Pernicious anemia often leaves individuals feeling exhausted and weak, as a lack of B12 prevents the body from producing enough red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues and organs
In a randomized, placebo-controlled intervention study with more than 900 older participants experiencing psychological distress, daily supplementation with folic acid (400 g) and vitamin B 12 (100 g) for two years did not reduce the occurrence of symptoms of depression despite significantly improving blood folate, vitamin B 12 , and homocysteine levels compared to placebo (109)
Iron deficiency anemia is caused when your body does not have enough amount of iron that helps to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body
These neurological symptoms require urgent medical attention, as prolonged B12 deficiency can lead to irreversible nerve damage
Certain medications, including some medications used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, may make it more difficult for some people to absorb B12 from food sources