Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies. Two main reasons for this condition are the practices often undertaken to improve health: a strict vegetarian diet and weight-loss surgery. The lack of B12 in the blood has a wide variety of symptoms due to the fact that vitamin B12 is a powerhouse for numerous body functions. Frustratingly, many people chalk up symptoms of a deficiency to stress or being too busy.
I have listed some main symptoms for you of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Check them out to see if you need more of the vitamin.
1. Weakness, lightheadedness, fatigue
According to chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute, Michael Roizen, weakness and tiredness are one of the most common symptoms of lagging B12 levels. When the supply of the vitamin decreases, your body produces fewer red blood cells that are necessary for spreading oxygen. As a result, you feel sleepy, tired, exhausted, and even lightheaded.
Many people confuse these symptoms with a poor sleep schedule, long working hours, and stress. However, if your overall state is getting worse, consult with your doctor and take a blood test to check your B12 levels.
2. Swollen, inflamed tongue
If you are vegan, have certain digestive system illnesses, or go overboard with alcohol, you risk a vitamin B12 deficit. Oral manifestation of the lack of B12 in your blood is glossitis characterized by a beefy, red, smooth tongue. Since your body doesn’t have enough vitamin B12, DNA synthesis becomes impaired. As a result, epithelial cells of the mouth begin to divide rapidly and cause glossitis, angular cheilitis, recurrent oral ulcers, and oral candidiasis. Symptoms of glossitis can come and go intermittently and may worsen as the day progresses.
If you notice any of these symptoms, try to change your eating habits — include more animal products like meat, poultry, fish, clams, oysters, eggs, or cereal fortified with B12.
3. Vision loss
A deficiency in the vitamin can lead to optic neuropathy and decreased vision since vitamin B-12 plays an important role in the function of nerves and the nervous system. Vision loss may be diagnosed among people suffering from malnutrition or who do not consume any animal products. Recent research showed, that the combination of Vitamin E, DHA, and Vitamin B12, improved visual fields and retinal sensitivity among patients with glaucoma. In general, long-term intake of B12 supplementslowers the risk of cloudy and decreased visual acuity.
These were the Signs That Speak Out Loud About Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Do you know more symptoms of B12 deficiency? Share your knowledge with me in the comments.
Content & Images Source: Brightside