In certain cases, your doctor may recommend a bone marrow biopsy to determine the source of the deficiency. Your doctor may also order a methylmalonic acid test to confirm the results of the blood test. This blood test will analyze serum levels and can also help determine if you have any other vitamin deficiencies. On the day of your visit, your doctor will ask you about your medical history and draw blood to determine your B12 levels in blood serum. The best way to see if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency is to visit your healthcare provider and take a blood test. Heartburn medications including proton pump inhibitors can also increase your deficiency risk. Metformin, a drug used to treat diabetes and chloramphenicol, may make it difficult for your body to absorb B vitamins. Taking certain medications may also inhibit B12 absorption in seniors. Crohn’s disease and pernicious anemia may also increase the risk of malabsorption. That’s because this disorder makes it hard for your body to produce intrinsic factor (IF), a protein that plays a key role in the absorption of vitamin B12.ĭigestive disorders including Celiac disease, atrophic gastritis, and shortened small intestines can all increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency since nutrients aren’t as easily absorbed. Additionally, seniors with pernicious anemia are at higher risk for a deficiency. Seniors may be predisposed to vitamin B12 deficiency, especially if they suffer from health conditions. Vegans also have a higher risk, since it’s difficult to get the vitamin from food not sourced from animals. Some people, including seniors, have a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. The result is known as megaloblastic anemia, a disorder where your body produces inadequate red blood cells. When you don’t get enough vitamin B12 or you have a folate deficiency, your organs suffer from a lack of oxygen, meaning they function less effectively. Vitamin B12 – along with another B vitamin, folic acid - plays a key role in producing red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to your organs. Symptoms of anemia caused by a vitamin deficiency include a sore mouth, diarrhea, and pasty or yellowing skin. Older people who don’t get enough vitamin B12 may be at higher risk for anemia and infections. It may cause nerve damage, and studies show low vitamin B12 levels may be a risk factor for problems in cognitive function such as dementia and psychosis. Left untreated, a vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to decreased motor function, including balance problems, tremors, an increased risk of falling, and numbness or tingling in your extremities.Ĭhronic vitamin B12 deficiency in blood levels can dramatically affect the brain and nervous system. Chronic deficiency may result in weight loss, loss of appetite, and digestive issues. These may include confusion, depression, difficulty recalling or remembering information, and tiredness.
When you don’t get enough vitamin B12, you may experience deficiency symptoms. Additional research indicates low levels of vitamin B12 may increase the risk of macular degeneration. Studies show low vitamin B12 levels have been linked with osteoporosis. Vitamin B12 may also play a part in bone and vision health. That’s why you may feel fatigued or dizzy when you have a deficiency. Vitamin B12 helps to create and reproduce blood cells and is also involved in producing energy.
This amino acid has been linked to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Vitamin B12 helps to metabolize an amino acid known as homocysteine. Vitamin B12 is particularly important because it plays a role in brain function, metabolism, nerve cells, and blood health. It’s no secret that getting your vitamins and nutrients is key to staying healthy.
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