Vitamin B12 is naturally found in fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. It is an essential source of energy. It helps to regenerate red cells and is very important for the brain, but also for a strong immune system. Fatigue is one of the first signs of B12 deficiency. This vitamin is different from others because it is found only in products of animal origin such as eggs, meat, crustaceans, and milk. Over 15% of people have vitamin B12 deficiency, and vegetarians are more exposed to this risk. Celiac disease and digestive disorders are just some of the problems of vitamin B12 deficiency causes. Here are the most common signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Fatigue
“Fatigue is one of the first signs of vitamin B12 deficiency,” says Lisa Cimperman, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The body is based on vitamin B12 to give birth to new red cells – responsible for transporting oxygen to the organs. Deficiency of vitamin B12 leads to oxygen deficiency in cells and automatically to fatigue, no matter how you sleep.
Dizziness
If you feel dizzy and you cannot find an explanation for this, learn that vitamin B12 deficiency may be the cause. Whatever program you have, a healthy diet, a doctor’s visit, and a supplement to keep your vitamin B12 in the blood! You should not neglect the annual analyzes that show you the vitamin B12 level. Decreasing the number of red blood cells leads to different types of anemia and generates the most unpleasant conditions, lowering the quality of life.
Pale Skin
If you notice that your skin is pale, even with a slight yellow tinge, there may be a deficiency of vitamin B12, which reduces the level of red blood cells. Reorganize your life and make sure you feed yourself properly.
Redness of the Tongue
People with severe lack of vitamin B12 deficiency lose their function of papillomas on the tongue. This can lead to the loss of appetite and to the feeling that the taste of the food is no longer good. “Many women with vitamin B12 deficiency can lose weight because they no longer feel the natural taste of food,” says Angela Grassi, a dietitian at Bryn Mawr’s PCOS Nutrition Center. Make sure your menu contains foods rich in vitamin B12, and do not lose sight of weight control.
Feeling Sad
If you feel sad, suffer from anxiety and you cannot find an explanation for it, the deficiency of vitamin B12 can be blamed! This can significantly change the emotional state, leading to depression or anxiety. Doctors believe that the link between depression and the deficiency of vitamin B12 is attributed to the synthesis of chemical substances in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which helps to regulate mood.
Loss of Eyesight
In extreme cases, the lack of vitamin B12 can damage the optic nerve, causing blurred vision, sensitivity to light and even loss of vision. The first symptom that makes you think should make you go to the doctor. Do not forget to do your annual analyzes, because they can help keep your vitamin B12 deficiency under control and, of course, avoid complications.
An important reason why you should not ignore the vitamin B12 deficiency is that it can cause a specific type of life-threatening anemia. Pernicious anemia, because it is so called, may occur due to an autoimmune or congenital condition, as well as problems with stomach lining. Treatment usually involves supplements with vitamin B12 and a balanced diet.