Nine Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Could you suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency without knowing it? Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse vitamin that not only enables the production of DNA, but also helps generate nerve and blood cells, making vitamin B12 vital for a healthy brain and immune system. In fact, your body’s metabolism will not function properly without this essential vitamin.

Unlike many other vitamins, B12 can only be found in animal products such as shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy. About 15% of people do not get adequate vitamin B12 and most of them are likely to be vegetarians or vegans. A deficiency in B12 could lead to a host of problems, some of which we are going to look at in this article. (1)

The deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body is caused by pernicious anemia which is caused by a lack of a glycoprotein called intrinsic factor. This glycoprotein is needed for the absorption of vitamin B12 and when it is not present, a vitamin B12 deficiency occurs. (2)

• Incessant fatigue
  When you don’t have enough vitamin B12, you will always feel tired and weak even without doing any strenuous work. Note that this symptom alone is not a guaranteed sign that you have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Weight loss
  Vitamin B deficiency usually leads to weight loss. Unfortunately, this particular symptom can lead to other problems especially when the patient has an excessive weight loss. Weight loss as a result of vitamin B deficiency can also result in weakness, sleeplessness, and gastrointestinal problems.
• Incontinence
  Incontinence, specifically the lack of the ability of the bladder to hold urine, is one of the major symptoms of vitamin B deficiency. When incontinence occurs, you can experience a leakage of urine. Although it can be caused by many things, incontinence that resolves when vitamin B is increased can be attributed to a vitamin B deficiency.
• Tingling in fingers and toes
  A deficiency of vitamin B12 also contributes to poor circulation or a neurological problem which can result in a tingling sensation in the fingers and toes. This symptom can be treated by maintaining an adequate level of vitamin B12 in the body.
• Psychosis and hallucinations
  When the deficiency of vitamin B12 gets to an advanced stage, you could begin to have both audio and visual hallucinations. This could lead to other health and mental problems if not treated quickly by administering vitamin B12. (3)
• Shortness of breath
  Labored breathing is another symptom that has been associated with a deficiency of vitamin B12. You may find yourself gasping for breath without much exertion which is a result of B12 not being absorbed properly.
• Forgetfulness and confusion
  Forgetfulness and confusion usually occur when the neurological system is deprived of vitamin B12.
• Depression
  It is not uncommon to see people suffering from depression due to a lack of vitamin B12. When there is inadequate nutrition, a person’s mental state can be altered. However, this generally occurs only when the body has been deprived of vitamin B12 over a long period of time.
• Tremors
  Tremors are uncontrolled movements of the extremities. Tremors can occur as a result of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
  
  

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be treated in a number of ways. You should check with your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms that indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency. They may recommend one or more of the following treatments: (4)