Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored

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.