9 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Many studies and research have proven that vitamin B12 is one of the key elements in staying healthy. Vitamin B12 helps make your DNA, your red blood cells, energy production, and your central nervous system function.

It is an essential nutrient that is easy to acquire since it is found in animal-based foods or supplements. The liver is the main storage of this vitamin, stored for up to five years.

However, it is easy to become deficient if your diet doesn’t help maintain the levels. Here are some signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, constipation, bloating, and gas are fast to detect. It affects both adults and children though other factors could cause this symptom.

 Fatigue

A person with vitamin B12 deficiency develops fatigue. It is because inadequate B12 levels interfere with  normal red blood cell production, affecting oxygen delivery.

Depressive Symptoms

Since vitamin B12 helps properly function the central nervous system, lack or deficiency of this nutrient impacts your mental health. Most depression participants, both adults and children have low vitamin B12.

Headaches

Headaches are a neurological side effect caused by vitamin B12  insufficiency and deficiency.

In adults and kids, headaches are the most commonly reported symptoms.

Pale or Yellow Skin

This condition is also famous for the name iron deficiency anemia. Lack of enough red blood cell production causes low blood levels, resulting in anemia. It makes your skin pale.

Sometimes your skin and the whites of your eyes take on a yellowish color, a condition mostly known as jaundice, also caused by B12 deficiency.

When a waste product is created when your body breaks down red bool cells called bilirubin, accumulates, it causes the color.

Mental Impairment

A deficiency in B12 harms the central nervous system. Most patients with low B12 levels have difficulty concentrating and completing tasks and may also feel foggy.

Since deficiency of B12 increases with age, older adults are most at risk for these side effects.

Pain and Inflammation of the Mouth and Tongue

A deficiency in B12 causes an inflamed, red, and painful tongue, a medical condition termed Glossitis. It can also appear alongside stomatitis. It is characterized by sores and inflammation in the mouth.

Paresthesia in Hands and Feet

This medical condition involves burning pins and needles in certain body areas, e.g., hands and feet. Though it may overlap with neuropathy, people taking metformin regularly are recommended to get screened for vitamin B12 deficiency regularly.

Vision loss

Due to damage to the optic nerve, deficiency of B12 may cause visual disturbances.

Conclusion

It is advisable to eat a healthy diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies like B12 and others. If you notice or experience the above symptoms, you should visit your health professional.

B12 is preventable by the intake of animal products. Those strictly vegetarian can consume vitaminB12-fortified grains, a supplement, or B12 injections.

A doctor should prescribe vitamin B12 supplements, so you know how much you need. To learn more about your body’s health, nutrition, and weight management check out WeightLoss-Solutions. We have a 21 Day Weight Loss Program that teaches about the science behind your body’s needs and how to live a happy and healthy life.