Vitamin B12: Does Vitamin B12 deficiency cause memory loss? Know what problems it causes?

News Topical, Digital Desk : Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Forgetfulness and slowed thinking are often attributed to age, stress, or work pressure, but sometimes the real cause is a vitamin B12 deficiency. This nutrient, essential for brain and nerve health, is particularly low in the elderly, vegetarians, and patients with certain medical conditions. If identified early, serious problems like memory loss and reduced thinking ability can be prevented.

Scientific studies have consistently shown that age and stress, along with nutritional deficiencies, impact brain function. Vitamin B12 deficiency is receiving the most attention. This is a water-soluble vitamin, which we mostly obtain from meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. It helps protect brain cells, transmit nerve signals properly, and regulate homocysteine ​​levels in the body. When B12 is deficient, all of these processes are disrupted, leading to problems like memory loss, slow thinking, and poor concentration.

How does vitamin B12 affect the brain?

Vitamin B12 supports the brain and nervous system in many ways. Its active form, methylcobalamin, helps convert homocysteine ​​into methionine in the body. This process is essential for building DNA and producing neurotransmitters. When B12 is low, homocysteine ​​increases, further damaging brain cells. This affects memory, learning, and attention. Several studies suggest that elevated homocysteine ​​may cause changes in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, areas of the brain involved in memory and thinking.

Another form of vitamin B12, adenosylcobalamin, helps produce energy and maintain the strength of the myelin sheath, the protective layer that protects nerves. A deficiency slows nerve signals, leading to forgetfulness, poor concentration, and impaired thinking. In some cases, long-term deficiency can even increase the risk of dementia.

Who is most affected by B12 deficiency?

• Older people often have reduced stomach acid levels, which can prevent them from absorbing B12 properly from food.
• Vegetarians and vegans are also at risk because B12 is not naturally present in plants.
• Digestive system problems, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, pernicious anemia, or intestinal surgery, also affect absorption.
• B12 levels can also decrease if you take metformin or acidity medications for a long time.
• Diabetes, kidney problems and environmental factors such as pollution also increase the risk.

This means that B12 deficiency often occurs not due to a single cause, but due to a combination of several causes.

How to recognize the early signs of B12 deficiency?

Symptoms may initially be mild, such as forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, or problem solving. They may also include mood changes such as irritability, sadness, or anxiety.

How to prevent it?

Eat a diet rich in B12. Meat, fish, eggs, and dairy are rich in it. Vegetarians should consider fortified foods or supplements.

If needed, take supplements; they can be taken in any form like tablets, drops or injections.

It is important to check the risk group, elderly people, patients with digestive diseases and people taking medicines for a long time should get themselves checked from time to time.

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