Are you having trouble with memory or attention? Your body may be lacking this vitamin

Are you having trouble concentrating or remembering things? Vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperthyroidism may be contributing to these problems.

People who have problems with memory, attention, concentration and focus may not only have hyperthyroidism but also vitamin B12 deficiency, health experts said Monday. Nearly one in four patients with hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency, according to a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology.

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People with memory problems may have vitamin B12 deficiency or hyperthyroidism: experts

“Hypothyroidism and vitamin B12 deficiency can both lead to accelerated degenerative or age-related processes,” Dr M Wali, Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS. Hypothyroidism is often associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. “Hypothyroidism, if left untreated, can also lead to cognitive impairment,” Dr Sudheer Kumar, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad, said in a post on X.com.

Experts have called on both vegetarians and non-vegetarians to monitor their vitamin B12 and thyroid levels. Dr Wali said most of his recent patients have vitamin B12 deficiency. Hyperthyroidism can also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, which can be due to increased utilization, resulting in slowing down of the processes of nerve conduction and transmission of nerve impulses. These processes can be accelerated in patients above 55 years of age,” the doctor said.

Dr Wali urged patients above 55 years of age to intensify testing for Vitamin B12 and take supervised medication if deficient. “Keep your thyroid healthy and get it checked every three months,” he advised. “People presenting with memory loss or other cognitive impairment without any obvious cause should be screened for Vitamin B12 deficiency and hypothyroidism,” Dr Sudheer added.

(Input: IANS)