Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 is responsible for much in the body and never is that more apparent than when you become B12 deficient. It is vitally important in the process of DNA synthesis and even has a role in neurological function. In order for the body to process B12 properly, you need to have several organs functioning in perfect harmony including the pancreas, stomach, small intestine and intrinsic factor.
In fact, the most common result of such a deficiency is a form of anemia that is specifically caused by a lack of B12. The number of red blood cells in the body drop because of the deficient B12 levels.
B12 deficiency can be caused by several things including:
- Alcoholism
- A lack of meat, eggs and dairy in the diet
- Crohn’s Disease
- An inability to absorb nutrients properly
- Tape worm
- A lack of intrinsic factor
While a vitamin deficiency does not sound all that serious, it really can be. The signs and symptoms along can be cause for alarm. Some common signs of this problem include:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Numbness of the extremities
- Sore mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Cessation of menstruation
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Hallucinations
- Disorientation
- Anemia
- Nervousness
- Behavioral changes
- Enlarged mucus membranes
Yes, those are a lot of signs and symptoms. If you have a combination of the above, you should really see your doctor right away. Studies have shown that B12 deficiency can even cause nerve damage.
It can be a scary thought to one day learn that you are seriously lacking this vitamin to the point where it is adversely affecting your health. If it turns out that you are suffering from anemia caused by a lack of B12, you will most likely be treated with B12 injections and then later on weaned off of these shots to be replaced by a balance diet. If, however, you have something called pernicious anemia, you will more than likely need B12 injections for the rest of your life.
A lack of vitamin B12 can reek havoc on your body, not to mention your mind. However, with an acute awareness of your own body and proper treatment, you should be just fine.
Related posts
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Loading ...
August 7th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
my tongue is red and has cracks in it,went to doctor and he said to take vitamin b complex.how long do they take to help
January 25th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Is it possible for blood circulation to the extremities, i.e. white fingers and numbness, to be caused by extreme B12 deficiency?
April 14th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
My recent blood tests came back showing I was deficient in b12 vitamin. It showed under 200 so my Dr. chose not to give me injections. I am 61 yrs. old.
I do not seem to experience any of the symptoms mentioned with b12 deficiency except perhaps memory loss. Is it a good idea to have the b12 shots as precaution or is it better to start them when more obvious symptoms occur. I did not think to ask these questions of our very busy physician
when in for my last visit. Are there negative side
effects to the b12 shots.
I have a diet full of b12 vitamins so it must be an absorption problem.
April 15th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
i have vitamin b12 deficiency. i used to have ciliac as a child but was slowly wiened from it. now i suffer symptoms of anemia and b12 deficiency included face numbness, dizzyness, fatigue, and numbness in arms and legs. I am only 24 and i have to recieve injections monthly for the restof my life.
May 4th, 2009 at 6:19 am
Try the B-12 patch- it is supposed to be equivalent to an injection
June 1st, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I had a variety of symptoms coming on slowly for years. I’m 59. I finally fell upon Vitamin B12 deficiency. Those are my symptoms. I started taking B12 2000 mcg per day and some of my symptoms disappeared immediately. I am hopeful.
D.
June 26th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Dear Cindy
If you were diagnosed with Celiac disease, then you still have Celiac disease. It’s a disease you have for life and the only cure is to never eat any products with gluten. There is no such thing as weaning yourself off it. I strongly suggest you go back to your doctor and insist on having yourself retested. Celiac disease destroys your intestinal cells and in turn leads to many vitamin deficiencies. The answer may not be having Vit B injections for the rest of your life…the answer is to stop eating Wheat, oats, rye and barley (grains containing gluten). I’m surprised your doctor hasn’t picked up on this if he/she knows your history of Celiac. Please, please go have this checked out. Celiac is totally manageable through your diet.
from Jane…your concerned Nutritionist