Including Healthy Fats In The Diet
The body needs all kinds of nutrients for keeping healthy. Including healthy fats in the diet in the form of coconut oil, raw milk, and butter, fish oil, pastured meats etc. can help greatly in dealing with the problem of constipation caused due to vitamin supplement intake.
Now that you know, avoid vitamins that can cause constipation and lead a healthy life.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms
Symptoms of a B12 deficiency can develop over time or come on suddenly, says Kailey Proctor, a board-certified oncology dietitian at the Leonard Clinical Cancer Institute with Mission Hospital. Symptoms can also vary depending on the severity of the deficiency.
Signs of a mild B12 deficiency include:
- A yellow tinge to the skin
- Irritability
- Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
- Confusion and poor memory
The longer a B12 deficiency is left untreated, the more severe and potentially irreversible symptoms will become, says Elizabeth Beil, a registered dietitian and founder of Elizabeth Beil Nutrition.
Signs of a severe B12 deficiency include:
- Paralysis
- Depression
- Dementia
Important: If caught and treated early, many of the symptoms of B12 deficiency can be reversed, Beil says, but if left untreated, neurological damage resulting in dementia or difficulties walking is irreversible.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Treatment
Treatment of B12 deficiency generally depends on the severity of the deficiency and what is causing it, Proctor says. Treatment options include:
- B12 injections Dosage and frequency of injections can vary, but general guidelines are three injections a week for two weeks, though some people who are not able to adequately absorb vitamin B12 may need to get regular injections every one to three months. It’s important to note that B12 injections can lead to side effects like dizziness and headaches.
- B12 supplements in the form of oral or sublingual tablets that dissolve under the tongue are an over-the-counter treatment option for people who lack B12 in their diets, like vegans or vegetarians, Beil says.
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What Are Vitamin B12 Injections
As you consider the pros and cons of a vitamin B12 injection, its helpful to understand what they are and how they work. Injections are given intramuscularly, whether you visit a doctors office, med spa, or in my case, walk up to my neighborhood wellness truck. In other words, a quick shot. They can either be prescribed by a doctor or made via appointment. Some wellness centers take walk-ins too.
Injections are usually administered as hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin . These are very effective at raising blood levels of vitamin B12, thus preventing or reversing a vitamin B12 deficiency. Hydroxocobalamin, in particular, is usually the recommended option as it stays in the body longer. On average, the price of an injection costs anywhere from $20-$100.
How To Take Vitamin B
Use Vitamin B-12 ) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Carefully follow instructions about whether to take your cyanocobalamin with or without food.
Your dose needs may change if you become pregnant, if you breastfeed, or if you eat a vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. Take with a full glass of water.
Do not swallow a lozenge or sublingual tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. Cyanocobalamin sublingual tablet or liquid should be placed under your tongue.
Pernicious anemia is also treated with folic acid to help maintain red blood cells. However, folic acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Take all of your medications as directed.
To treat pernicious anemia, you will have to use cyanocobalamin on a regular basis for the rest of your life. Not using the medication can lead to irreversible nerve damage in your spinal cord.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
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Why Does Vitamin B
While vitamin B-12 itself is highly unlikely to result in diarrhea, a deficiency in it may cause other related conditions which can include diarrhea as a side effect. Keep reading to find out what these conditions are and how they can affect your bowels:
Vitamin B-12 Anemia
A lack of vitamin B-12 is not always easy to identify, as symptoms may be so mild at first that it is difficult to notice. However, one serious condition as a result of this deficiency is known as anemia, and this is characterized by a lack of red blood cells.
These cells carry oxygen through to the bloodstream and to every part of the body. Not having enough red blood cells to bring oxygen can make you feel fatigued, as well as bleeding gums, pale skin, weakness, and diarrhea.
As time passes these symptoms can only worsen, and eventually, incontinence, low blood pressure, vision problems, and several other issues can become prevalent, according to MayoClinic.
Crohns Disease
Crohns disease is one of two serious inflammatory bowel diseases, along with ulcerative colitis. These inflammatory bowel diseases can interfere with the way you absorb vitamin B-12, and this is the main cause for a deficiency.
Crohns disease is known to cause inflammation of the digestive tract, which runs from your mouth to your anus. It can even cause arthritis, skin problems, fevers, rectal bleeding and pain in the abdomen.
Ulcerative Colitis
Celiac Sprue
What Is Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin required for red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis.
A low level of vitamin B12 is called vitamin B12 deficiency.
What Are Symptoms of Low Vitamin B12?
Symptoms of low vitamin B12 include:
- Neurological changes, such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- Balance problems
- Memory problems
- Soreness of the mouth or tongue
- During infancy, signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include failure to thrive, movement disorders, developmental delays, and megaloblastic anemia
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Ruling Out Folate Deficiency
A deficiency of folate, the nutrient also known as folic acid or vitamin B9, good sources of which include foods like broccoli, asparagus, peas and brown rice, can cause some of the same symptoms as vitamin B12 deficiency. For this reason, a doctor will typically examine the levels of folate in blood tests when checking for vitamin B12 deficiency.
Taking a lot of folic acid can mask the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency, so in cases where folate deficiency is suspected, a doctor will usually test for vitamin B12 deficiency before prescribing medication.
Can B12 Shots Or Supplements Help A Sick Cat
If your cat suffers from chronic digestive or gastrointestinal problems, oral B12 supplements are unlikely to help. This is because their digestive tissue cannot absorb the nutrient very well, no matter how much they ingest through diet.
However, many cats may benefit from B12 shot injections under their skin. Instead of having to be absorbed by the digestive system, a B12 shot goes straight to the source. Talk to your veterinarian to find out whether B12 shots are an option for your cat. With instruction, you may be able to give your cat these injections at home.
For cats with chronic digestive issues, unfortunately, there is rarely a single magic bullet solution that resolves all of their symptoms. Extra B12 on its own wont cure IBD in cats or other diseases, but it may help alleviate some symptoms while improving your cats overall well-being and quality of life.
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Is It Better To Take Vitamins In The Morning Or At Night Before Bed
In his opinion, Neil Levin, a clinical nutritionist at NOW Foods, recommends taking multivitamins and B vitamins in the morning. According to Levin, multivitamins work best when taken earlier in the day, since B vitamins may stimulate metabolism and brain function too much for a relaxing evening or before bed.
Conditions Affecting The Stomach And Intestines
People who have certain conditions that affect the stomach and intestines, or have had certain types of surgery, may be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Stomach conditions. Atrophic gastritis, which causes thinning of the stomach lining, infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, and a genetic condition that causes a lack of intrinsic factor can all cause vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Intestinal conditions.Crohnâs disease, a condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract, celiac disease, chronic tropical sprue and a number of other conditions may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Surgery. Surgical procedures that remove part or all of the stomach, or the end of the small intestine, may prevent adequate absorption of vitamin B12.
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Foods Rich In Folic Acid
| Meat |
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- Include more foods that are high in Folic Acid in the diet
- Fruit and vegetables should be eaten raw whenever possible as cooking destroys Folic Acid
- Avoid alcohol in the diet as it leads to Folic Acid deficiency
- Pregnant women have higher requirements for Folic Acid and should take Folic Acid supplements as advised by the doctor/dietician/nurse.
- Increase the use of wheat flour and soya flour in baking and food preparation
Can Vitamin B12 Cause Constipation
Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause constipation. If your constipation is caused by low levels of B-12, increasing your daily intake of this nutrient may help ease your symptoms. You may prefer to eat more foods rich in this vitamin rather than take a supplement.
In this manner, can vitamins cause constipation?
Vitamins in general won’t cause constipation, but certain components, such as calcium and iron, can be a problem.
Subsequently, question is, is vitamin B complex good for constipation? Vitamins and minerals do not have a major role in treating constipation. However, some people may experience constipation as a result of a vitamin deficiency, such as vitamin B-12 deficiency. In those situations, a vitamin supplement may help relieve constipation.
Similarly one may ask, can low b12 cause constipation?
Energy: Even minor deficiencies of vitamin B-12 can cause anemia, fatigue, shortness of breath and weakness. The Gastro-Intestinal System: B-12 deficiency can cause decreased appetite, constipation, diarrhea or alternating constipation/diarrhea, weight loss and abdominal pain.
What are the side effects of vitamin B complex?
Symptoms of a vitamin B complex overdose include:
- excessive thirst.
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Does Vitamin B12 Cause Constipation
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Complications Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Occasionally, a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause complications. These depend on the severity and duration of the deficiency, but may include:
- Neurological problems. These may include vision disturbances, memory loss, pins and needles, difficulty walking or speaking, and damage to the nerves , particularly in the legs. Occasionally, some of these problems may be irreversible.
- Infertility. A vitamin B12 deficiency may cause women to be unable to fall pregnant. However, this is usually reversible with treatment.
- Stomach cancer. In cases of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by pernicious anemia, the risk of developing stomach cancer may be increased.
- Neural tube defects. Pregnant women with a vitamin B12 deficiency may be at an increased risk of their baby developing serious birth defects such as spina bifida.
In addition, anemia of all kinds can sometimes cause serious heart and lung complications. These include a fast heartbeat and heart failure. Read more about anemia complications »
To prevent complications, people who suspect they may have a vitamin B12 deficiency are advised to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner without delay.
Include Essential Oils In The Diet
Essential oils come with their own sets of benefits. Most importantly these oils play an important role in maintaining and supporting a very healthy digestive system. Using pure, therapeutic grade essential oils is recommended for treating constipation. Some oils in this category include tarragon oil, ginger oil, peppermint oil, fennel oil, anise seed oil etc.
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Tips To Avoid Constipation
Taking an iron or calcium supplement doesn’t automatically relegate you to a lifetime of constipation.
In addition to finding a supplement that’s easier on your GI tract liquid iron or calcium citrate, for example there are simple lifestyle and dietary changes you can make to avoid or lessen constipation.
Warning
If your constipation is persistent or unexplained, please seek help from your medical provider, per the Mayo Clinic.
What Are The Symptoms Of B12 Deficiency
In cats, not having enough B12 can cause weight loss, lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Because disorders of the GI tract can interfere with the absorption of B12, the level of this vitamin in the blood is sometimes used as a test of gut health. If your cat suffers from weight loss, lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, your veterinarian may measure the level of B12 in your cats blood. A low level of B12 in your cat can indicate an unhealthy gut.
Another way to learn more about your cats gut health is our at-home KittyBiome Gut Health Test, which provides a detailed breakdown of all the bacteria in your cats gut, as well as how they compare to the bacteria in healthy cats. The microbiome test report provides actionable insights for personalized diet and nutrition based on your cat’s unique gut microbiome composition.
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Drawbacks Of Blood Tests For Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Some people experience symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency despite their blood tests indicating normal levels. The test measures the total amount of the vitamin in the blood, but not all of it can necessarily be used by the body. In addition, the range of normal levels may differ between laboratories.
For these reasons, healthcare practitioners will usually consider signs and symptoms, as well as the results of the blood tests when diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency.
Who Should Be Checked For Vitamin B12 Deficiency
An older person should probably be checked for Vitamin B12 deficiency if he or she is experiencing any of the health problems that can be caused by low levels of this vitamin.
I especially recommend checking vitamin B12 levels if youre concerned about memory, brain function, neuropathy, walking, or anemia.
To make sure you arent missing a mild vitamin B12 deficiency, you can also proactively check for low vitamin B12 levels if you or your older relative is suffering from any of the common risk factors associated with this condition.
For instance, you can request a vitamin B12 check if youre vegetarian, or if youve suffered from problems related to the stomach, pancreas, or intestine. Its also reasonable to check the level if youve been on medication to reduce stomach acid for a long time.
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How To Get Things Moving
For the most part the occasional bout of constipation can be treated with any of the over-the-counter medications available in stores. However, these typically only address the symptoms and not the underlying causes.
By making dietary changes, such as drinking more water and adding more fiber, you will help to promote regularity and digestive comfort. In addition to this, there are specific vitamins you can use to ease constipation and alleviate the pain it may be causing you.
Prevention Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
While it may not be possible to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency in all cases, steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of the condition developing.
A person should speak to their healthcare practitioner about getting their vitamin B12 levels checked periodically if they:
- Use a proton pump inhibitor on a long-term basis
- Use an H2 blocker on a long-term basis
- Take metformin for their diabetes
- Are strict vegans
- Have conditions affecting the stomach
- Have had gastric surgery or surgery on the small intestine
People with conditions that may interfere with the absorption of the vitamin, such as celiac disease and Crohnâs disease, as well as those over the age of 50, should also discuss their vitamin B12 needs with a healthcare practitioner.
It is recommended that strict vegans and people over 50 include breads, cereals or other food products that have been fortified with vitamin B12 in their diet, and/or take a supplement.
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