A new study has shed light on the effects of vitamin B12 deficiency, highlighting its effects on both physical and neurological health.

The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Curious, found that men were slightly more affected, making up 58.3% of the study participants in India.

How was the study conducted?

The two-year study was conducted at KJ Somaiya Medical College and Hospital, Mumbai and included 180 patients aged between 18 and 70 years. These patients had low hemoglobin levels (below 13 g/dL for men and below 12 g/dL for women) and vitamin B12 levels below 250 pg/mL.

Doctors collected detailed information about the patients, including their health history and blood test results. Each patient received six vitamin B12 injections every week for six weeks. Researchers monitored improvements in blood health by regularly checking key markers such as hemoglobin levels and red blood cell size.

The results were analyzed to understand how well the patients responded to the treatment and whether there was a clear relationship between the severity of anemia and vitamin B12 levels.

Common health problems among participants included high blood pressure (33.3%) and diabetes (25%). However, the most frequently reported symptom was persistent fatigue, affecting 66.7% of patients.

Neurological problems, such as tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, were also common, reported by more than half of the participants.

Blood tests revealed a condition called macrocytic anemia, where red blood cells are larger than normal. On average, participants had a hemoglobin level of 9.7 g/dL lower and a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 104.7 fl, both indicators of poor blood health.

What did the researchers find?

After six weeks of vitamin B12 supplementation, significant improvements were seen. The hemoglobin level increased to 12.6 g/dL, the MCV decreased to 91.3 fL, and the reticulocyte count – a marker of new red blood cell production – increased to 2.1%.

The study also found a strong association between higher hemoglobin levels and better levels of vitamin B12 in the blood.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is known to cause a variety of health problems, from fatigue and weakness to more serious nerve damage. This study confirms that proper vitamin B12 supplementation can effectively reverse these problems, improving both blood health and neurological symptoms.

Researchers recommend regular screening for vitamin B12 deficiency, especially in older adults and vegetarians, who are at higher risk due to dietary restrictions. Early detection and supplementation can prevent long-term complications.

Although the results are promising, researchers suggest that more studies are needed to understand the long-term benefits of vitamin B12 supplementation, including its potential role in reducing the risk of heart disease in individuals who are deficient.

For now, the findings highlight the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin B12 levels for overall health and well-being.

In simple terms, studies have shown that regular vitamin B12 treatment can significantly improve blood health and reduce symptoms such as fatigue and neurological problems, providing a clear path to recovery for those affected by this deficiency. Provides.