Research Paper Example on the Effects of B-12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is a vital water-soluble vitamin referred to as cobalamin and its play a part in the manufacture of red blood cells, DNA as well as proper function of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 can liquefy in water and travel through arteries thus it can be stored in the body for up to four years. Extra vitamin B12 are eliminated as waste in urine. Vitamin B12 is synthesized by microbes (bacteria) and originate from animal food sources such as poultry, eggs, meat, fish and dairy products. Also, it can be found in foodstuffs fortified with vitamin B12, for instance, plant-based milk and varieties of cereals.

It is projected that about forty percent of the American populace suffers from vitamin B12 deficit. Vitamin B12 deficiency cause problem with cognition and memory as well as peripheral neuropathy where nerves are going to the arms and legs degenerate. Also, anxiety and depression are also associated with B12 deficiency. Thus, vitamin B12 deficiency can be linked to insomnia in numerous ways. Depression is a mental sign of vitamin B12 deficiency, and it is a primary cause of secondary insomnia. However, vitamin B12 work closely with melatonin hormone which controls the circadian rhythms within the body structure. Melatonin aids to regulate our sleep patterns (MacDowell 45). Nevertheless, vitamin B12 affect melatonin production, and a high level can upsurge melatonin production causing one to go to sleep earlier. However, persons with B12 deficiencies may experience altered sleep or absence of sleep.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is mutual among the senior persons and folks who dont get adequate foods rich in vitamin B12 in their nourishment or those who cant absorb enough of it from the food they consume. However, the following persons are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency; strict vegetarians, persons on metformin drug for diabetes, aging, long-term antacid drug consumers for heartburn and folks who have undertaken an operation that gets rid of part of the bowel that absorbs vitamin B12 (Kroner 292). Also, alcohol drinking causes gastritis or irritation of the intestinal lining leading to low stomach acid thus decreasing vitamin B12 absorption. Vitamin B12 is deposited in the liver, and excess alcohol intake can damage liver function and depletes vitamin B12 stores or make it difficult for the liver to use it.

Vitamin B12 deficit is a severe problem when it comes to mental health. However, deficiency of vitamin B12 can adversely affect the brain in numerous ways. Some investigation points out that about thirty percent of patients hospitalized for depression lack vitamin B12. Nonetheless, senior persons with vitamin B12 deficit are more probably to experience depression than those with regular vitamin B12 status. Moreover, ability to absorb vitamin B12 declines with persons age hence resulting in more of B12 deficiency cases.

However, signs of vitamin B12 deficiency can take some years to show up and diagnose it is complicated. At times, vitamin B12 deficit can be mistaken for folate disorder. Besides, low level of vitamin B12 can cause folate levels to drop however if an individual has vitamin B12 deficit, correcting low folate levels may mask the disorder and fail to provide a solution to the underlying problem.

Symptoms

Pale or jaundice skin is observed among persons with a low level of vitamin B12 and this cause a problem of red blood cell creation. Also, vitamin B12 assist in the manufacture of DNA needed to produce red blood cells. Lacking vitamin B12, orders for structure in the cells are incomplete, and cells are not capable of dividing. Moreover, megaloblastic anemia results from the red blood cell formed in bone marrow which is big and delicate (Auth 305). This red blood cells cannot pass out of the bone marrow and into blood flow system causing skin appear pale in color.

Weakness and fatigue are mutual among individual with vitamin B12 deficiency. They happen because the body doesnt have sufficient vitamin B12 to produce red blood cells which carry oxygen all over the body and this makes one feel weak and tired.

Sensations of pins and needles is a severe side effect of longstanding vitamin B12 deficiency in nerve impairment. It can happen over time as vitamin B12 is a significant provider of the metabolic pathway that yields the myelin. Myelin is formed differently, and nerve system cannot work correctly if vitamin B12 is deprived.

Changes to mobility; if vitamin B12 deficiency is untreated, nervous system injury can cause a shift in the way individual moves or walk. It may affect one's stability and coordination making one more susceptible to falling. They sign seen among aging persons undiagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency though treating it will improve movement.

Blurred or disturbed vision is an indication of vitamin B12. It arises when impairment interrupts nervous signal that travels from eye to damaging brain vision. The illness is reversible through use of vitamin B12 complements

Mood changes; Low levels of vitamin B12 have been related to attitude and brain conditions, for instance, depression and dementia. Thus, high levels of homocysteine instigated by low levels of vitamin B12 could cause harm to the soft brain tissue and interfere with signals to and from the brain causing mood changes.

Vitamin B12 disorder perseveres for years and can cause severe, permanent neurologic injury, memory loss, confusion and failure to concentrate. Other sound effects comprise of nerve damage, sleeplessness, erectile dysfunction, difficulty with bowel and bladder control. However, many signs can be overturned if detected timely and treated with vitamin B12 (Kroner 292). On the other hand, some glitches triggered by the disorder can be permanent if left untreated. The lengthier the illness goes untreated, the more significant the probabilities of permanent impairment. Untreated vitamin B12 disorder can cause vascular disease for instance stroke, myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis since this disorder causes hyperhomocystinemia. Also, B12 disorder cause stability problems, weakness, parenthesis, and visual disruption. These signs upsurge the jeopardy of falls which turn to trauma, hospital stays, loss of independence, nursing home placement and early death.

Management

Raising low levels of vitamin B12 with supplements alongside intake of healthier balanced diet foods or use of vitamin B12 shots. Vitamin B12 shots are administered once a month for individuals who dont have a protein called intrinsic factor that assists intestine to absorb vitamin B12 (Auth 305). Additionally, persons with pernicious anemia or inflammatory gut illness are probable to have reduced absorption for their whole lives need vitamin B12 injections.

Vitamin B12 supplements such as cyanocobalamin and hydroxycobalamin and injections are considered safe nonetheless side effects and risks can vary from itching and pain from the injection spot. High level of vitamin B12 supplements could be toxic to the liver (Auth 305). Consumption of balanced diet foods alongside fortified cereals is recommended.

Reference

Kroner, Z. Vitamins and Minerals. ABC-CLIO, 2011.

McDowell, L. Vitamin History, the Early Years. First Edition Design eBook Publishing, 2013.

Auth, P.C. Physician Assistant Review. Wolters Kluwer Health, 2012.