Did you know that Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for various basic body processes? Your body uses Vitamin B12 to make DNA and new red blood cells, as well as to make energy. It even affects one's mood and memory, and healthy levels of it can help your brain and nervous system function properly.
On the other hand, a lack of this nutrient in your body may even have debilitating effects on your health. Moreover, some people have even suggested that vitamin B12 deficiency can cause weight gain!
In this blog, we will examine and review the latest scientific evidence to determine whether or not that statement is true.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Vitamin B12 & Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
- Can Low B12 Levels Cause Weight Gain?
- What Are The Major Symptoms Of B12 Deficiency?
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
What Is Vitamin B12 & Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
A soluble fibre, Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is key in several bodily functions. It is present in many energy-boosting foods and helps with:
- Maintaining nerve function
- DNA production
- Red blood cell formation.
Despite its crucial role, vitamin B12 deficiency is surprisingly common and often goes undetected until it leads to serious health issues. Recognising the early signs of this deficiency is important if you want to prevent long-term complications. So, let us understand the deficiency.
What is vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when there is insufficient vitamin B12 in the body. It can cause many problems in the body like:
- Impaired nerve function, potentially leading to neurological problems.
- Affects DNA synthesis, which is essential for cell replication and repair.
- Reduced red blood cell formation, affecting oxygen transport in the body.
- If untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can even cause severe damage to the nervous system.
Can Low B12 Levels Cause Weight Gain?
Yes, a vitamin B12 deficiency may contribute to weight gain, but the relationship is indirect. Here's how:
- Slowed Metabolism: Vitamin B12 plays a key role in energy production. Low levels of it can lead to a slower metabolism, causing the body to burn fewer calories and gain weight.
- Fatigue and Low Energy: Lack of vitamin B12 can cause fatigue and low energy, potentially leading to decreased physical activity, which may increase calorie surplus and contribute to weight gain.
- Increased Hunger: B12 deficiency can lead to mood disturbances and low energy, which may increase cravings and overeating, contributing to weight gain.
- Impaired Fat Breakdown: Vitamin B12 helps with the breakdown of fat. A deficiency may impair this process, leading to fat accumulation.
Also Read: Can Exercise Increase Metabolism? 8 Best Workouts To Burn Calories & Fat!
What Are The Major Symptoms Of B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest itself in many ways and affect multiple body systems. Though at first there may not be any signs of deficiency, it can lead to physical, neurological and psychological problems later on.
If you fail to recognise the symptoms and let the condition exacerbate, then they can get much worse. So, let us take a deep look at what vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms might look like:
1. Neurological | |
| Numbness or tingling sensations, often starting in the hands and feet. |
| Difficulty maintaining balance and coordination. |
| Problems with memory and cognitive function. |
| Mental fogginess, difficulty thinking clearly. |
| Mood changes, including depression and irritability. |
| In severe cases, long-term deficiency can lead to dementia. |
Also Read: 8 Signs Of Weight Loss: How To Know If You’re Losing Healthy Weight
2. Blood-Related | |
| Consistent general physical weakness. |
| Persistent fatigue and lack of energy. |
| Pale skin is caused by anaemia or elevated bilirubin. |
| Shortness of breath, especially noticeable during physical exertion. |
| Irregular heart rate is caused by the body's attempt to compensate for reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. |
Also Read: What Is Malnutrition Disease? Know The Symptoms, Causes, And Foods To Eat To Prevent It!
3. Gastrointestinal | |
| Inflammation of the tongue, which is often painful and red. |
| Painful mouth ulcers. |
| Decreased appetite, which can potentially cause weight loss. |
| Diarrhea or constipation |
Also Read: 12 Causes Of Obesity And Excess Weight With Symptoms & Prevention Tips!
4. Psychiatric | |
| Unusual mood changes, including irritability and anxiety. |
| Feelings of persecution without justification. |
| In rare, severe cases, individuals may experience hallucinations. |
Also Read: Exercise and Mental Health: How Physical Activities Alleviate Symptoms of Anxiety And Depression
5. Developmental Signs In Babies | |
| Children with B12 deficiency may experience delays in reaching developmental milestones. |
| Difficulty with coordination and movement. |
| Poor growth and weight gain. |
Also Read: 5 Ways to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence: Learn How EI Drives Personal and Professional Growth
6. Cardiac Symptoms | |
| An elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. |
Early recognition of these symptoms and seeking medical help can prevent long-term complications associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. If you suspect you are deficient, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Also Read: Cardiac Care in Action: 15 Exercises For Heart Patients To Empower Health Every Day!
Expert’s Advice
Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient for all of us, and without it, we risk inviting several health problems into our lives. With sufficient B12 intake, we can improve our health, regulate appetite and improve sleep.
To add vitamin B12 to your diet, you can consume animal-based foods like meat, fish, dairy, and eggs, or (especially if you're vegan or vegetarian) you can go for fortified plant-based products. Supplements such as tablets, lozenges, or injections can also help boost B12 levels.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
B12 is an essential nutrient and a water-soluble vitamin that our bodies use for a variety of processes, including energy production and maintaining a healthy brain and nervous system. Sources of vitamin B12 include animal products, foods fortified with vitamin B12, and dietary supplements.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is likely to show a wide range of symptoms, although weight gain is only loosely tied to them. A B12 deficiency can cause fatigue and low energy, which can reduce physical activity levels and lead to weight gain over time. Addressing the deficiency with proper supplementation can improve energy levels and help with weight management.
FAQs
1. What vitamin deficiency causes weight gain?
Vitamin D and B12 deficiencies can lead to weight gain by causing fatigue, reduced physical activity, and disruptions in metabolism. These deficiencies may increase appetite and decrease energy expenditure.
2. Can low B12 cause weight gain?
Low B12 levels can contribute to weight gain indirectly by causing fatigue, reducing physical activity, and slowing metabolism.
3. Does vitamin B12 increase appetite?
Vitamin B12 itself does not directly increase appetite, but a deficiency can lead to fatigue, which may affect eating habits.
4. Does B12 deficiency cause weight loss?
Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause weight loss due to fatigue, decreased appetite, and disrupted metabolism.
References
- https://www.medicinenet.com/vitamins_supplements_low_vitamin_b12_deficiency_si/article.htm
- https://www.orangehealth.in/vitamin-b12-test/can-vitamin-b12-deficiency-cause-weight-gain-qna?utm_term=can-vitamin-b12-deficiency-cause-weight-gain-qna&utm_source=seo_search&utm_campaign=seo&utm_medium=google
- https://thecosmeticclinic.org/vitamin-b12-help-regulate-appetite-and-improve-sleep-patterns/#:~:text=Serotonin%20and%20Appetite,of%20overeating%20and%20regulate%20appetite.
- https://www.carehospitals.com/hi/symptoms/vitamin-b12-deficiency
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/b12-weight-loss#low-levels-and-obesity
- https://www.maxhealthcare.in/blogs/hi/what-is-vitamin-b12-deficiency
- https://ada.com/conditions/vitamin-b12-deficiency/
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