Low Vitamin B12 – Are You at Risk?

 Vitamin B12 is essential for many aspects of health, it helps make red blood cells and DNA, and it keeps the nervous system working properly. It is an important vitamin we usually get from food. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition in which the body has inadequate (low) stores of vitamin B12.
Until recently, B12 deficiency was mostly seen in the elderly, vegetarians, and people with a disease called pernicious anemia that destroys the cells in the stomach which helps the body absorb vitamin B12. Certain intestinal conditions can also interfere with the way the body absorbs Vitamin B12, such as Crohn’s, inflammatory bowel, and celiac disease.
Recently, newer information has suggested vitamin B12 deficiency is occurring in young adults at rates equal to the elderly. This is due to the increasing prevalence of health conditions such as GERD or acid reflux, osteoporosis, and diabetes. The frequency of low vitamin B12 levels in the younger population, especially women, may be explained by the daily medications used to treat these health conditions which can disrupt the absorption of vitamin B12. These include calcium supplements, antacids, and certain diabetic medications. In addition, the rates of surgery on the stomach or the intestines, such as gastric bypass surgery have increased tremendously over the last decade which also can affect vitamin B12 absorption.
Symptoms of a low vitamin B12 level are anemia, weakness and fatigue. It can also cause memory loss, irritability, depression, dementia and other serious problems with the nervous system. Damage to the nervous system caused by a low vitamin B12 level can become permanent if it is not treated promptly.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin which must be ingested daily and absorbed well by the digestive tract in order to maintain optimal health. Most people get enough vitamin B12 by eating a variety of foods. Those that naturally contain vitamin B12 include lean red meats, poultry, fish, and dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Vitamin B12 is also added to some breakfast cereals, breads, and other fortified food products.
A few health history questions and a physical exam from your health care provider, with a simple blood test is all it takes to find out if you have or are at risk for low vitamin B12.
For more information, please call Compassionate Healthcare Associates, 661-295-7777.