Vitamin B12 is called the energy vitamin because of its power to boost the body’s energy. Hence, a lack of it can result to vitamin b12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms can appear from the mildest to its most severe form. Vitamin B12 deficiencies can cause problems in the blood and oxygen supply in the brain. For this reason, most of the symptoms in a lack of vitamin B12 are related to the function of oxygen and blood in the body.

Some of the most common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are fatigue, concentration problems, tingling and numbing feeling in the hands and feet. these are the milder manifestations of the deficiency. on the other hand, the more severe forms of the deficiency can show in the form of blood related problems like anemia or psychological problems like depression and mood swings. It can also lead to vision problems like blurry eyesight. One can also experience difficulties in balancing the body. Mouth and dental problems may also occur in the form of mouth sores, tongue sores and sore throat. Finally, migraines and facial spasms can also be a sign of the deficiency.

A deficiency in vitamin B12 is related to red-blood cell problems. Hence, its presence can be easily detected through a blood test. When this vitamin deficiency occurs, it can be treated by eating vitamin B12 rich foods. however, there are individual cases when the body is unable to absorb the required amount of vitamin B12. thus, supplements become necessary. these can be obtained by drinking over the counter vitamin b12 tablets or capsules. Another way is by getting vitamin B12 shots. this injectable form of vitamin B12 is made up methylcobalamin, a highly absorbent type that will be advantageous to those having trouble absorbing the other available forms.

When vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms occur in anorexia or other eating disorders, it’s usually a result of long-time, chronic malnutrition rather than the inability to absorb the vitamin properly. Deficiencies in B12 produce symptoms that can be life-threatening.

People often use the term pernicious anemia interchangeably with B12 deficiencies, but the difference between the two seems to lie in the origin, or cause of the low vitamin b12.

In pernicious anemia, vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms are present due to the loss of a glycoprotein produced by the stomach.

this protein binds with vitamin B12 and aids in its absorption. without it, signs of B12 deficiency will remain prominent.

B12 is important because it’s needed to produce the proper number of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

Although malnutrition can often be the cause of deficiency in anorexics, it is possible to have the proper intake of B12 and still be deficient.

The size of the B12 molecule makes it a difficult vitamin for the body to absorb. Gastric acid is required in the absorption of B12, so any medication or procedure that reduces gastric acid production can cause deficiency.

Because B12 can be stored in the liver for as long as five years, B12 deficiency due to inadequate dietary intake is fairly rare. however, for those who have been suffering from eating disorders for a number of years, malnutrition cannot be ruled out as one of the possible causes of vitamin b12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are often difficult to diagnose because they begin so slowly and do not often cause any discomfort until the condition gets worse. Deficiency damages the sheath (covering) around the nerves and if it is not treated, it could be life-threatening and/or paralyzing.

Early recognizable signs of vitamin B12 deficiencies may include:

• Sleepiness and fatigue
• Dizziness, light-headedness
• Body odor
• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Pale or yellowish skin color
• Fast, rapid heart beat – palpitations
• Nausea – poor appetite
• Diminished reflex responses

As the B12 deficiency worsens, you may also notice the following symptoms:

• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body
• Impaired sense of touch – may not feel pain or temperature changes
• Difficulty walking or talking
• Vision changes or damage to the optic nerve
• Memory loss – dementia
• Personality changes – depression, hallucinations, violent behavior
• Heart attack – heart failure
• increased risk for dysplasias and cancers

Vegans and vegetarians are at particular risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency, but with proper treatment and early intervention, the condition will usually improve within a few days.

How is B12 deficiency treated? there are a few options, including vitamin B12 injections.

Posted on October 26, 2010 in Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that has some vital functions and its common name is cobalamin. One of the functions of this Vitamin is the normal functioning of nervous system and the brain. if not taken in the required amounts then it can lead to many problems. some of the problems are as follows.

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 DeficiencySome of the common signs and symptoms are:

Physical Weakness SymptomsThe initial symptom seen is physical weakness with increased fatigue without any possible reason. People suffering from this deficiency syndrome may experience low energy levels, indigestion, loss of appetite and nausea. In women, it can lead to missed periods and irregular menstrual periods.

Skin ConditionsThe most observed symptom is the formation of white spots or dots in the skin especially in the forearm. This is found because of the absence of melanin and as time passes, these spots dry, wither and get irritated. This dryness causes scratching.

Mouth ProblemsTongue and mouth problems are commonly seen and other signs are pain, tingling and stinging sensation, soreness and intense itching. Mouth sores in the corners of the mouth resulting in severe pain.

Respiratory Tract InfectionsVitamin B12 can also lead to upper respiratory infections. People suffering may face breathing difficulty, shortness of breath. These symptoms are acute and are seen while movement exercises like jogging, running and walking.

Anaemic ConditionIn some people, it could lead to anaemia where the neutrophils are segmented and the red blood cells are very large in the bone marrow. some of the physical signs are lethargy, weakness, excess formation of gas and constipation.

Other SymptomsSome of the other signs and symptoms are:

• Eye twitching
• Numbness of the hands and feet
• Facial pain
• Depression
• Memory loss
• Loss of concentration
• Behavioural changes seen mostly in older people

If any of the above symptoms are seen then consult your doctor immediately as the doctor may prescribe the required dose depending on the severity of the condition.

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