Escalating global health concern: Vitamin B12 deficiency jeopardizes diverse populace

Cobalamin, or vitamin B12, is one such critical, water-soluble vitamin. It can primarily be obtained from: meat, fish, seafood, crustaceans, eggs, white cheeses, natural yogurts, moldy cheeses, yellow cheeses, milk, and organ meats.

Individuals adhering to a vegan diet and diabetics who take anti-diabetic medication daily are at a particularly high risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency. However, they are not the only demographic at risk.

"People on vegetarian diets aren't the only demographic at risk of deficiencies. Diabetics and individuals with insulin resistance undergoing metformin treatments also see an increased risk (and this group is perpetually increasing). Regular use of stomach-protecting medication and poor eating habits can also contribute to a vitamin B12 deficiency. High intake of processed foods interrupts the body's absorption of B12. Age can also be a factor, with those aged 50 and above being particularly affected," writes pharmacy manager on social media.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in anemia and is often characterized by limb weakness, sensory disturbances, numbness, tingling, balance disorders, and in some cases, a repetition of limb weakness.

Additional symptoms are chronic fatigue that doesn’t alleviate despite rest and conditions resembling depression or anxiety states. Polyneuritis, atherosclerosis, and circulatory system diseases are also often linked with this condition; a fact that has been confirmed by studies conducted by the American Society for Nutrition.

Decisions regarding vitamin B12 supplementation should be made under the guidance of a medical professional. In severe deficiency cases, it may be necessary to administer the vitamin intramuscularly through injections.