About how important it is to get a sufficient amount of B vitamins, we know almost from childhood. They participate in many processes on which the quality and duration of our lives depend. Particular attention is paid to vitamin B12, which has the most complex chemical structure. What is this substance? How is vitamin B12 deficiency manifested - symptoms in adults and children that indicate a possible problem?
Vitamin B12
Under the general name Vitamin B12, a whole group of substances containing cobalt ions is combined. Basically, talking about this vitamin, they mean cyanocobalamin, although hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin and other forms are in the group. Often, these biologically active substances are simply called cobalamins.
B12 - a water-soluble substance. Color is bright red. This vitamin can accumulate in body tissues. The places of accumulation are the liver, kidneys, lungs, and spleen. The maximum concentration falls on the liver tissue. Up to 80% of the stock is saved here.
Why does the body B12
Cyanocobalamin provides normal blood formation, participates in protein metabolism, enzymatic reactions, is a catalyst for the conversion of amino acids, prevents fatty liver, increases oxygen consumption at the cellular level.
With a lack of vitamin B12, symptoms in adults and in children can manifest as a decrease in immunity. For example, AIDS patients always have low B12 levels, which is what provokes and accelerates the development of the disease.
If we take a deeper look at the regulation of hematopoietic function, it is necessary to highlight the participation of B12 in the synthesis of purine and pyrimidine bases, as well as in the processing of nucleic acid. In addition, he is involved in the formation of red blood cells.
Another important function of cyanocobalamin is the effect on the nervous system. The substance is auxiliary in the formation of the myelin sheath of the nerve. In addition, it is involved in the conversion of carotene to retinol.
Does the body synthesize B12 on its own?
A small amount of cyanocobalamin is produced by intestinal microflora. This happens in the large intestine, but the body cannot receive the substance, since it is not able to absorb through the walls of the intestine. In the process of absorption of this vitamin involved mucoprotein, which is produced by the gastric glands. Thus, the body needs to receive vitamin B12 with food, this process is called Castle's external factor. And the effect of the fundus of the stomach on the “food” cyanocobalamin is called Castle's internal factor.
Why deficiency occurs: exogenous insufficiency
Now, let's take a closer look at the symptoms and causes of vitamin B12 deficiency.
In medicine, several main directions have been identified in relation to the lack of B vitamins. They were divided into exogenous and endogenous groups. In the first group, it is believed that the main causes of vitamin B12 deficiency are its lack of food when refusing animal food or an improperly prepared diet.
This problem is often faced by vegetarians, especially those who follow a strict diet. They have to replenish vitamin B12 with medication or with the help of dietary supplements.
It has been proven that if a vegetarian mother is breastfeeding, the child also suffers from a lack of vitamin B12. His body cannot create a supply of cyanocobalamin, and rapid growth increases the need for this substance.
Endogenous failure
Endogenous insufficiency is associated with a violation of the process of absorption of a substance from the intestine. In this case, vitamin B12 deficiency also occurs, and the symptoms in this case are most actively manifested in the elderly. This process is called malabsorption syndrome, it is associated with a decrease in the acidity of gastric secretions.
In many patients, absorption problems begin due to blind loop syndrome, where bacteria grow. Pathogenic bacteria feed on vitamin B12 entering the intestines.
Inflammation of the ileum affects the absorption of the right substances. The body will not get the right amount of cyanocobalamin if the ileum is partially removed.
If Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes - Tapeworm
Helminthiasis, in this case, a tapeworm, can also cause vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms in adults will manifest as nausea, weakness, abdominal pain , diarrhea, and weight loss. Children react to the presence of this parasite much more acutely. In addition to general malaise, their physical and emotional development may be inhibited.
For clarity, we say that tapeworm is called a large tape parasite, the body length of which can reach 10-15 m. The parasite is fixed in the intestine and lives off the host’s nutrients and vitamins. As a result, a person has very few vital substances left. Most of all, there is a lack of vitamin B12. Symptoms in adults will appear somewhat differently than in children. In more detail, the difference in symptoms is described above.
Less Common Causes of B12 Deficiency
There are several other causes of vitamin B12 deficiency. These causes are pancreatitis, surgery on the stomach, the appointment of antacid and metformin, AIDS, a genetic disease - Imerslund-Grosberg syndrome.
Symptoms and signs
In most cases, the human liver accumulates a supply of cyanocobalamin, which is enough for 2.5-3 years. Then the following symptoms begin to appear:
- sudden fatigue, general weakness;
- frequent dizziness;
- pale skin;
- diarrhea for no apparent reason;
- weight loss without changing the diet;
- memory problems, loss of concentration;
- numbness in the fingers;
- depressive state;
- signs of paranoia;
- anemia;
- in women, the menstrual cycle is violated, infertility occurs.
Vivid symptoms are observed in the elderly. Their character deteriorates, a tendency to scandals appears, pressure surges arise, the head often hurts, the risk of heart attack, atherosclerosis and stroke increases.
Pernicious anemia
A disease caused by impaired hematopoiesis is called pernicious anemia with a lack of vitamin B12. How dangerous this condition is confirms that the bone marrow and nervous system are primarily affected. Today this process is called Addison's disease, and earlier it was called malignant anemia.
In the absence of timely treatment, irreversible degeneration of nerves and bone marrow is possible.
Diagnostics
The main diagnostic method is a general blood test. So it was before and remains now. But more advanced clinics additionally prescribe a test for the level of active vitamin B12 in serum.
In many cases, you will need to study the condition of the stomach and intestines.
How to treat
The treatment is based on the compensation of a lack of vitamin B12. This may be a correction of nutrition and taking medications. But self-medication is unacceptable, since not all vitamin complexes are able to cope with the task. B1 and folic acid are often added to the vitamin complex. With reduced absorption, drugs are prescribed in the form of injections.
When correcting nutrition, it is recommended to eat eggs, cheese, dairy products, kidneys and liver.
In case of problems of the gastrointestinal tract, treatment is additionally prescribed by a gastroenterologist and tests for intestinal parasites.