Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored
As we age our body's ability to absorb vitamin b-12 slows
down. Vitamin b12 helps to make the red blood cells and
DNA. If the human body is unable to make vitamin b12, it is
essential that we get it from supplements or animal-based foods. Some people do
not take this vitamin sufficiently and the result is suffering from
vitamin b12 deficiency. According to a survey, about 40% of
North Americans suffer from vitamin b12 deficiency. Those who
suffer from continuous fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia also suffer from
vitamin b12 deficiency.
What are the early signs of
vitaminb12 deficiency?
Here are the following signs you
will experience if you're suffering from vitamin b12 deficiency.
1. Memory
loss
Vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause problems with thinking,
which doctors refer to as mental loss.
These issues include difficulty thinking or reasoning and memory
loss. One study even linked low vitamin B-12 levels to an
increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and
Parkinson's disease.
2. Fatigue
One
of the biggest significant signs of vitamin b12 deficiency is fatigue. This is
not normal. If you constantly get at least eight hours of sleep and are still tired
you may have vitamin b12 deficiency. The
human body relies on the vitamin to produce red blood cells, the more red blood cells that are
created the more oxygen is carried through the body. One thing to remember is
that fatigue is not only one symptom so don't assume yourself vitamin b12
deficient.
3. Weak muscles
To
keep your muscles strong, they need oxygen. Vitamin b12 helps
the red blood cells to provide oxygen to the muscles so if you are vitamin
b12 deficient, your muscles will feel weak.
4.Vision
loss
In
severe cases, vitamin b12 deficiency can hurt the optic nerve.
It can also close the blood vessels directly in the retina. This can cost double
vision, blurry vision, and even vision loss. If you begin to see a decline
in your vision, go to the doctor.
5. Pale
skin
If
you notice that your skin tone looks yellowish, you may be vitamin b12 deficient.
It is when the red blood cells are broken they cause the
release
of bilirubin. This gives the skin a yellowish color. You may also be suffering
from jaundice so speak to your doctor if you experience this condition.
6. Loss
of papillae
The
little bumps that are present on your tongue are called papillae.
People who suffer from b12 deficiency lose the papillae on their
tongue. Most of the papillae on the tongue contain taste buds if you lose most
of it, your food will not taste good.
7. Improper absorption
of nutrients
Our
bodies contain gut bacteria which is responsible for breaking
down foods and absorbing nutrients but when there is an imbalance of gut
bacteria due to deficiency of vitamin b12 can also result in
improper absorption of essential nutrients. Another cause imbalance of
gut bacteria is chemotherapy. The medication that is given during
chemotherapy can cause inflammation and irritation of the gut.
8. Shortness of breath
Anemia that results
from vitamin b12 deficiency can cause a fast heart rate or
shortness of breath.
Vitamin D(A sunshine vitamin)
What
steps should be taken to get rid of b12
deficiency?
The first step to getting rid of b12 deficiency is to change your diet.
1. Add Vitamin b 12
sources
Add
the sources of vitamin b12 in your diet like fish, chicken,
and lamb. You can add beef liver and chicken liver too. Almond milk, coconut
milk, nutritional yeast, and soy milk is also beneficial for vitamin b12 deficiency.
2. B12 supplements
Vitamin b12 supplements
are also an option for adding vitaminb12 in the diet. Good supplement options
are
1.Methylcobalamin
(naturally occurring form of vitamin b12)
2.Cyanocobalamin
(the synthetic form of vitamin b12).
Do
not start taking these supplements until you speak with your doctor. First,
these supplements are also good options for those who do not eat meat.
3. Quality
probiotics.
Another great step to get rid of Vitamin b12 deficiency is taking
quality probiotics. These will help you absorb vitamin b12. Some
probiotic sources are dark chocolate and kombucha or green tea.
4. Avoid inflammatory
foods
Stop
eating inflammatory foods to keep your gut healthy. You need to reduce the
number of inflammatory foods you consume. This includes packaged foods,
fast foods, fried foods white bread, white pasta, sugary drinks, and low-quality
meats and food additives. If you follow a strict diet and take the
necessary b12 supplements you should not suffer
from vitamin b12 deficiency.
