Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common problem, which occurs when the lack of vitamin B12 causes the body to produce abnormally large blood cells which cannot function properly. The condition is known as anemia. It is important to recognize the signs of anemia and to know how to treat this condition.
The energy vitamin, as vitamin B12 is known, boosts the energy levels and maintains the high levels. This vitamin is crucial in the process of the formation of red blood cells, which take oxygen throughout the body. Hence, the flow of oxygen in the blood increases the energy.
Moreover, vitamin B12 is quite popular in the weight loss industry. The reason behind this is that this vitamin is important in the process of our body using calories. Therefore, many weight loss clinics give B12 shots and promote weight loss.
Your body needs vitamin B12 so it can function properly. The vitamin B12 helps your body perform different functions, such as:
- Circulation
- Proper digestion
- Red blood cell formation
- Adrenal hormonal agent secretion
- Healthy reproductive system
- Nerve development
- Iron absorption
Although there are several foods rich in B12, this is not enough for the proper function of the body. Moreover, there are certain categories of people who are at high risk of B12 deficiency, such as people who are over 60 years old and with insufficient stomach acid, people suffering from autoimmune diseases, vegetarians, and diabetics.
8 Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Not being able to keep your eyes open. When there is a lack of vitamin B12, the blood lacks oxygen and your body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs.
- Feeling numb and tingly. Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in nerve damage and cause these feelings.
- Memory loss can also be a result of vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Feeling shaky or dizzy, which is caused by the lack of oxygen supply.
- Yellow skin is brought on by red cell deterioration. If you experience vitamin B12 deficiency, the body cannot produce strong cells and it results with a distinctive yellow pigment.
- Smooth tongue. The lack of vitamin B12 causes loss of the bumps on your tongue which help you taste the food. When the tongue is smooth, the food will be tasteless.
- Feeling anxious and tearful. When you have enough vitamin B12, it triggers the serotonin and dopamine levels which are responsible for happiness. On the contrary, lack of vitamin B12 will make you feel anxious and tearful.
- Vision problems. Due to vitamin B12 deficiency, you may experience some strange vision issues, such as double vision.
Reasons for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
There are several reasons behind the vitamin B12 shortage. These are some of them:
- Lack of stomach acid
- Nitrous oxide or laughing gas
- Gastric bypass weight loss surgery
- Consuming more than 4 cups of coffee a day
- Dietary Sources of Vitamin B12
You can get enough vitamin B12 supply by foods of animal origin and strengthened foods, such as:
- Seafood– sardines, salmon, tuna, cod, shrimp, scallops.
- Meat– beef, pork, chicken, lamb, goat, turkey.
- Dairy– cow’s milk, tough and soft cheese, home cheese, cream cheese, yogurt.
- Eggs– yolks are loaded with all the vitamins and minerals.
- Vegan sources– nutritional yeast, strengthened coconut milk, or tempeh.
You won’t find any vitamin B12 in plants. Thus, carefully notice the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency because your body needs this vitamin for proper functioning.