B12 Deficiency Symptoms

July 12th, 2011 by admin Leave a reply »

Our body requires small quantities of cobalamin or vitamin b12 and we can usually find sufficient amounts in our everyday meals to meet the recommended daily intake. Although B12 deficiency symptoms rarely appear, it is still better to be aware of them.

Who are more vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency? The number one candidates are vegans because they lack meat on their diet. Large amounts of vitamin b12 are commonly found on meat and meat products, in which liver has the most amounts. Even infants who are breastfeeding from vegan mothers are prone to this condition. It is suggested to take B12 supplements that are considered safe and do not cause numerous adverse effects such as B12 overdose.

The major complication of vitamin B12 is pernicious anemia, a type of anemia that makes you feel very fatigued, and lethargic. Other vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, excessive flatulence, constipation, and weight loss.
Listed below are the severe manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency:

  • Numbness or tingling in the limbs
  • Neurological damage
  • Memory Loss
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of balance
  • Hallucination
  • Depression
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Vision problems
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Palpitations
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Digestive problems
  • Inflamed tongue
  • Liver enlargement

Individuals who never or rarely consume b12 foods are likely to experience these if the deficiency is prolonged thus, supplements are highly encouraged. These supplements come in oral tablet form and B12 Injections.  Pain on the injection site, slight headache and nausea are the most common vitamin b12 side effects. Vitamin B12 supplements must be taken according to the physician’s order.

Also, keep in mind that cobalamin or vitamin b12 is dependent on other vitamins present in the body and these must be maintained in adequate amounts as well. Adding sufficient amount of foods with vitamin b12 in the diet must be implemented in order to prevent this vitamin deficiency.

Advertisement