By Dr. Neha Gera, Homeopathic Physician & Senior Homoeopathic Consultant
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an important vitamin for the body. In this video, I discuss why Vitamin B12 should not be overlooked, particularly when symptoms such as persistent fatigue, hair fall, tingling or numbness start appearing.
A mild deficiency may be easy to dismiss. But when symptoms continue, it is important to look at the possibility of Vitamin B12 deficiency rather than simply assuming that tiredness or other changes are part of everyday life.
Vitamin B12 has several important roles in the body.
It is essential for red blood cell formation and healthy blood volume.
It is also important for the brain and nervous system. Vitamin B12 helps maintain the myelin sheath that covers and protects nerves.
In the video, I also discuss its role in mood, memory and balance, and why maintaining adequate B12 levels is important for overall neurological health.
Another concern discussed is homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine levels can increase the risk of heart disease, which is another reason why Vitamin B12 should not simply be ignored.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can present through several different symptoms.
Some of the physical signs discussed in the video include:
There can also be neurological and systemic symptoms.
These include:
In severe, long-standing cases, Vitamin B12 deficiency can also be associated with nerve degeneration and dementia.
This is why symptoms should not simply be dismissed when they continue over a period of time.
Certain groups may need to pay particular attention to their Vitamin B12 levels.
People who do not consume animal-based foods may need to pay particular attention to their B12 intake.
The video also discusses the importance of Vitamin B12 for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding are another group discussed in relation to nutritional concerns.
Conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and IBS can be associated with concerns about absorption.
The video discusses long-term use of antacids or acidity medicines, diabetes medications and blood pressure medicines as situations where Vitamin B12 levels may need attention.
One of the important points discussed in the video is that simply looking at a laboratory reference range may not always give the complete picture.
For example, a report may show a reference range beginning around 200–300 pg/mL. However, the discussion points out that this measurement can include inactive forms of Vitamin B12.
The approach discussed in the video considers an optimal range of around 500–600 pg/mL.
Rather than guessing whether symptoms are related to Vitamin B12 deficiency, the recommendation discussed is to get the level tested.
Dietary sources discussed in the video include:
Moringa can be included in soups or curries, as discussed in the video.
The important point is to pay attention to dietary sources rather than assuming that everyday food intake is always enough.
The video also discusses supplementation options such as methylcobalamin and folate.
Different forms and strengths are discussed, including:
For people who have problems absorbing Vitamin B12 through the gut, injections may be considered as part of the treatment approach discussed.
Supplementation should be taken under medical guidance rather than based only on symptoms or assumptions.
Hair fall, extreme fatigue, mouth ulcers, cracked lips, tingling, numbness, brain fog or balance problems can easily be attributed to other causes.
The point I want to emphasise is that Vitamin B12 deficiency should not be overlooked when these symptoms are present.
A blood test can help determine whether there is a Vitamin B12 deficiency instead of relying on guesswork.
The earlier a potential deficiency is recognised, the more clearly the next step can be discussed with a healthcare professional.
About Dr. Neha Gera
Dr. Neha Gera
Homeopathic Physician & Senior Homoeopathic Consultant
Website: www.drnehagera.com
Disclaimer
This article is based on the content and clinical discussion presented in the accompanying video and is intended for educational purposes. Symptoms such as fatigue, hair fall, numbness or tingling can have multiple causes and should not be attributed to Vitamin B12 deficiency without appropriate evaluation. Supplementation, tablets or injections should be taken under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.