Vitamin B12 is one of the many vitamins that are vital for maintaining the cell formation in the body along with keeping up your energy levels. It is primarily found in dairy and meat products, which make vegetarians more susceptible to this deficiency. B12 also helps regulate the nervous system which prevents brain disorders. So to know if your body needs a B12 boost, here are some things you need to watch out for.
1. Cognitive difficulties: Confusion, irratibility and forgetfulness are all signs of something amiss. A Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to confusion and fogging especially in people above the age of 60.
2. Mild anaemia: Anaemia is one of the most common symptoms of a B12 deficiency. This happens because cell multiplication is affected with low B12 levels, which means your red blood cell count drops, leading to anaemia.
3. Neurological problems: Dementia, paranoia, and depression can all be caused due to Vitamin B12 deficiency. These occur due to the effect on the brain and nervous system, which can sometimes be irreversible.
4. Low energy: With less B12 in your body, you are bound to feel lethargic as it helps absorb folic acid, which facilitates release of energy. Energy loss could also lead to fatigue and staggered walking.
5. Sensation: Most people who have this deficiency also face a rare tingling sensation in their hands, feet, fingers and toes. Some also face numbness.
6. Rapid heartbeat and breathing: A lack of Vitamin B12 in the body can lead to weakness, which results in tiredness or rapid heartbeat and breathing issues as the cell production is affected.
7. Pale skin: With a lack of this vital mineral, skin rashes could become common while in other instances the skin could also turn pale and colourless.
8. Sore tongue: A sore throat or swollen inflamed tongue is common with this deficiency.
9. Muscle weakness: Deficiency of Vitamin B12 leads to easy bruising or bleeding, which includes bleeding gums and tender calves as your muscles become weak due to inadequate folic acid absorption.
10. Stomach upset and weight loss: The low cell production can lead to unhealthy shedding of weight and serious diarrhoea and constipation issues.
PS: If the symptoms are obvious, you will need to get a blood test done to be sure of the problem. If not treated, the deficiency can cause severe blood disease and neurological problems. Visit your doctor to take the needed precautions.
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