increased sweating is rather a sign of a disturbed hormone balance, for example of the thyroid hormones or the female sex hormones during the menopause.
Especially increased sweating without physical exertion is a sign of a hormonal problem. A lack of vitamin B12 can cause marrow sheath atrophy in the spinal cord and lead to neuropathy of the peripheral nerves. The degeneration of the spinal cord leads to gait insecurity and motor deficits.
Peripheral neuropathy is manifested by painful sensations in the hands and feet. Patients experience a tingling or felty sensation. It is possible that these symptoms may occur in vitamin B12 deficiency even without anemia.
