Article content
Hypocobalaminemia je lékařsky výraz pro nedostatek vitaminu B12. Toto onemocnění ovlivňuje tak vaše fyzické, tak psychické zdraví. Mezi lidmi existuje představa, že daný nutriční nedostatek se týká pouze vegetariány nebo lidí, kteří nejedí maso. Není však tomu zcela tak.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in many of the body’s metabolic processes. It is indispensable for proper brain development and function, DNA replication, immunity and the production of nerve and blood cells.
Vitamin B12 se nachází převážně v živočišných potravinách jako jsou vajíčka, maso, mléčné výrobky, mořské ústřice a dalších živočišných potravinách.
If, however, you suffer from any of the health problems mentioned above, a vitamin B12 deficiency can develop even if you consume enough animal-based foods.
If its deficiency in the body is not detected in time, it can lead to the development of blood and nervous system diseases.
Příčiny nedostatku vitaminu B12
- use of certain medications that disrupt its absorption or metabolism
- genetics
- malnutrition
- poor digestion
- gastritis and chronic inflammation of the stomach
- inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- intestinal parasites
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
Sudden and unexplained fatigue
If you feel like you don’t want to do anything, it’s not laziness. You are probably simply lacking vitamin B12.
As mentioned above, this vitamin is involved in the production of red blood cells that transport oxygen. And if your organs are not sufficiently oxygenated, fatigue, exhaustion and a lack of enthusiasm for life set in.
Dizziness and vertigo
Vitamin B12 deficiency often causes dizziness, a spinning sensation in the head and a condition called vertigo.
It’s a state in which your head spins and maintaining balance becomes more difficult, especially after you stand up or when you walk up stairs.
Forgetfulness
Vitamin B12 deficiency significantly affects brain function and manifests as increased forgetfulness.
In older people it is often mistaken for general cognitive decline or even dementia. However, the cause may be a simple deficiency of this vitamin.
In these cases, taking supplements is the best solution.
Tingling in the limbs
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects nerve cells, which often manifests as tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation in the hands or feet.
Advanced stages can even lead to nerve damage and numbness of the extremities.
Muscle weakness
A lack of oxygen makes you weak and, figuratively speaking, sometimes you don’t even have the strength to move.
Conclusion
To eliminate a vitamin B12 deficiency, try to remove the underlying cause. In the meantime, increase your intake in the form of concentrated supplements, because your body cannot sufficiently utilize it from food in small amounts.
