Women need a combination of minerals and nutrients to keep the biological functioning in sync. From hormones to bone health, each and every aspect of a woman’s body is far more complex and nutritionally demanding, making it extremely important to be careful about the dietary intake, supplements, and the signs that arise due to deficiencies.
One such important nutrient for women is Vitamin B12. Low levels of vitamin B12 are more common in women than many realize, especially as they age, follow certain diets, or have certain medical conditions. Vitamin B12 is crucial for women’s health, but its deficiency can have serious, even dangerous, effects if left unchecked. Let’s learn more about this.
Unexplained fatigue and weakness
Lack of energy is what many women experience again and again, but do nothing about it. This lack of energy can lead to decreased productivity, diminished quality of life, and struggles with daily activities, which can be especially challenging for women managing work, family, and other responsibilities. One of the first symptoms women experience with low B12 levels is fatigue. Vitamin B12 plays a significant role in energy production at a cellular level. Without enough B12, red blood cells are not as efficient in transporting oxygen to cells throughout the body, causing fatigue and muscle weakness.
Declination of mental health
Women with a B12 deficiency may find it harder to manage stress and may feel overwhelmed, which can have a compounding effect on their physical health and overall well-being. Low vitamin B12 levels can contribute to mental health issues as it is critical to nerve health. Women with low B12 may experience memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and even increased risk of dementia as they age.
A study done in 2000, probably one of the most cited studies in this context, says a lot about the connection between mental health in women and vitamin B12. “Women with a high-cutoff vitamin B12 deficiency were 2.13 times as likely to be severely depressed,” the study found. We found that community-dwelling older physically disabled women with metabolically significant vitamin B12 deficiency had a risk of depression that was more than twice as high as that of women without vitamin B12 deficiency.
Decreased bone density
Wondering what role vitamin B12 has to play in bone health? Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to decreased bone density and increased risk of osteoporosis. For women, especially post-menopausal women, low B12 levels can have a serious impact on bone health.
Irregularity in menstrual cycle
Vitamin B12 deficiency can contribute to hormonal imbalances in women, affecting the production of estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone. For women of reproductive age, this can lead to irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and, in some cases, infertility. Since B12 is also essential for fetal development, particularly the development of the neural tube, low B12 can increase the risk of birth defects if left unaddressed in pregnant women.
Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
Since cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in women, monitoring B12 levels is essential, particularly for women with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors like obesity and hypertension. Low B12 levels contribute to increased levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that, in excess, can damage blood vessel walls and increase the risk of heart disease. Elevated homocysteine levels can also increase the risk of stroke.
A study published in the International Journal of Academic Medicine and Pharmacy had found the link between inadequate vitamin B12 levels and adverse health outcomes, including metabolic disorders and cardiovascular risk factors. “In this study, lower vitamin B12 levels were associated with adverse lipid profiles, higher AIP, and elevated blood pressure, highlighting the potential role of vitamin B12 in cardiovascular health,” the study found.
Premature aging
Vitamin B12 plays a role in skin cell regeneration, helping maintain healthy skin. Low levels of B12 can lead to hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, pale or jaundiced skin, and premature signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. This is due to oxidative stress on skin cells and diminished production of new skin cells. Adequate B12 is essential for maintaining youthful, healthy skin.