The deficiency or toxicity of the B12 vitamin can negatively impact an individual’s life, causing significant negative consequences. My doctor’s observations included anemia, a low count of blood cells, and their enlarged and immature state (Green, 2017). Other symptoms were occasional numbness in arms and legs, as well as complications in such mental functions as memory and concentration. According to these manifestations, the diagnosis is vitamin B12 deficiency, caused by improper diet (Green, 2017). Disorders commonly associated with the insufficiency of this vitamin include anemia and consistent nerve damage, which result in weakness, fatigue, and loss of muscle sensation. On the other hand, vitamin B12 toxicity is considerably rare but can originate gastrointestinal issues, insomnia, and hypertension (Morales-Gutierrez et al., 2020). In most cases, a high level of this vitamin might be connected to liver problems.
To establish a necessary treatment plan, it is essential to consider my physiological profile and the observed complications, as well as the young age and normal physical status. Based on this information, weekly intramuscular injections of 1 milligram of vitamin B12 are recommended (Langan & Goodbred, 2017). After the red cells count has been normalized, it is suggested to maintain an oral intake for several weeks. Given the cause of the deficiency, it is imperative to adjust the dietary plan, incorporating foods that contain a higher amount of the vitamin, namely beef, fish, dairy, and eggs.
Lack of treatment often results in severe difficulties related to low red blood cells count and their decreased production, constituting complicated anemic disorders. In general, such conditions lead to a lack of oxygen in muscles, nerve damage, and mental problems. People suffering from a considerable lack of vitamin B12 experience a permanent decline of their psychological capabilities, excessive fatigue, overall confusion, and even dementia (Green, 2017). In certain scenarios, a severe deficiency might be fatal for the individual. The populations at risk are women due to the loss of blood during menstrual periods, people with an unbalanced diet, and especially vegans given the absence of foods containing vitamin B12 in their rations (Langan & Goodbred, 2017). To avoid the issues connected to vitamin deficiency, it is recommended to maintain an inclusive diet consisting of meat, fish, and dairy, as well as perform regular health checks, which include vitamin B12 insufficiency testing.
References
Green, R. (2017). Vitamin B12 deficiency from the perspective of a practicing hematologist. Blood, 129(19), 2603–2611.
Langan, R. C., & Goodbred, A. J. (2017). Vitamin B12 deficiency: Recognition and management. American Family Physician, 96(6), 384–389.
Morales-Gutierrez, J., Díaz-Cortés, S., Montoya-Giraldo, M. A., & Zuluaga, A. F. (2020). Toxicity induced by multiple high doses of vitamin B12 during pernicious anemia treatment: A case report. Clinical Toxicology, 58(2), 129–131.