Home » Health and Fitness » Food Facts » 7 Signs You Have Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Food Facts

7 Signs You Have Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dr Raheel Memon

1 comment

SaveSavedRemoved 0

What is Vitamin B-12:

B-12 is a water soluble vitamin, also called Cobalamin, is a classification of cobalt containing chemical compounds required by our body for some essential chemical reactions.

For nurturing healthy red blood cells and nerve cells our body needs Vitamin B-12. Our body needs b-12 for the making of DNA in all body cells and also for the metabolism of each cell of the human body.

Does Our Body Produces Vitamin B12:

Our body is capable of producing some of the most essential nutrients and chemical compounds itself such as Vitamin D, but some nutrients have to be obtained from external sources (the food we consume) through the process of digestion.

Unfortunately our body does not produce Vitamin B12 and the only option is to consume Vitamin B12 rich foods for the sake of optimal health and normal bodily functions such as making of DNA, red blood cells and nerves.

Who are at Risk of B12 Deficiency:

Vitamin B12 is rarely found in naturally occurring plant based foods, it means you are at risk of facing B12 deficiency if you are a vegetarian. Animal based food and dairy products contains adequate amount of B-12 which helps to prevent its deficiency.

1. People who are strictly on Vegetarian Diet.
2. People who are not consuming enough meat, fish, milk, yogurt, cheese and eggs which can meet the required amount of B12.
3. People using certain heartburn medications which block the absorption of vitamin B 12, such as omeperazole, esomperazole, pentoprazole and famotidine etc.
4. Metformin medicine used for diabetes can also interfere with the absorption of Vitamin B 12.

Vegan should consider incorporating B-12 fortified food products in their diet. Mushrooms, Nori (type of seaweed) and tempeh (Fermented soybeans) do contains vitamin b12 in small amounts.
Dairy products like milk, yogurt and eggs are excellent sources of B12.

You should also read natural vitamin b12 foods and natural food sources of vitamin b12.

Vitamin B-12 Shots:

People are claiming about a boost in energy and weight loss after B-12 shots, these may be true in some cases.

Since our bodies are not the exact carbon copies of each others, it may not help you in boosting weight loss or energy levels, but these b12 shots are really helpful if you have b12 deficiency. It is recommended to consult a medical practitioner if you have severe b12 deficiency.

Who Should Supplement B 12?

1. If you are a strict vegetarian and living your life on only plant based foods.
2. If you are not a vegetarian but not consuming meat, fish and dairy products often.
3. If you are diagnosed with Vitamin B12 Deficiency.
4. Elderly people, because they are more susceptible to B-12 deficiency .
5. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should consult their doctors, as for the child nourishment good amount of b 12 in mother’s body is recommended.

B-12 supplements are often called cobalamin and can be found in either liquid or capsule/Tablets form. You may also see this called cobalamin.

Your diet should give you enough B-12 to avoid health problems, but if you are concerned, ask your doctor for a blood test to check your levels. A good doctor will also be able to recommend a B12 supplement to meet your needs if you are showing signs of B-12 deficiency.

How much B 12 Do We Need:

Although it is a rare nutrient but for most of the adults only 2.4 micro-grams of Vitamin B12 is required daily for the proper functions of body.

Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin and found mostly in animal products, people who are on a strict diet like vegetarians may experience deficiency of this vitamin. It is recommended to take vitamin B12 supplements if you are not a frequent consumer of dairy products and animal products.

HERE ARE 7 SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE A B12 DEFICIENCY

1. Tiredness

Feeling exhausted and drained out of energy may be due to B-12 deficiency as it required for aerobic energy in the body. Drowsiness and dizziness may be a sign that your body is not getting enough of this Vitamin.

2. Loosing Sensation

Tingling and numbness in hands and feet, and sensation of needles and pins might be the result of B-12 deficiency. Consult with your doctor and have some blood tests to determine if it is due to lack of B-12.

3. PAIN in Joints

Slow reflexes and extreme joint pain without any obvious reasons like chronic inflammation, injury or arthritis can be the result of it’s deficiency.

4. Increased Heartbeat Or Breathing

Rapid heartbeat and breath shortness may be associated with Vitamin B 12 deficiency, if you don’t have any other known heart related illness. To be certain ask your physician and also  get checked for B-12 deficiency.

5. WEAKNESS

Walking trouble, muscle weakness, staggering and balance problems may be a result of severe deficiency of vitamin B 12.

6. JAUNDICE

If your skin has become yellowish or the white of your eyes have become yellowish , it may be due to the lacking of this vitamin.

7. Swelling of Tongue

A decrease in sense of taste swelling of tongue is also reported in the patients who are deficient in B-12.

Seek the attention of your wellness professional if you experience any of these 7 signs of B-12 deficiency. A doctor can determine if you have a deficiency with a simple blood test. Being aware of the sources of Vitamin B-12 can help you to make sure that you and your family are getting enough and will help prevent potentially serious medical complications.