An alarm bell linked to a lack of vitamin B12 could be coming from your teeth, a study shows
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousAn alarm bell linked to a lack of vitamin B12 could be coming from your teeth, a study shows
La Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble molecule naturally present in foods of animal origin, which acts as a key player in the function and development of brain and nerve cells. Low levels of this vitamin can cause a number of complications; a sign of the deficiency may be visible when you brush your teeth.
A vitamin B12 deficiency it can develop slowly, showing subtle symptoms that appear gradually and intensify over time. The deficiency will be reported through a series of complications, which can manifest themselves in as little as two months. A sign when you brush your teeth could be there periodontitis, which is a serious gum infection characterized by painful symptoms that can make it more difficult to speak, swallow and eat.
The condition is progressive, usually starting as gingivitis and progressing to more severe stages if left untreated. Studies show that low B12 levels in the body make people more likely to develop periodontitis. (Read also: Vitamin B12: what it is for and the consequences of a deficiency)
A systematic review
Uno study notably shed light on the issue after following 1.648 participants between 2002 and 2012. Researchers measured vitamin B12 levels, as well as pocket depth in the gum and loss of clinical attachment, to reflect periodontal status.
According to the data, there was an association between vitamin B12 and the risk of tooth loss related to periodontitis. The researchers revealed that individuals with chronically low levels of vitamin B12 were also at an increased risk of severe symptoms of periodontitis, as:
- bright red and purplish gums
- spitting blood when brushing or flossing
- your bottom line
- pus between the teeth.
This connection is thought to be due to the role of vitamin B12 in sugar absorption. When B12 levels are too low, sugar intake begins to wreak havoc on the gums, paving the way for periodontitis. Additionally, B vitamins play a vital role in accelerating wound healing, which means low levels of these will delay gum repair.
The researchers, however, noted that more studies are needed to understand the mechanisms between vitamin B12 and gum disease.
How to treat B12 deficiency
A severe deficiency can be corrected in two ways, by taking weekly doses of B12 or by taking daily pills of this vitamin in high doses; while, a slight deficiency can be corrected with standard multivitamin supplements, which typically provide 6 micrograms of vitamin B12, more than the average body needs each day. In both cases, it is always necessary to consult your family doctor who will be able to indicate the treatment to be undertaken.
As with most conditions, early diagnosis is key, as when left untreated this deficiency can lead to complications, including neurological problems and blood diseases. Additionally, signs of severe vitamin B12 deficiency can also include depression, paranoia, delusions, memory loss, incontinence, loss of taste and smell, and more.
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Photos: PubMed
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