What Happens if Your B12 Deficiency Is Left Untreated?

Left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious health problems, including:

- Neurological damage: Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Deficiency can cause damage to the nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty walking. In severe cases, neurological damage can be permanent.

- Brain damage: Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause damage to the brain, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and dementia. Brain damage caused by vitamin B12 deficiency can be irreversible.

- Megaloblastic anemia: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells. Deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition in which the red blood cells are large and immature. Megaloblastic anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

- Heart disease: Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. It is thought that vitamin B12 deficiency can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots.

- Stroke: Vitamin B12 deficiency has also been linked to an increased risk of stroke. It is thought that vitamin B12 deficiency can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots.

- Infertility: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause infertility in both men and women. In men, deficiency can lead to decreased sperm production. In women, deficiency can cause menstrual irregularities and difficulty conceiving.

- Pregnancy complications: Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of neural tube defects in the baby. Neural tube defects are serious birth defects that can affect the brain and spinal cord.

Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious health problems that can have permanent and life-threatening consequences. It is important to see a doctor if you have any symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency so that it can be diagnosed and treated.