Symptoms to watch for to indicate a vitamin deficiency causing pernicious anemia

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body has low levels of red blood cells.

Red blood cells contain hemoglobin that carries oxygen. The main function of this type of cell is to transport oxygen around the body and to eliminate carbon dioxide, transferring it to the lungs for exhalation.

Vitamin B12, or what is known as cobalamin, is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and the production of DNA, in addition to contributing to the formation of cells and their metabolism and neurological functions. A deficiency of this vitamin in the diet can cause problems with red blood cells.

Harvard Medical School states that symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency “tend to develop slowly.” As the condition worsens, some signs to watch out for appear.

Harvard Medical School confirms that feeling weak and tired is one of the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, and this may be due to the low number of red blood cells that carry oxygen around vital organs and muscles.

Also, some people may feel lightheaded and dizzy, while others may feel a fast, pounding heartbeat.

Another sign of vitamin B12 deficiency is shortness of breath. This may be accompanied by pain in the tongue that appears red.

Also, people may experience nausea or have a poor appetite. Some people may experience weight loss and diarrhea.

Since vitamin B12 is found in fish, meat, and dairy products, vegetarians are at risk of developing this specific type of deficiency.

This risk increases the longer a person eats plant foods, since the liver can store B12 for up to five years.

So vitamin B12 deficiency is rare for non-vegetarians, but it can happen.

The Harvard Medical School explains in detail that a vitamin B12 deficiency can develop when someone has a deficiency of the internal factor, which causes pernicious anemia.

The internal factor is a protein secreted by the cells of the stomach lining, with the aim of helping to absorb vitamin B12.

Therefore, regardless of the amount of vitamin B12 that is consumed through the diet, the absence of the internal factor means that the body cannot benefit from the vitamin.

Source: Express