Vitamin B12 deficiency is a widely misdiagnosed condition often effecting vegetarians, the elderly and people with digestive tract issues, among others. Be sure to check out our new blog to learn more about the symptoms of a B12 deficiency and what you can do to address it! Remember, Health is Wealth!
Vitamin B12 – Tell-Tale Signs of a B12 Deficiency
As discussed in our last blog, vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin and many are unknowingly deficient in this critical area, often misdiagnosed as having a folate deficiency. This week we are going to go over some of the tell-tale signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
First let’s do a recap on who is most prone to a having B12 deficiency:
- Vegans, vegetarians and anyone on a low-meat diet
- The elderly
- Those who have had surgery that removes the part of the bowel that absorbs B12
- People on the drug metformin for diabetes
- People with autoimmune diseases
- People with digestive tract issues
- Those taking long-term antacid drugs for heartburn
Symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency can take years to show up and diagnosing it can be challenging. That’s why it is important to take note of the following symptoms associated with a vitamin B12 deficiency and ask your doctor to test for it right away if you are experiencing any of the following:
1. Weakness and Fatigue
A B12 deficiency will cause your body to not make enough red blood cells resulting in less oxygen flow throughout the body which presents as general weakness and fatigue.
2. Mood Changes
Low levels of B12 have been linked to mood and brain disorders like depression and dementia. Studies show that supplementing with vitamin B12 can reverse these symptoms.
3. Breathlessness and Dizziness
A B12 deficiency can lead to anemia resulting in dizziness feeling short of breath often.
4. Blurred Vision
This can occur when an untreated B12 deficiency results in nervous system damage to the optic nerve that leads to your eyes. Although alarming, this is often reversible by supplementing with B12.
5. Mobility Issues
The nervous system damage caused by a B12 deficiency could change the way you walk and move around. Balance and coordination is also effected, making you more prone to slips and falls. It’s important to not always assume that old age is the reason you can’t move around the way you used to, it could just be a B12 deficiency which is fixable with supplementation.
6. Pins and Needles
Nerve damage resulting from a B12 deficiency can lead to the sensation of pins and needles.
7. Inflamed Tongue and Mouth Ulcers/Cold Sores
An inflamed tongue that is red and swollen and can change the way you eat and speak is a symptom of B12 deficiency. Some people also experience mouth ulcers, feelings of pins and needles in the tongue or a burning and itching sensation in the mouth.
8. Jaundice or Pale Skin
People with a B12 deficiency often have a pale or slight yellow look to the skin and whites of the eyes, a condition known as jaundice.
Having any of these symptoms does not confirm that you have a B12 deficiency but is a good reason to test for it.
It’s critical to stay on top of your health and if you or anyone you care for has a B12 deficiency or just want to be proactive about your health, Farmacy For Life’s BCD Blend is jam packed with vegan sourced B12.
Peace and blessings!