How to Cure Vitamin B12 Deficiency
posted by: Rio Dianne
Vitamin B12 or otherwise called as cobalamin is one of the eight B vitamins which give benefits including optimal functioning of the brain and nervous system as well as red blood formation. When there is a deficiency in the vitamin, it can result to health problems and the common condition noted is the Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia or also known as pernicious anemia. A deficit in Vitamin B12 means that your body is not able to absorb the vitamin and among its causes are:
- Health problems including the body’s inability to digest foods such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and even parasitic infection
- Specific surgery such as removal of the small intestine
- Vegetarian diet
Symptoms Found in People who Lack Vitamin B12
Oftentimes, symptoms are not noticeable much, but as anemia progresses, it can be manifested with some of the following symptoms:
- Pale skin
- Soreness of the tongue and mouth
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Tingling sensation on the hand and feet
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Forgetfulness
- Memory lapses
- Inability to concentrate
- Mood disorders such as depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty falling asleep
This may lead to a serious problem which is why at the onset of symptoms, it would be better to take actions immediately. But how to cure Vitamin B12 deficiency, you ask? Here are some of the tips you can use.
How to Treat Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Seek the help of a medical professional to further diagnose your symptoms. Tests like complete blood count which can be taken from a blood sample can give a result whether or not you have low levels and change in the color of red blood cells. Your doctor might also ask you to undergo Schilling test to determine your body’s capability of absorbing Vitamin B12 and see if it is caused by the lack of intrinsic factor such as in the case of pernicious anemia.
Treatment includes Vitamin B12 shots or injections which will be given every three months. This will be a lifetime treatment and side effects are usually rare. However, your risk for stomach cancer may increase a little upon use of drug.
Supplements may also be taken upon the advice of your doctor. Folic acid supplements, for instance, can help in correcting the anemia caused by a deficient in Vitamin B12. However, one should be careful not to overdose intake of supplements or it may produce damaging effects.
Finally, home remedies do not have a direct effect on how to cure Vitamin B12 deficiency, but making necessary dietary changes can still help. Consume a diet rich with high amounts of Vitamin B12 from animal sources such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
You might also like
|
|
|
|
|
