7 Things About a Vitamin B12 Deficiency to Never Ignore


Most of the nutrients we receive are from the food we consume.  As our diet change, so do the nutrients which the body absorbs.

Regarding vitamin B12, in particular, the body starts to lose its ability to absorb it, making it easier than ever to become deficient in it.


Identifying a Vitamin B12 Deficiency

To keep our bodies functioning at an optimal level, it is critical to follow a diet packed with vitamin B12. Alternatively, we can take vitamin B12 supplements.

This nutrient helps the body to create red blood cells, which promotes the proper function of the entire system.  If you are receiving less vitamin B12 than needed, the following are the signs to look for:

You find it difficult to stay awake
First and foremost, this could mean a variety of different things.  When trying to determine the root cause, begin by figuring out if you are getting the right amount of sleep every night.  And, if you are getting 8 hours of sleep and still feel drowsy, the chances are you are deficient in vitamin B12.  The fatigue which is associated with a B12 deficiency is because the body is not producing the right amount of red blood cells.

Dizziness

The drowsiness caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency often comes hand in hand with dizziness.  This sensation is typically felt when standing up too quickly from sitting down.  Also, the same dizzy sensation can be felt when walking up or down the stairs.

Your muscles feel weak
If you are deficient in vitamin B12, you will feel weak as healthy and strong muscles require a significant amount of red blood cells.  Lack of this nutrient causes the red blood cells to have difficulty sending oxygen to other cells, which increases the weakness in your muscles.

Memory loss
B12 takes part in the transmission of oxygen to the brain.  Lack of oxygen in the brain results in foggy memory as well as other symptoms of improper brain function.  People suffering from B12 deficiency often mistake their symptoms for those of Alzheimer`s.  In reality, they are simply deficient in vitamin B12.

Your skin seems pale
Has your skin turned pale? This is a common symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency and it is caued by broken blood cells, which then release bilirubin.    The skin tends to yellow in people with jaundice as well, so the best would be to consult a doctor and determine the underlying cause of your problem.

Your tongue is smooth and red
Bump on the tongue, also known as papillae, indicate that you are healthy.  Deficiency in B12 causes the bumps to retreat, so you end up with a smooth and red tongue.

You have started losing the ability to taste
Without B12 you may lose some of the taste buds located on your tongue.  Pain towards the back of the tongue is also possible. If you are deficient in this vitamin, you will start to notice that food loses its taste, and don’t take this sign for granted.

You will begin to experience eye issues
Being deficient in B12 can damage the optic nerve in the eyes, resulting in double vision, blurry vision, and even vision loss.  To determine whether vitamin B12 deficiency is the root cause of these eye issues, visit a professional.

Other Common Symptoms:


  • An excessively dry mouth
  • Shortness of breath when performing simple activities
  • White nails as a result of anemia
  • Frequent headaches that won’t go away
  • Constant and extreme mood swings
  • Ringing in your ears
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Lower levels of melatonin
  • Unexplained or sudden weight loss
  • Experiencing an upset stomach

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