If you are feeling a tingling sensation in your hands and feet, are constipated, experiencing numbness in your arms or legs, or having memory problems, it can be hard to pinpoint the cause. You might just be deficient in vitamin B12! Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms can be hard to distinguish from other ailments.
Treatment and Prevention Strategies
If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, it is likely that your vitamin B12 levels could be low.
-Nausea and poor appetite
-Confusion and disorientation
-Loss of balance
-Weakness
Osteoporosis is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition. The risks of osteoporosis are increased in people who have vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms can be varied, but often patients report weakness and low back pain.
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that helps with red blood cell formation. It’s important to have a balanced diet including animal products like meat, fish, poultry and eggs as well as some plants like dark green leafy vegetables. Some people may experience Vitamin B12 deficiency without eating at least one of these sources every day. Common signs are fatigue, anemia and cognitive issues.
How Does Vitamin B12 Deficiency Happen?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition caused by low levels of vitamin B12 in the body. A deficiency can happen as a result of not enough dietary intake or poor absorption of the vitamin. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, numbness and tingling of hands and feet, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment and depression.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
There are many signs that a person may have a vitamin B12 deficiency, and it’s important to know what these are in order to diagnose the issue. These signs and symptoms can include poor memory, fatigue, tingling or numbness in the extremities, increased infections, depression and even dementia.
Different Types of Vitamin B12 Deficiencies
Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that helps the body produce red blood cells and is involved in aiding many processes, including digestion and neurological function. Some people might struggle to get enough Vitamin B12 from their diet, so they could have a deficiency. A Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, nerve damage, fatigue and cognitive difficulties.
What Causes a Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is often caused by the inability to absorb or digest intrinsic factor. Other causes may include severe gastrointestinal disorders, certain medications, or a lack of food, among others. Symptoms that can be associated with this condition may include fatigue, anemia and dementia. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a serious issue that can lead to permanent damage to your health and even death. This deficiency can occur at any age but is more common in people aged 65 and above, who are also more likely to have other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease. People can also develop vitamin B12 deficiency when they strictly avoid animal products, since it’s difficult for the body to produce natural Vitamin B12 without animal products.
Other Symptoms of a Vitamin B12 Deficiency
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you get a blood test to see if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency. However, many people do not know about this deficiency or the symptoms, so there’s no guarantee that your symptoms will be dismissed as what they actually are. You will have to find out for yourself whether or not you have a deficiency and then take the necessary steps to get your vitamin levels back in balance.
