Avoid serious health problems! Here's what vitamin B12 deficiency causes

Vitamin B12 is otherwise known as the vitamin of "vegans", which risks being low if food of animal origin is completely excluded from the diet. But vitamin B12 deficiencies are also possible in other less known situations: one case is chronic therapy with certain drugs, such as antiepileptics, fiber for high cholesterol, metformin for diabetes, various antacids used to reduce stomach acidity, for example omeprazole.

Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency—most common in the elderly and vegetarians—can cause a variety of signs and symptoms, including memory loss. In these cases, vitamin B12 supplements can help improve memory.

In addition, if there is little B12, the red blood cells expand and blood transport is no longer efficient: the result is anemia, which leads to very common symptoms such as fatigue and muscle weakness, but also ulcers in the mouth, tongue and red and painful, blurred vision and walking disturbances, tingling sensation. A severe deficiency can lead to infertility problems or pregnancy complications, so women of childbearing age should ensure a good supply of vitamin B12. But this is essential for everyone.

The good news is that in most cases a balanced diet is enough to avoid problems.

Supplements can be taken in the form of injections or tablets. In some cases, these treatments may be needed for the rest of your life.

A good amount of B12 is found in foods of animal origin such as meat, eggs, milk and dairy products, but also in fish such as sardines, tuna or salmon; for vegans, one option comes from foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as cereal or soy milk.