A vitamin B12 deficiency gradually develops over many years before the body begins to show symptoms. Take a look in your mouth to see if you’re lacking in the vitamin.
An autoimmune disease called pernicious anaemia can result in a vitamin B12 deficiency.
This condition describes the lack of an intrinsic factor protein in the gut.
Intrinsic factor enables the small intestine to absorb vitamin B12 into the body.
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Without it, no matter how much vitamin B12 you eat, it’ll exit from the body as waste.
Pernicious anaemia occurs when the body attacks and destroys the parietal cells that produce intrinsic factor.
Over time, your body will start to develop symptoms if you’re deficient in vitamin B12.
This is because vitamin B12 is useful for keeping blood cells healthy, as well as nerve cells and helps to make DNA.
Take a look in a mirror, open wide and have a good look inside your mouth.
If you spot mouth ulcers, you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency, says the NHS.
They tend to appear inside the most, on the cheeks or lips – and even the tongue.
You can have more than one ulcer at a time and they can change in size.
Mouth ulcers take time to heal, but there are things you can do to help speed up the process.
The NHS recommends those suffering from mouth ulcers should use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Moreover, it’d help to drink cool drinks through a straw and to eat softer foods.
Avoid toast and crisps for the time being, and rough, crunchy food may prolong the healing process.
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Other vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include constipation, heartburn, nausea and vomiting.
If you suspect you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency due to pernicious anaemia, then it’s advisable to arrange several blood tests with your doctor.
Blood tests can reveal anaemia, vitamin B12 levels and intrinsic factor antibodies.
Together, this information can complete a full picture on what is going on.
Should the blood tests reveal pernicious anaemia and a deficiency in vitamin B12, you’re likely to be given vitamin B12 injections.
The frequency of these injections can range from daily, weekly to monthly – depending on how deficient you are in the nutrient.
Your doctor may want to see you on a long-term basis to identify any serious side effects of pernicious anaemia.
These can include gastric cancer, heart problems and neurological symptoms.
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