Khaberni - Fatigue, mental confusion, and perhaps some mild numbness in the hands and feet are signs many people think indicate aging or even stress. However, in reality, all these symptoms may be warning indicators of a deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals in the body.
If you are experiencing unusual tiredness, having difficulty concentrating, and suffering from frequent shortness of breath, for instance, it might be due to a deficiency in Vitamin B12.
According to "Daily Mail", about 15% of those aged between 15 and 29, and 20% of those over 60, have low levels of this vitamin. The levels might not reach a deficiency state but are low enough to cause symptoms.
The Effect of the Vitamin on the Brain
This essential vitamin helps the brain produce chemicals that transmit signals: a Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to memory problems, which could be wrongly diagnosed as early stages of dementia.
This nutrient is essential for maintaining the protective coating of the nerves. Chronic Vitamin B12 deficiency can reduce the effectiveness of this coating, causing nerve damage and a tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
The Importance of Checking Vitamin Levels
In the elderly, it may affect their balance and increase the likelihood of falls. If left untreated for years, the nerve may not completely recover, and the damage could be permanent. Therefore, timely detection of Vitamin B12 deficiency is crucial.
It may be more common in certain groups, partly because one of the main sources of this vitamin—milk—contains about 50% less Vitamin B12 compared to 1996, according to a study conducted by the Quadram Institute of Research in Norwich in 2023, believed to be due to changes in livestock feed.
Sources of Vitamin B12
Animal foods such as beef, salmon, and eggs are the best sources of the vitamin, as are fortified plant-based foods like plant milk. However, some people are more susceptible to a deficiency in Vitamin B12.
A study found that more than 20% of people over the age of 85 have a deficiency in Vitamin B12. This is partly due to a decrease in stomach acid production with age, which is necessary for the absorption of Vitamin B12 from food.
Those taking medications such as proton pump inhibitors, used to treat esophageal reflux and which work by inhibiting stomach acid, are also at risk.
