Among the roles that vitamin B12 performs is keeping your blood and nerve cells healthy, as well as help in making DNA, the genetic material present in all cells. You can bet sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 in your diet. For those who follow a purely vegan diet, may struggle to fill the amount required by the body. This is because plant-based foods have very little to none of this important nutrient. This is why vegans are oftentimes at a higher risk of suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency.

A Warning Sign In the Ear

The National Health Service reveals that tinnitus noises may take on a buzzing or ringing sound. Sometimes you may hear some hissing, humming, throbbing, and even whooshing sounds. In some instances, you may hear singing or music being played, though not from an external source.

The sounds may be heard by one or two ears; at times, it may even play in your head. The sounds can come and go, or in some cases, you may continuously hear them.

The Tinnitus and B12 Deficiency Connection

LiveStrong, a medical website, reveals that you need B12 to create myelin, the insulative and protective cover that surrounds the nerves. If you lack B12, communication between your nerves may begin to deteriorate, a damaged mechanism that leads to tinnitus.

Findings of a study conducted by Israeli scientists bolstered the claim stated on the LiveStrong website. Their findings, which were published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology, revealed that tinnitus is linked to vitamin B12 deficiency. Researchers also say that patients suffering from this condition improved after vitamin B12 supplemental therapy was introduced.

Treating B12 Deficiency

B12 deficiency symptoms can be treated with B12 tablets or injections. There are two types of B12 injections, namely, hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin.

Hydroxocobalamin, or vitamin B12a, is a dietary supplement found in food and used to treat deficiencies in vitamin B12. Cyanocobalamin, on the other hand, is the synthetic form of vitamin B12, and like hydroxocobalamin, it is used to treat deficiency in the nutrient. Those who have difficulties in getting enough vitamin B12 in their regular diet, like those observing a vegan diet, they may need to take vitamin B12 tablets for life.

Article originally appeared on International Business Times