Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can cause tremendous changes in the body of a woman and have an adverse impact on the woman’s physical health, neurological health and psychological health. This deficiency is a known alarming health issue prevalent across females of childbearing age, pregnant women or those taking vegan or vegetarian diets.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Women
Women experiencing vitamin B12 deficiency may notice several signs that can worsen over time if left untreated. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and Weakness: One of the first signs of vitamin B12 deficiency is often unexplained fatigue and general weakness.
- Neurological Symptoms: These can include sensations like tingling, prickling, or itching in the hands and feet, difficulty maintaining balance, and cognitive issues such as confusion and memory loss.
- Psychological Effects: Mood-related symptoms like depression, irritability, and mood swings are common in individuals with a B12 deficiency.
- Physical Symptoms: Glossitis, which causes swelling or inflammation of the tongue, pale skin, and digestive issues like diarrhoea or constipation, are also prevalent in B12-deficient individuals.
Complications Associated with Vitamin B12 Deficiency
If not addressed, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious complications:
- Anaemia: Pernicious anaemia may arise from a deficiency of this vitamin [B12] including megaloblastic anaemia in which the body produces large but ineffective red blood cells.
- Neurological Damage: Deficiency in the long term may bring about permanent nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy.
- Pregnancy Risks: A pregnant woman with B12 deficiency should be careful as she will be exposed to the danger of having a baby with neural tube defects, and complications during pregnancy.
- Cardiovascular Issues: A correlation between B12 deficiency levels may have a bearing on the upward trend affecting heart disease.
Risk Factors for Women
Several factors contribute to the risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency in women:
- Dietary Choices: Strict vegetarians and vegans are at higher risk as plant-based diets typically lack sufficient B12 unless fortified foods or supplements are consumed.
- Menstrual Factors: Heavier bleeding during menstruation increases the chances of this condition because losing more blood increases the possibility of developing anaemia.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Pregnancy and lactation are critical times when a woman needs more nutrients, and better vitamin B12 intake will be required to meet the baby’s development and the mother’s health needs.
Treatment and Prevention
Addressing vitamin B12 deficiency involves dietary adjustments and supplementation. Recommendations include:
- Dietary Sources: Meats, dairy products, eggs and fortified cereals should be added to the diet of those at risk due to increased B12 deficiency.
- Supplementation: Those who cannot get what they need with their meals- say pregnant women or individuals with absorption problems, would have to take B12 supplements or a shot.
