Vitamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin, is vital for the formation of red blood cells, the function of our nerves and the creation of DNA. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a growing problem for many people (especially older adults, vegetarians, and those with gastrointestinal disorders), and the symptoms of a lack of vitamin B12 are often dismissed by people, in part, because they assume that the symptoms are due to fatigue or stress. However, the longer vitamin B12 deficiency goes untreated, the more risk you have of developing serious nerve damage or anemia.

This blog will focus on the various causes of low vitamin B12 and its symptoms, including when to get tested for vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as generic drug costs for vitamin B12 tests in Nepal.

What Is Vitamin B12? Why Is It So Important? 

Cobalamin, or vitamin B12, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for maintaining healthy nerve cells, producing DNA, and aiding in the production of red blood cells in the human body; since the human body cannot synthesize vitamin B12, you need to get it from food sources (including fish, meat, dairy products, and eggs).

Vitamin B12 deficiency can result from an inadequate intake of vitamin B12, impaired absorption of vitamin B12, and/or insufficient levels of vitamin B12.

Symptoms of Low Vitamin B12

There are symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency that can take time to develop, so they may be confused with a different health issue altogether. The symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency can include physical symptoms, neurological symptoms, and psychological symptoms.

The following are examples of symptoms that occur from a vitamin B12 deficiency:

1. Fatigue and Weakness

One of the first things that could indicate that you have a vitamin B12 deficiency is extreme fatigue. This occurs due to the body not being able to make enough healthy red blood cells, which results in a reduced amount of oxygen being delivered to your body's tissues.

2. Pale / Yellowness of the Skin

Anemia, which can be caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, could cause you to appear pale, or slightly yellow.

3. Tingling or Numbness in Your Hands or Feet

Nerve health is greatly impacted by vitamin B12, and low levels of B12 could result in damage to the nerves, which could cause a sensation of tingling, or numbness on one's hands or feet.

4. Memory Problems / Brain Fog

As a result of having a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may also experience problems with your mental state. Low vitamin B12 levels would affect the nervous system and could result in confusion, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.

5. Mood Problems / Depression

Low levels of vitamin B12 can also increase the risk of mood swings, the development of depression, or irritability.

6. Mouth Ulcers / Tongue Pain

A large number of people with low vitamin B12 levels develop ulcers, inflammation, or a burning sensation in their mouths.

7. Digestive Issues

Digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and loss of appetite could also be related to low levels of vitamin B12.

Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

There are many causes for the low levels of vitamin B12 in an individual.

The most prevalent causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

1. Vegetarians and vegans.

2. Inadequate nutrition.

3. Chronic digestive problems such as gastritis or other forms of gastrointestinal (GI) disease.

4. Pernicious anemia.

5. Elevated acidity due to long-term use of acid-blocking drugs.

6. Excessive alcohol use.

7. Aging-related changes in absorption.

8. Certain GI diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease).

Vegetarians and vegans are especially susceptible to this deficiency since vitamin B12 is predominantly found in foods from animals.

Pre-Test Preparation for a Vitamin B12 Test

Prepping for a vitamin B12 test is relatively easy.

1. You do not need to fast before the test.

2. Do not consume any alcohol prior to the test.

3. Tell your physician about all medications you take.

4. Avoid strenuous exercise prior to your blood draw.

The test itself is performed by taking a blood sample from a vein in your arm, and you can generally receive your report on the same day as the test was conducted.

Final thoughts

Deficiencies in vitamin B12 occur regularly from a lack of awareness as symptoms can be slow to develop and not as evident. Fatigue, tingling of the fingers, memory issues, feelings of depression and hair loss can all indicate a lower than average level of vitamin B12. If experiencing any of these conditions, it may be beneficial to check whether you have a vitamin B12 deficiency.

A vitamin B12 test typically costs between 1,200 NP to 2,500 NP in Nepal, depending on the laboratory used. Early testing will assist in diagnosing a vitamin B12 deficiency earlier and prior to complications such as nerve damage or anemia occurring due to long-term deficiency