Vitamin B12 is one of the most important vitamins we need to ensure good health. It’s absolutely essential for cell and nerve growth and is an integral component of our overall health and wellbeing. This vitamin helps create red blood cells, responsible for moving oxygen around our bodies. All of our organs need oxygen to function properly, so proper levels of B12 are vital. Since the body doesn’t produce Vitamin B12 naturally, we have to get it from sources like animal foods and products such as meat, dairy, and eggs. Vitamin B12 is also found in certain supplements and foods like fortified cereals. It’s also available in shot form and as a nasal supplement.
Adults need 2.4 mcg per day to function optimally and as we age, it becomes more difficult to incorporate this vitamin into our system, so it’s really important to make sure that we have the proper amount. Some people have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 and need to get their dosage through shots or nasal supplements. It’s critical to keep our levels high enough because when our bodies don’t get enough vitamin B12 we experience a deficiency that can result in a whole host of health problems. If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed below, you might be suffering from a vitamin B12 deficiency and need to see your healthcare professional right away.
1. Exhibiting Signs Of Anemia
This illness is characterized by notable loss of energy and rapid heartbeat, even after only mild exercise. It’s caused by a red cell count that’s too low and directly related to poor levels of vitamin B12. The symptoms of this sickness can range from annoying to life-threatening depending on the severity of the case, especially if anemia manifests itself as chest pain. This could mean that not enough oxygen is getting to the heart and requires immediate medical attention.
There are several different types of this sickness, including the very common iron deficiency anemia sometimes experienced by menstruating women or people with a family history of this illness. Although many of the symptoms are the same, these types are not caused by a lack of vitamin B12. When you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, you are suffering from pernicious anemia. Although easily remedied by increasing your intake of vitamin B12, it’s important to address it right away as it can cause long-lasting health problems if not treated. Pregnant women should be especially vigilant about taking vitamin B12 supplements or having enough vitamin B12 in their diets because anemia or other related deficiency could cause complications and problems with the pregnancy.
2. Tremendous Fatigue
Fatigue is not simply feeling “off” or tired once in a while. It’s when you absolutely have no energy to do normal tasks. When you are suffering from this ailment, a good night’s sleep doesn’t help you feel better. It’s a chore to go about your daily day. A vitamin B12 deficiency could certainly result in fatigue, so if you’re feeling extreme exhaustion not to do other illness or a stressful period, you could be experiencing fatigue as a direct result of lack of B12. Fortunately, you’ll be able to get your energy back by supplementing your B12 intake.
3. Poor Balance
A vitamin B12 deficiency could lead to clumsiness or poor balance. If your equilibrium is suddenly not right and you’re having trouble maintaining your posture, you could be suffering from a decline in B12. This is a very common symptom and one that’s usually one of the first ailments that people with a B12 deficiency usually report. Think of it as the canary in the coalmine and up your dosage of vitamin B12 before you start experiencing more serious side effects of lack of B12 in your system. You’re experiencing poor balance because your body needs more red blood cells and oxygen to send to your extremities.
4. Memory Loss
Memory loss is a very rare but serious side effect of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Generally found in people who have trouble absorbing the vitamin into their bodies, memory loss related to vitamin deficiencies can sometimes be mistaken for more serious conditions like Dementia or Alzheimers. Usually, people who are afflicted with memory loss related to too little B12 in their system need to take shots of the vitamin to get back on track. With time, your memory will improve.
5. Skin Takes On An Unnatural Pallor
Uncharacteristically pale skin is a hallmark of a vitamin B12 deficiency and often one of the first warning signs. Sometimes people with a B12 shortage will also have a yellowish tint to their eyes that accompanies the pallor. These are the early signs of jaundice and directly related to the body’s inability to effectively produce red blood cells. People also have reported minor but irritating skin problems like increased irritation and dryness. These skin condition can be cured and reversed by consuming appropriate amounts of vitamin B12 to restore it to the level that it should be at.
6. Tingling Feet
Pins and needles in your extremities like hands and feet are one of the signs of a B12 deficiency. Feet might feel numb or tingling. This is related to another symptom of lacking B12, poor balance, and the two often go hand in hand. Think of what happens when you sit on your leg- you get massive pins and needles in it. That’s because your leg has been cut off from blood flow. People who suffer from a B12 deficiency always have poor blood flow because their body isn’t producing enough red blood cells. In addition to the tingling, those who suffer from this ailment often report strange sensations in their legs, inability to walk and sometimes even pain in the extremities. These ailments are related to the body’s trouble producing red blood cells.
7. Shortness Of Breath
Also known as breathlessness and characterized by difficulty catching ones’ breath and wheezing, shortness of breath is a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency that can be annoying, alarming and hazardous to your health. You’re having trouble catching your breath because your body is low in red blood cells that circulate oxygen around the body and enable you to breathe, move and function properly. Shortness of breath can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
8. Reduced Sensation Of Touch
A B12 deficiency targets your extremities and can even result in a reduced sensation of touch. Since B12 helps you make red blood cells, and these blood cells are responsible for moving oxygen around your body, your hands and feet aren’t getting what they need to function properly. Your touch may suffer as a result. Some people report that in addition to the loss of sensation, they also have problems differentiating between hot and cold.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you might be suffering from a vitamin B12 deficiency and need to visit your healthcare professional. Fortunately, this deficiency is easily cured with doses of B12 and you’ll be restored to your original health once again.
