Vitamin B12 deficiency, if left untreated, can cause serious and irreversible damage, especially to the brain and nervous system. It can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Both vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency are more common in older adults, affecting around 1 in 10 people aged 75 and over and 1 in 20 people aged 65 to 74, the NHS said.
The Mayo Clinic has published information about vitamin B-12 and dementia.
It notes that vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells, and a deficiency can cause various signs and symptoms, “including memory loss.”
It states that in cases of vitamin B12 deficiency supplementation can help improve memory.
Aside from treating vitamin B-12 deficiency, there is no clear evidence that vitamin B-12 supplementation improves memory for people with Alzheimer’s disease, the organization notes.
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However, the Mayo Clinic says that some studies suggest that low vitamin B12 levels may be associated with an increased risk of dementia, “but vitamin B supplementation has not been shown to improve brain function or symptoms.” lost memory”.
It states: “If you are concerned that you are not getting enough vitamin B-12 or other specific nutrients, consult your doctor – especially if you are elderly or vegetarian.”
You should seek the advice of your GP if you are experiencing symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia.
The longer the condition goes untreated, the greater the chance of permanent damage.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended daily amount of vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms.
People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may be susceptible to a deficiency because plant foods do not contain vitamin B12.
General symptoms of anemia can include extreme fatigue, feeling faint, pale skin and ringing in the ears, according to the NHS. Anorexia and weight loss can also indicate this problem.
According to the NHS, if you have vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, you may have other symptoms, such as irritability and depression.
The health agency adds that you may also notice “changes in the way you think, feel and behave”.
The health agency says some people also report a decline in their mental abilities, such as memory, understanding and judgment.
It adds: “Some of these symptoms can also occur in people who have a vitamin B12 deficiency but have not yet developed anemia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is usually treated with vitamin B12 injections. According to the NHS, if your vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by a vitamin deficiency in your diet, you may be prescribed vitamin B12 tablets to take daily between meals.
Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in people with families from Northern Europe, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
It adds that risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia include partial or complete removal of your stomach or intestines and autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes. Crohn’s disease , HIV, and some medications can also cause a deficiency.
Good sources of vitamin B12 include meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs. According to the NHS, if you eat meat, fish or dairy foods, you should be able to get enough vitamin B12 from your diet.
You can also look for vegan and vegetarian foods that are fortified with vitamin B12, such as some plant-based milks and breakfast cereals.
Source: | This article first appeared on Express.co.uk
