There are several causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency, with the primary one being a strict vegan diet, as Vitamin B12 is predominantly found in animal-based foods such as red meat, eggs, and dairy products, the Health Centre in Germany has warned.
Gastrointestinal Diseases
The centre also pointed out that gastrointestinal diseases like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and Gastric Mucosal Inflammation can lead to a deficiency in Vitamin B12.
Moreover, certain medications can have a side effect of reducing Vitamin B12 levels, including proton pump inhibitors, anticoagulants, some antibiotics, and some medications for Parkinson’s and diabetes.
Serious Health Risks
Vitamin B12 deficiency increases the risk of severe health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases, haematological disorders (like anaemia), neurological diseases (such as neuropathies), and dementia.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include numbness of the skin, tingling in the arms or legs, loss of appetite, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, memory weakness, reduced ability to exert effort, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and exhaustion.
The centre noted that the daily requirement of Vitamin B12 for adults is 4 micrograms. This requirement can be met by consuming B12-rich foods, which are primarily animal-based. For individuals following a vegan diet, it is essential to take Vitamin B12 supplements to ensure adequate intake.
