5 Diseases that may occur due to vitamin b12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 functions to maintain healthy nerve cells, blood cells, and helps compile DNA. Unfortunately, some people are still deficient in this vitamin. Especially vegetarian or vegan people. Be careful, if you are deficient in vitamin B12 you can experience certain diseases. What diseases can occur due to vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 at a glance

Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin that the body cannot produce on its own. Sources of vitamin B12 are mostly found from animal food sources. Fortunately, the body can temporarily store vitamin B12.

However, if you do not get a supply of foods that contain vitamin B12, over time these reserves will run out and the body is deficient in vitamin B12.

Deficiency of this vitamin interferes with many bodily functions, especially in the production of red blood cells and is associated with nervous conditions.

Diseases that arise due to lack of vitamin B12

1. Anemia

Lack of vitamin B12 can cause anemia, especially megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when the number of good-quality red blood cells is less than normal. When the body doesn't have enough functioning red blood cells, the tissues and organs may not get enough oxygen.

The most common cause of this megaloblastic anemia condition is a lack of vitamin B12 and a lack of folate in the body.

Both of these nutrients are needed to produce healthy red blood cells. When both are deficient, the body's ability to produce good quality red blood cells decreases. The resulting red blood cells are too large and fragile.

Red blood cells that are too large and fragile cannot leave the bone marrow to enter the bloodstream, and in turn, cannot deliver oxygen to all body tissues. As a result, the body's tissues are deprived of oxygen.

If you have this, various symptoms of anemia appear, ranging from weakness, fatigue, headaches, to pale gums.

2. Depression

Reported on the Mayo Clinic page, a lack of vitamin B12 is associated with depression. Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins work together to produce chemicals in the body that affect mood and brain function. Therefore, when the amount of vitamin B12 decreases, it will disrupt the balance of brain chemical production.

3. Peripheral neuropathy

The lack of vitamin B12 in the body can also trigger nerve problems. Lack of vitamin B12 damages the myelin sheath, which surrounds and protects nerves. Without this protection, the nerves stop functioning properly. This disorder is called peripheral neuropathy.

Even a little vitamin B12 deficiency can affect the work of the nervous system as a whole and brain function.

The nerve damage that occurs due to vitamin B12 deficiency can occur permanently if not treated immediately. The most common symptoms are numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

4. Glossitis

Lack of vitamin B12 in the body can also trigger disorders of the oral cavity, one of which is on the tongue which is called glossitis. Glossitis is a term used to describe an inflamed tongue. If you have glossitis, your tongue will change color and shape, become painful, redder, and swell.

The inflammation caused by glossitis can make the tongue feel smooth as well as the tiny bumps that should be on your tongue disappear.

Apart from the tongue, vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause burning mouth syndrome. Symptoms include dry mouth, increased thirst, mouth pain, tingling or numbness in the tongue and lips, and a burning sensation on the lips, tongue, gums, roof of the mouth, and throat.

5. Constipation

Anemia that gets worse in people who are deficient in vitamin B12 has the potential to cause digestive problems such as constipation (constipation) and upset stomach. If vitamin B12 continues to be insufficient, constipation will get worse.

The intake of foods rich in vitamin B12 must be increased to overcome this impact. For example beef liver, salmon, and tuna. For those of you who are vegan or vegetarian, you may need vitamin B12 supplements as recommended by your doctor.