Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 is responsible for much in the body and never is that more
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Home Collection Urine Test Kit
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.
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
September 8th, 2009 at 5:21 am
I was recently diognosed with low B12. I am trying to think back to symptoms oter than the constant fatigue that I suffer. For tha past several montha I get a buzzing in my thighs and some times in my torso, it feels like my cell phone is vibrating in my pocket but I’m not carrying it. Is this a symptom of B 12 deficiency?
September 12th, 2009 at 7:08 am
I am 43 years old and I have just been diagnosed with a Vitamin B-12 deficiency. I have been anemic for many years and have a hard time with iron. It bothers my stomach. The only symptoms I have so far other than anemia are fatigue (which I have been blaming on my work commute) and a twitching in my eye (symptom from another site). My doctor has prescribed iron again and 100 mg of B12. I purchased a B12 complex of 100 mg each. Hope this works.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:54 am
To MB: You need at least 2,000 micrograms of sublingual B12 daily, and they should have given you a series of shots and ordered more blood tests to ensure that there’s no heart involvement. This deficiency has caused me brain atrophy and nerve damage. I’m 52.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
I have had problems with ocular migraines, vertigo, dizziness, diarrhea, stiffness and pain in muscles and joints, lesions on MRI, carotid artery bruit ,heart murmur, fatigue, memory loss and changes in cognitive ability for the past ten years. I have a long list of doctors I have seen during this time span. Recently, went to a new neurologist. He tested my B12 level. I was SOOOO LOW ,it was “unmeasurable”. Basically he couldn’t tell how LOW it was. That is severe B12 deficiency. By the way, it’s due to intrinsic value malabsorption. Have started B12 injections with highest dose possible daily with hopes to reverse some of the neurological damage that has occurred. I’m RELIEVED to FINALLY find out what was wrong with me. However,I am pissed off that it was something this simple. IF only I knew about B12 deficiency 10 years ago, I wouldn’t be in the shape I’m in. I am already feeling better with the injections,( don’t know if that’s a placebo effect), but feel I am getting my life back. After my daily injections are completed, I go to weekly, then I will have monthly injections for the rest of my life..that’s FINE with me! I am 46 years old.
November 11th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I have been struggling with poor health for a year, the major sign was tinnitus and foot tingling and numbness and muslce pain. I have seen so many doctors and the age old diagnosis of depression came early, I did not buy that or take anything for it. I told my doctor early on that I suspected B12 deficiency, he thinks it is a fad just to boost energy but he gave me a shot, I felt so much better for that entire day. I did a blood test a few days later which showed nothing of course after the shot. I have an aunt and first cousin who have B12 problems too. I have had lots of iron anemia over my life as well as hypothyroidism. Out of desperation I searched the net again a few months later and decided to look after myself, I am taking 2000mg of sublingual B12 along with folic acid, after 1 week I felt like I was alive again, no more brain fog and some energy for life. I think the tinnitus is getting lighter but sure hope the foot tingling also goes away. I have only been on this for 11 days. I will take 2000 for at least a month. I have had stomach problems for years and take so many drugs like Zantac and Losec and that is also a sign. I wish doctors would take this seriously. I have no fewer than 8 doctors for this and was brushed off. Like I said I sure hope that I can reverse some of the neurological damage.
November 17th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
If a person is diagnosed with B12 deficiency is it a life long probelem.
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:17 am
I am 29 years old and have had severe stomach problems for about 12 years. B12 deficiency runs big on my moms side of the family. Some symptoms I have are numbnous of the extremities(hands, feet, legs and arms), forgetfulness, pains in left side of my head, dizziness, black floaties in both eyes, heart palpalations, pains down left arm and leg, muscle twitches, tired all the time and dizziness. I just want to know if these are signs of B12 deficiency. Please get back to me.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Richard,
You could be deficient in Omega 3 EFA’s. Another blood test you will have to go for will be Magnesium. Normally, Magnesium deficiency does result in heart palpitations and muscle twitches. Last but not the least, any kind of Liver Dysfunction/a Sluggish Liver could result in all the SYMPTOMS that you have delineated. You may want to check your liver enzymes (Liver Function Test). Even if they are okay, it is highly likely that you have what is called a “Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease”. This can be diagnosed via. a CAT Scan/CT Scan/Sonography etc.
Unfortunately, Western Medicine/Allopathy has a terrible approach, which is non-holistic and therefore if your Liver Function Test comes out Normal, doctors might say your Liver is Okay. Many are not even aware of the fact that a sluggish Liver could cause hypoglycemia as Liver is a very important organ in Sugar Metabolism. You may want to do your own google research and get hold of a good Doctor, who is flexible and a little bit creative to help you diagnose the problem. Mineral and Vitamin Deficiencies are the root cause of many problems that Humanity faces today unfortunately the doctors hardly have a holistic approach and continue to treat the symptoms alone.
On a side note, may be your BODY IS HIGHLY ACIDIC and you may want to test the PH of your saliva or Urine. Again, an acidic body can cause all sorts of problems as there is no proper BLOOD FLOW into each and every cell in your system. The body makes sure that the BLOOD PH IS ALWAYS slightly alkaline i.e the PH is between 7.35 and 7.45. Unfortunately, since our bodies are 70% water, every single fluid in the body has to be slightly alkaline and therefore the Blood PH alone won’t give you an idea as to if your BODY IS VERY BADLY ACIDIC or it is slightly alkaline.
So, checking your urine for the PH or your saliva will point you in the right direction.
GoodLuck!!
December 28th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
i think more you know about these complex workouts in the body more you r likely to reverse the future risk of a potentiol serious sickness.naturologists are the perfect way to talk about these things .best way to find out and taking a quick look on your personal vitamins.thanks.
December 29th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Five years ago I read a study that stated certain people with asthma may have a B12 deficiency and that if it is corrected, it could significantly improve symptoms and reduce the need for treatment with pharmaceuticals. My husband has been asthmatic since he was 1 year old. I bought him some sublingual methylcobalamin (5,ooo mcg – 5 mg)and he started feeling some relief within hours of his first dose. For about 7 days his lungs continuously cleared with much ease and he said that, for the first time in his life that he could remember, his lungs did not feel wet and labor fatigued. He now takes between 2 and 3 mg each morning. There have been a few times that he has run out at the same time the local HFS is out and this has led to the discovery that it takes about a week with no dosing for his symptoms to return.
January 13th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
I’m now 25, and the past for years I’ve been suffering with a severe head ache that no drugs relieve. I’ve had many MRIs to make sure my brain was fine when the head ache started and was told it was migraines. The same neurologist told a friend of mine his life threatening heart condition was a migraine after he had a seizure while driving. Needless to say I’ve always believed it was something more.
Now that I can hardly live me life due to all the symptoms listed above and a few others such as falling, severe joint pain and shooting burning pains up my bones (like someone is hammering spikes into my heels as I walk), if I look down it feels like my spin is being pulled out and I get dizzy to the point my vision goes black and eye pain my Doctor is finally concerned but has not told me what he’s looking for. One of the blood test is B12 levels. Could all of these symptoms just be a B12 deficiency??
Another friend told me she had all the same symptoms as me when she got diagnosed with MS.
January 27th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I just turned 37 and I have not felt good in over a year. I have been to many dr’s and still no diagnosis. It started out with severe headaches that usually are trigged with my cellphone. medicines will trigger them too. I have had 2 brain mri’s. Later tremors came and heavy arms and limbs. Extreme fatigue!!! I haven’t had a good night sleep in over a year. I have IBS symptoms also. My new dr says I have a b12 deficiency. I have had 3 injections and I see no results. I can’t take any vitamins because they make me weaker and heavier arms and limbs. It is like once they get in my body they don’t absorb right. I am getting really worried that there is something terrible wrong with me. I have a 9 and 2 year old. They need their mommy back! Could this really be b12?
January 27th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Am a 37 year old woman who only after years of severe depression,alcohol abuse(am now 4 years sober)hpv,ibs,peptic ulcers and a few other ailments,had a blood test,result b 12 deficiency I am shocked that this went un-noticed.I can not wrap my head around the fact that for years I suffered(attempted suicide hospital stays)all because It was not discovered that I was lacking one essential vitamin…What should my Dr.(health wise)be looking for now??
January 28th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Hi, I’m 23 and have been diagnosed with B12 deficiency, I’ve had a heavy dizzy head for ages at first i thought it was just anxiety but when i went for a health test at the doctors they said i had anemia, my bloody count is meant to be 125 but i only had 115 and was put in the red zone. I dont know whether i’m supposed to be really worried because i’ve had vitamin b strong tablets for the past week and they havnt taken the sympthooms away. When i go out i do drink rather alot but its more like binge drinking i think because i only really drink once a week. i had my stomach and my liver tested and everything was fine so is it just my diet do you think? iv gone through so many things of what i thought was wrong with me i am glad to have found out what it is but not glad to know there is actually something wrong with me!xx
February 1st, 2010 at 6:20 pm
I’m 24, been having what I now know to be symptoms of B12 deficiency .
When I would put my head down (chin to chest) there was a strange vibrating sensation through my spine. Months later the skin on my hands felt numb and tingly, followed by the skin around my stomach and chest felt really tight and strange. I was tired all the time, I would sleep the entire weekend away, all day and all night for weeks. I was only up to work and eat and even then I was really tired. Digestive issues are also a problem.
I was prescribed B12 injections for a month, then been taking B12 vitamins ever since. I admit I have not been taking them consistently, I have noticed the symptoms have returned. This time the skin from my hands and all the way up my shoulders fell numb and strange.
When B12 was part of my regular schedule, I felt tons better. All the above symptoms vanished (except the digestive issues which may be another matter)
I do not recommend anyone take these symptoms lightly, get a blood test and keep it under control.
May 31st, 2010 at 10:30 pm
[...] intestinal infestations such as tapeworm and other similar parasites may result to low B12 levels since these parasites compete with the absorption of nutrients in the [...]
July 1st, 2010 at 8:07 pm
[...] Repeated intestinal infestations such as tapeworm and other similar parasites may result to low B12 levels since these parasites compete with the absorption of nutrients in the [...]
July 2nd, 2010 at 11:39 pm
[...] intestinal parasitic diseases such as tapeworms and other parasites can low result similar to B12 levels , as these parasites compete with the body in the absorption of [...]
July 15th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Yes, the entire list is correct and amazingly I have all the symptoms. I am Celiac. I am also a Nutritionist. I have been told since the early 90′s by numerous doctors to TAKE B12. You are low. So I would buy the pills and they would make me sick. Who knows how much money I spent on pills that expired, I have no idea. Just recently I relocated and got a new doctor. In the first visit he did lab work. I received a phone call the next morning to come in for my B12 injection. You would think that would be a happy ending; however, the shots made me sick also. A month later I have gained six pounds, my legs ache so badly I can hardly walk and a whole new series of symptoms have begun. So today I was in for more testing!
July 19th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
i have felt dizzy, off balance, muscle weakness, twitching in my head, sinusitis, enlarged lymphnodes, and enlarged adenoids for about 3 years. i saw many doctors that always told me my blood work was fine and they didnt know why this was happening. finally my dr. sent me to a ent (ear, nose, throat) dr. they said my nasal passages were swollen and gave me many antibiotics and nasal sprays. none of this worked so i had a surgery to make my nasal passages bigger. what they did was shave off skin and now i can wiggle my septum beacause it is thinner. during the surgery is when my dr. noticed my adenoids were enlarged and told my mom before she came to pick me up from the hospital. i looked up symptoms for enlarged adenoids and it seemed like that was the cause. i asked my dr. and he said “yes, they are bigger than normal but is not blocking off my breathing.” he said if i wanted i could try to have them removed because it is a simple surgery and will not affect anyhting because you dont need your adenoids.so finally after more antibiotics and nasal sprays and allergy medicines and decided to have them removed. that wsa the stupidest thing ive ever done and now feel 100 times worse. it has been 9 months since ive had them removed and it still hurts. it has affected the way i eat, drink, and just swallow. i constantly have mucus caught where my adenoids wereand am always swallowing mucus. my tonsils have also swollen since the surgery and were never enlarged before and it seems hard to talk a lot and say certain words. i basically gave up on doctors since ive only felt worse. finally i decided to go back and they took blood. said everything was good except my vitamon b12. now after reading about b12 it seems more likely that that has been my problem. it sucks that i can not take back the adenoid surgery but can the lack of b12 be causing these symptoms. i rarely ever want to eat and that is the main thing that makes me mad. can anyone help me? by the way i am a smoker and trying to stop. i beleive now thats what was causing my nose and adenoids problems but even if i do stop i will still not have my adenoids.
August 24th, 2010 at 7:27 am
Hi, being a Vegetarian I know what the B12 deficiency is and how fast it breaks your health! Some years back my doc bumped me on shots and I had to take them every 2 weeks. My British wife suggested me a Natural alternative to fix my Vitamin B12 deficiency – partly as there were long waits for the doc too. She suggested me using a British product called ‘Marmite’ which is 100% Vegetarian/Vegan and its rich in Vitamin B12, after some ‘research’ on the internet i bought a jar of ‘Marmite’ which was awful in taste but eventually I got used to the taste as I used (and still do) as a spread on my morning toast.
In a year and a half, my B12 levels are perfectly normal! I feel healthy and never felt better in my life! Try ‘Marmite’, you will not regret it!
Thank you for reading.
November 11th, 2010 at 7:08 am
I am 21yrs old,in a local university.i noticed i was perfoming worse whn i read,low memory,siniustic,low concentration n a morning fatigue. The doc prescribed BG glutimin,shld i need an injection to be able to march my academics?
March 5th, 2011 at 10:53 am
[...] Repeated intestinal infestations such as tapeworm and other similar parasites may result to low B12 levels since these parasites compete with the absorption of nutrients in the body. 5. Recurring [...]
March 13th, 2011 at 11:25 am
[...] Vitamin B12 is responsible for testcountry.org [...]
April 5th, 2011 at 10:57 am
Hello
Really good to read that others have similar struggles!!
My B12 levels have crashed twice in the last few years and I have been on intensive course of injectionsafter each crash but no regular injections in between. I found out yesterday that my B12 results last November were 180 (very bottom end of range)…My doctor didn’t prescribe injections or any further treatment..I know this isn’t a critical level, but I have had a return of symptoms which have got steadily worse since November…do you think I should have been a bit more forthright in asking for injections last November given my history?
April 18th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
[...] Repeated intestinal infestations such as tapeworm and other similar parasites may result to low B12 levels since these parasites compete with the absorption of nutrients in the [...]
April 22nd, 2011 at 5:04 pm
[...] other similar parasites may result to low B12 levels since these parasites compete [...]
April 24th, 2011 at 7:11 am
Symptoms of B12 deficiency include insufficient equilibrium, forgetfulness, and cognitive decline and, according to a study conducted by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), may be linked to osteoporosis. Symptoms of severe vitamin B12 deficiency (regardless of the cause) may include burning of the tongue, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, intermittent constipation and diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, menstrual symptoms, psychological symptoms, and nervous system problems, such as numbness and tingling in the feet and hands. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, including sensory neuropathy, myelopathy, and encephalopathy, can occur within days or weeks of exposure to nitrous oxide anesthesia in people with sub-clinical vitamin B12 deficiency.
April 24th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
I am 32 years old and for for the past year I have been experiencing some symptoms. I have been exceptionally fatigued. I would be extremely weak and sometimes dizzy. My menstrual cycle dissappeared and shortly after I started experiencing swollen and painful joints with a lot of infammation especially in my hands. My fingers would be so swollen that I couldn’t even close them around an object to pick it up. Most mornings my whole body would be in so much pain that I could hardly walk. Convinced that it was Rheumatoid arthritis, I went straight to my family doctor. He ran a myriad of tests that all came back normal except for that of my Vitamin B12. It was 55 which is the one of the lowest he had ever seen. He told me to come every month for vitamin B12 injections. The first shot provided some refeif but after about a week it was clear that I either had to supplement inbetween or get the injection 2 or 3 times a month. I have actually been considering giving myself the injections until my levels are at an acceptable level.
April 26th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Every time i see my family doctor he always says nothing wrong with you.. you just going menopause … well one day i went to walk in clinic and i told him whats going on and he tested me blood work i am b12 and anemia. i am always tired exespially after work.numbness fingers,heavy menstruation
headaches.now i am seeing another doctor for check ups . went through pelvic ultrasound and waiting for my results
now taking iron pills and b12 pills and birth controls pills
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:10 am
N Watt
Right now I do weekly injections then we will test at the 6 month mark to see if we can try monthly to see if I can last long enough between them. My level was 138 and it was felt weekly was needed, so I would think a level of 55 would definitely need more than monthly.
My husband does the injections for me so i do not have to drive into the city just for a shot every week. Also useful when you are out of town or really busy and finding the time to do it is hard.
June 18th, 2011 at 4:28 am
In regards to B-12, yes I was low on B-12. I was getting symptoms of my body feeling nervous inside, depression, a little tingly and a slight warmthness throughout my body. My doctor said my B-12 is low and so far I have had 2 shots, one for May and one for June. Feeling a bit better but not fully. My nurse said it takes a little time to get the B-12 number back where it is suppose to be.
June 20th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
For the past 4 years I’ve had fatigue, tremors, muscle weakness and cognitive problems. I’m currently on 4 different BP meds. My BP today was 80/48 pulse 38. I also found out today that my B12 was 140…pretty low. I feel crappy
June 24th, 2011 at 3:53 am
[...] Repeated intestinal infestations such as tapeworm and other similar parasites may result to low B12 levels since these parasites compete with the absorption of nutrients in the [...]
June 24th, 2011 at 12:54 pm
Hello,
I was recently diagnosed with B12 anemia. I am in so much agony. Back in Feb. 2011 I saw my family doctor and told him I had alot of tingling and was really tired. I asked him for blood work and he hesitated and sai, “Well I suppose we could try that”. Despite his uncaring attitude, I rushed to get my blood work done & about a week later the doc’s office called. As is turned out my B12 was 94, my white blood count was down as well. He told me to get B12 vitamins and see him in a month. Well I continued with the vit’s for about a month and noticed it was hard to swollow. I called the doctor’s office and he was away for 3 weeks. I started to panic because my tonque is going numb. I saw him the 2nd week of March and by this time it was May. I went to emerg on the weekend and the doctor set my up with an Intern. I showed him my blood report and he was not impressed. He did alot of physical test’s and gave me a sheet to have 19 different things to check for. I am giving myself injections but I don’t feel very good. Can someone please tell when you start to feel better? Thank you very much, Brenda, Ont, Canada.
July 12th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
I found out I was low in b-12 when I was pregnant with my second child. I’m 24. I received injections of b-12 monthly during that time and then when I had normal levels, I was put on a b12 complex. For my whole life I had unexplained anxiety and panic attacks, and b-12 helped those better then any anxiety medication ever could. When you’re low in b-12 it’s amazing how many scary things happen symptom wise. When I’m low I’m constantly yawning so I can get a deep breath, I’m always short of breath. EXHAUSTED! Also I get severe dizzy bouts where I have to sit down, and I get the bed spins. Also my hands and fingers tingle and my face feels numb at time. I tremble, and have muscle twitches at night. My vision gets bouncy and slightly blurry, and my tongue literally gets raw and feels like it’s on fire! I get heart palpitations. My head and neck feel heavy, and I get tension headaches regularly. My ears ring. I get forgetful. One night I swore there were spiders crawling on my walls..Now imagine, when all these things happen I shoot right into a panic attack and all those symptoms above are twice as bad. This is what happens when I have no b-12..For years I literally though I was dying of some horrible brain tumor. Come to find out it’s as simple as low b-12. Ever since then I’ve been on a b-12 complex, slow fe iron, and a prenatal vitamin (since it contains more iron then normal vitamins) I feel amazing, and am able to function like a normal person. Now, let me tell you when I forget my vitamins which I do on a regular basis I go right back into having these horrible symptoms and each time I forget the harder it gets and longer it takes to feel better when I start taking them again so I STRESS stay faithful in taking your b-12 it’s so important not to let yourself get low because it’s hard to come back up again. @ Brenda…It takes time, even for the injections to kick in..but I promise you keep doing injections and you’ll start to feel better a little at a time! Also, have you tried switching dr’s…Your dr. apparently doesn’t get that being b-12 deficient can cause nerve damage down the road.
August 16th, 2011 at 8:04 am
does vitamin B12 deficiency lead to future diabetes….
August 16th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Vitamin B12 is essential for good health balance so deficit can cause nervous, memory loss, vision problems, muscle weakness, incontinence, hallucinations, irritability, disorientation, mental fatigue, insomia, depression, and other mental disorders.
The Vitamin B12 has helped individuals feel less tired. It is very important to avoid deficit especially in older people because most of his mental problems are usually associated only with age.
Although it does not cause weight loss directly, this vitamin increases energy and metabolism, many people consider B12 can help with weight loss process.
August 29th, 2011 at 6:29 am
I’m at a loss, I am only 41 years old and for the past year/+ I have trouble remembering (not little things, I forget things that I have completely done with my kids like going on a haunted train ride or sleeping over night at the zoo) I always felt exhausted and tired (I could sleep all day and night) I started to take vitamin b-12 (2 tabs 5,000mcg tabs) I am no longer exhausted and tired but the memory is still and issue……. any suggestions????
September 9th, 2011 at 7:00 am
I’m a 51 year old female. I’ve read all of the posts above, and can relate to many of them. I started to have severe headaches when I was 45. I chalked them up to peri-menopause. The headaches were severe and frequent enough to make me review the topic, and possible solutions. I cleaned up my diet (stopped using any artificial sweeteners, etc.), began an exercise routine, continued to take extra-special care of myself. No reprieve from the headaches. Also experienced heavy mentrual bleeding/faucet bleeding.
Six years later, symptoms are worse. Headaches have become migraines, complete with vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound, extreme pain in my face, head and eyes. Excessive menstrual bleeding is being treated via birth control pills.
Migraines are debilitating! However, I cannot attribute the migraines to the birth control pill, as I had them before I began taking that medication.
During the last year, I’ve started to have muscle spasms in my calves and feet. My calf muscles will contract into severe knots (charlie horses). Sometimes the contractions are so intense that my muscle is sore for a day or two after, causing me to limp.
As well, my feet will contract and curl into themselves (toes trying to meet heals). Again….painful and bothersome.
I also get that strange “buzzing” in my muscles that someone above mentioned. Like you cell phone is on vibrate, and you’re feeling the vibration in your muscle. Mine happens in the soles of my feet. Not painful, just a weird sensation!
I’ve read anything/everything I can on these topics, the most bothersome being the migraines. I’ve been prescribed Maxalt to “deal” with them, but I’d much rather treat the source, not the symptom.
To that end, I’m trying B-12 high dosage of 2000 mcg a day, and Coenzyme Q10.
My self-care regime of a very clean diet continues, as does my daily exercise routine, proper rest, etc. Our children are all grown, and we have very, very little stress in our family/my personal life. Honestly, I’m not sure what else to try. I refuse to ‘give up’.
Will keep you posted on B-12 and Q10 treatment results. I’m very hopeful for improvement. Maybe it’s a combination of menopause and a B12 deficiency. ?? As far as I know, I’ve never been checked for B12 levels. My doctor’s not overly keen on “that kind of thing”. I will, however, request it when I go in for my yearly physical.
Please, please let me know if you have any additional suggestions.
Many thanks.
September 19th, 2011 at 6:44 am
Note to Joh.Friedrich re circulatory problems, i.e. white fingers, etc. Please see your doctor with reference to this problem. Your symptoms sound like Raynauds Disease/Symptom.
Update: 1.5 weeks on B-12 and CoQ10 supplements. My sinusitis is better. Will keep you posted on the migraine issue. :) I’m very hopeful!
I’m by nature a fairly cheerful person, but my spirits have been particularly “light” since beginning the B-12! Nice bonus!!
September 24th, 2011 at 4:47 am
l m 35 year old female , suffering numbness in both only during sleep , i did MRI check up , blood test , everything is normal , please help me the find out correct treatment for numbness, please rely me soon
October 3rd, 2011 at 12:57 pm
I have pernicious anemia. I take the shots for it. I also have the MTHFR or MTHFD genes which many of the European population has a problem with them. I also take folic acid. I take Folapro folic acid because the body does not need to break it down as it is already broke down. If you follow the methylation cycle to check for the MTHFR or MTHFD genes you can see where the genes cause the problems. Folapro is a 5-methytetrahydrofolate. It has made a big difference for me in how I feel.
December 27th, 2011 at 11:37 am
Hello. I am a teenager I am suffering from:
Lots of twitching at times
Pains in Muscles/Bones in Arms and Legs
Tingling all around the body
I think I have short term memory lost, many times I’d say ”Where did I just put that” ”Did I just say that?” ”I just read that and forgot what it said”
December 28th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
I’m a 38 year old male. I admit, i don’t recall ever getting told anything about my b12 level at all. With a new doctor though, she ran a full blood work up, part of which covered the b12. I went to the doctor because I’ve been fighting one long continuous migraine+ since the beginning of December 2011. (By migraine+ I mean, pretty severe pain, feels like sharp nerve stabs, etc) At this point, that is approx one month. I have fought migraines since I was approx 11-12 years old, and this one has to be the worst I’ve had in over a decade now.
But on top of that, things I wasn’t even thinking about, just various other things that had been changing, going on in my life. I’ve always been highly attentive to things, but I can barely remember which way is left or right. I can remember faces and most conversations, but not many names and directions.
This migraine actually seemed to start due to an optical migraine I had. It was a pretty sudden and sharply painful one – and I have no lost the feel of “migraine” since. There are manageable parts of the day, and many not so manageable parts.
Once i got back from the doctor, I researched B12, it’s effects, the good, the bad, etc. I, like many here, have experienced many of these symptoms countless times. I’m just floored that no other doctor ever mentioned B12 or anything. I literally asked the doctor when she indicated it was low “what is that exactly”? This doctor seems to jump right on that problem though, and I have to begin an injection regimen now.
Last week, I also realized, very painfully, that caffeine was effecting the level and pain of my migraine as well. So, I literally stopped all caffeine, no coffee, no soda, no tea, etc.
Then yesterday – that’s when I got the news about the problem. I’ve been a smoker, even if only half pack a day, for many years. approx 20 to be exact. I haven’t had another one since leaving the doctor’s office. For me, that’s over 28 hours now.
Note – these two changes were not done because of B12, I hadn’t even started taking pills until today, but won’t start the injections until tomorrow. I did those because of the level of pain they caused. Maybe it was because my level was too low, maybe it was because of something else. I don’t know. But for whatever reason, I woke up one day and my body had completely changed on me, so I just decided not to fight it.
The new medicine seems to be helping so far… much less pain today at least. Curious and hopeful about these injections too. Maybe if I’m lucky, all my migraines would go away :)
January 8th, 2012 at 4:18 pm
I was diagnosed with benighn positional vertigo. I had severe dizziness for an entire year. My son told me try vitamin B-12 complex sublingual and within a couple of weeks, I promise the dizziness disappeared. I will be telling all who have been diagnosed with vertigo. Laura true believer.
January 8th, 2012 at 7:44 pm
I’m 28 , suffering from random bouts of dizziness, pain in arm and tingling in fingers, flashing vision, zig zag patterns in corner of vision,lasts about 10mins. tired alot of the time also called lazy by family, going for b12 test tomorrow, hope it is positive lol,, at least I know I’m not dieing,,,
January 15th, 2012 at 2:10 am
Hi im 25, i have been unwell for the last 6months. I went to the doctor complaining of fatigue, breathless, my body felt so heavy, heart pounding and racing. They sent me for an ecg which came back with Sinus Tachicardia, i believe this just means my heart constantly beats too fast (around 100-150) but is healthy, they put me on betablockers, which the dosage was soon upped as i was feeling worse. They done many blood tests, one showed an mcv level of 101.25 (100 is the top normally), i told them my mum and sister are b12 difficent and get the injections and asked to be checked. The results came back i had a b12 level of 70, my doctor told me i didnt have the percious anemia but given 6 months and i would. As my Instric Factor was ok he put me on B12 tablets, 2 50mcg a day together with the BetaBlockers. I feel exactly the same, if not worse. I am now getting more pins and needles, had a weird vibrating senation in my spine yesterday, i seem to hullucinate in the dark, like it all turns green and orange and moves, it feels like my throat closes up, i have panic attacks, IBS and headaches. I feel ill every single day, especially in the mornings. I find it very hard to concentrate, just writing this has been a battle with my two kids distracting me and i feel like im out of my depth trying to put sentences together. I honestly feel like im loosing my mind and like theres a disease in my head, everytime i go to my doctors he makes me feel like im exaggerating my symptoms and has said i shouldnt feel that bad without the anemia, he said i should “just feel out of sorts” whatever the hell that means. He asked me about my diet and if i am a vegan, which i am not, i told him im a big meat eater and i eat meat every day, to which he said well i will have to look at your diet so i have started a food diary. I am just so scared that as my symptoms worsten and i get more all the time that i am getting worse. I have heard some things can become perminant after 6 months. I just want to be me again.
February 5th, 2012 at 8:40 am
Deficiency in Vit b12 may cause elevation of alt and ast enzymes.
February 5th, 2012 at 8:49 am
I am 81 and have been given b12 shots for three years or more ..When changing doctor there was a hiatus and I have become weaker and forgetful and as slow as a sloth!. The sooner I get the B12 back the better.
p.s. In one of the final paragraphs the word REEK is used. I think you mean WREAK.
February 20th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Thank u all I just been told of lack of B12 your remarks as I have a beautiful daughter she is 2y 89m and a wonderful wife I don’t want to loose them. I think my the lack of my B12 is because of my Alcohol Please remember this world is wonderful filled with wonderful people and your input means a lot my thank you best wishes to u all kind regards love and affection Pankp128@gmail.com
March 8th, 2012 at 10:28 pm
i ve had all of the above symtoms, but also horrid rash on my face..right side of my face was numb and limp like a stroke patient…doctors dont care. All of these symptoms are the same symtoms as they are if you have a brain tumor. How do I get my doctor to listen???? had one doc say that hundreds of thousands of patients are becoming collanized with Mercer……..Ive been so sick, cant find anyone to help me..hope its lack of B12 and not anything worse, as my boyfriend is fighting for his life at age 40 of a brain tumor, thanks for any kind words, advice, or info. I can only find hope at rev 21:4..gods promise to us
March 11th, 2012 at 2:37 am
Im a 42 year old male. I’ve been having heart palpitations for at least 8 months. Which started after I bought a lemon motorbike. So I just related it to stress, but they never went away. In dec I went to the doc for a physical and a prostate issue. Blood work came back as anemic. Hemoglobin at 129. Wondered why I was tired most of the time. She put me on ferrous sulphate and within month I did another test. Hemoglobin went to 133, but ferritin shot up dangerously. She called me at home and told me to stop the iron. Few weeks later did another test and my ferritin was normal, but now hoglobin is way down to 127. We did do a fecal occult test in the biggining and it was negative. Could this be a b12 deficiency?
April 1st, 2012 at 11:12 am
Thanks for all the comments! I just returned from the doctor on Friday 3/30 because my tongue has been extremely tender around the edges and splitting too. My tongue looks like something out of a horror movie. He immediately suggested to do a b6 and b12 test. I should get the results by Tuesday. Honestly, I hope that the results come back postive in deficiency…because if it doesn’t then the process starts over to figure out why my tonue is so sensitive and bubbly in spots. I have been brushing with Crest regular toothpaste for over 30 years because all the others ones burn my tongue and then all of a sudden one day when I brushed with Crest, it burned like crazy. At first I thought it was the Arm and Hammer whitening booster that I was using in conjuction with Crest or my plastic mouthguard which rest heavily on my tongue at nite. I have had it for about 30 years and it is really abrasive. I am going to get a new mouthguard perhaps the rubber kind. Then I thought I had been chewing on my tongue unkowingly. The doctor really did not think it was the booster but he really did not rule out the mouthguard. Also I thought it was the spicy foods too I like to eat occasionally or the red pepper flakes I use sometimes. I can’t wait till my tongue return to normal. Sorry to hear so many of you are going through many other issues. Hope you will get some closer soon….Shirley(age 55)
April 2nd, 2012 at 12:34 pm
After years of symptoms I dismissed, the last 6 months my symptoms have increased. (like periodic numbing in hands and feet, frequent urination, fatigue, dry mouth, carpal tunnel like pain, joint stiffness) 5 weeks ago everything got worse with electric jolts, burning, muscle weakness, short of breath, blurred vision, tongue pain and numbness, stomach pain. Found out my b12 was 113. I a started on daily shots now I’m just on weekly then monthly. Also taking b12 methyl form 5mcg twice daily. I have yet to feel better. I’m 35 and my life has stopped. Drs are very dismissive. Wondering if anyone has had similar issues and what their recovery has been. I’m going to have an upper GI and lower GI this week and hoping I’m string enough to go through it. Had an MRI and it was fine
April 9th, 2012 at 12:54 pm
Hi I need help. Having chest pain for several months now. Had all tests. Heart is fine. Have cold left arm and hand with some pins and needles. Doc just says its muscular. Last year my b12 was low and doc gave me a shot a week for five weeks. I’m going to ask to be tested again. Does anyone have chest pain as a symptom. Please reply. I have a healer coming to me on Tuesday. I’m do desperste
April 17th, 2012 at 6:15 am
Hi, I am a 50 year old and have suffered from fatigue for years. The doctors have said my iron and b12 are ‘a little low’ – b12 is 130 and iron 12. Is this low enough for me to have symptoms of dizziness, shortness of breath, occasional palpitations and extreme tireness? I was given iron tablets and b12 tablets 3 months ago but I still feel extremely tired. I even wake up feeling exhausted!! I also get pain at the back of my leg, just above the ankle and I feel ‘heavy’ most of the time and I’m getting quite a few aches and pains. Can anyone enlighten me!?!?!?!? I am desperate to feel better.
May 13th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
Louise,
I came down with mystery illness about 5 months ago – absolutely exhausted all the time, light headed, dizzy but also with vision problems and joint aches. Docs can’t find anything wrong and my B12 was within normal range (though low). I have been taking 5000 mcg’s of sublingual B12 for 2 weeks and I am starting to feel better. The trick might be the large dose – there is no risk in a large dose and worth a try to see if it helps. I have read that in Japan, doctors treat for a B12 level under 500. Just because they don’t in North America doesn’t mean you can’t help yourself – available in any drug store or health food store.
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Iguess in a way i have been lucky not to experience most of the fortold signs. but what i have suffered with is hairloss-and it has been so frustrating at times, and even heart braking….I work with the public and sadly its something i havnt been able to hide. I have a wheat and gluten intollerence and do stick to a strict gluten free diet, i managed to beg my doctor to put me on B12 and i take iron and other supplements, but it is such a slow process. Has anyone else had the same thing? and if so any sugestions???
July 13th, 2012 at 11:12 am
Does low B12 cause dry burning mouth?
Thanks,
August 6th, 2012 at 11:35 am
I have problem whit my B12 , I have injection every month but I don’t get better. I’m very sick ,I don’t know what to do . can some once tell me if you have similar problem and what do you do whit it.
September 6th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Hi there,
my doctor did a full body check up about three or four years ago which revealed I am b12 deficient, since then I started taking drug store brand b12 vitamins. I realized shortly after that instead of it giving me an energy spike it would leave my head feeling numb, cause to feel completely drained of energy through out the day, so i resorted to very strong cups of coffee to carry out through the day. I told my doctor this he told me i should perhaps stop it or take the vitamin before bed. I stopped taking it for about 3 years and just started again last night, and i have to say i have had a very difficult time waking up, have been extremely dizzy, disoriented, confused and tired since I woke up. I’ve had two cups of coffee and a shower, and I feel exactly the same. Not to mention nerveous too.
March 1st, 2013 at 6:40 pm
March 1st, 2013 8:37 p.m.
I am a 51 year old female who has been suffering with stomach pain and lack of appetite for 5 months now. I am not a large person to begin with and have lost more than 15lbs. during this time span. Another thing that doesn’t seem to alarm anyone in the medical field, but has my family & friends frightened for me. I was diagnosed with shingles back in Sept., but never saw a rash. Ran fever, had increased tingling sensation on my torso and body aches. Have had tongue irration for more than a year but chalked it up to aging. I suffered with an iron defficency to the point of having an ablation to end my menstrual cycles and prevent needing blood transfusions. Didn’t help with fatigue as it should have. Even tried hormone supplements, but allergic to them. No doctor, none of the specialists I have seen recognized that my red blood cells were enlarged and that I might have a B12 deficiency until I underwent a scope in my upper gi tract recently. Nothing else showed up in my testing; liver, pancreas, stomach, upper intestine all looked fine as did my blood work except for this little glitch that wasn’t important to anyone but me. Even then the item was mentioned only in passing & I had to ask what that meant. I have already been taking a B12 supplement for more than a year due to feeling so fatigued. From what I’ve read the B12 tablet should be sublingual at the very least. I had to request blood work be done and in the mean time have been placed on an anti-inflammatory which I am afraid to take due to having had my blood pressure elevate when taking these previously. Any advice would be welcome.