Don’t Ignore These 8 Warning Signs Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Statistics indicate that one in four adults suffers from a deficiency of vitamin B12. Mineral deficiencies are more common than vitamin deficiencies.

We'll discuss the signs and causes of vitamin B12 deficiency in this post, along with some simple strategies for managing it.

The "energy" vitamin is the name given to this vitamin. Something you require to replenish your energy in the late afternoon Some enjoy it because it can be used to incorporate live cardio exercises.

At medical weight loss clinics, vitamin B12 is highly popular and regarded as a "drug of miracles" for weight loss. Since it became abundantly evident that people were obsessed with this vitamin, vitamin B12 injections are now reasonably priced at clinics and health spas.

These are put up on "daily deal" websites in the hopes that you'll snap them up quickly.

However, vitamin B12 by itself does not provide "real" energy. However, if you are diagnosed with megaloblastic anemia, which causes fatigue and weakness, an abrupt increase in your intake of B12 will give you a sense of empowerment and boundless energy.

This happens because this vitamin has an important role in the formation of red blood cells. These take oxygen throughout the body. And yes, we need oxygen to survive! It is pure logic – oxygenated blood fills you up with life and energy.

Vitamin B12 is important for you

Dr. Mercola says that vitamin B12 carries out numerous vital functions in the body, including:

• Secretion of adrenal hormone
• Circulation
• Formation of red blood cells
• Healthy nervous system
• Proper digestion
• Iron absorption
• Metabolism of fat and carbs
• Nerve growth and formation
• Healthy reproductive system in women

 

Risk groups prone to B12 deficiency

Some foods are packed with healthy portions of vitamin B12, but sometimes this cannot maintain its optimal level in the body. We have covered the most common high-risk groups that should consider supplementing with vitamin B12 on a daily basis!

• People aged 60 and over who do not have enough stomach acid
• Patients diagnosed with autoimmune disorders, such as celiac or Crohn’s disease
• Vegans and vegetarians who do not eat products of animal origin
• Diabetics on Metformin (this medication affects the absorption of vitamin B12)

 

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency

• Inability to keep your eyes open. It is because your blood is not rich in oxygen, and you do not get the energy your body needs;
• Feeling numb, tingly and experiencing a “pins and needles” sensation. This indicated that you are dealing with nerve damage as a result of poor vitamin B12 levels;
• Memory loss is also caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. This applies especially to young people who are too young to develop age-related dementia;
• Feeling wobbly or dizzy also indicates that your blood does not have enough oxygen;
• Yellow skin is caused by red blood cell degradation. It throws out a distinctive yellow pigment when it tears apart. If you lack vitamin B12, your body is unable to produce strong cells;
• Smooth tongue is something you get after you lose a few papillae “bumps.” These bumps help you recognize the taste, and if you are always getting a “blah” impression of your food, you are probably lacking vitamin B12;
• Feeling anxious and tearful, you are likely to deal with vitamin B12 deficiency. This vitamin is responsible for the production of “happy” brain chemicals, serotonin, and dopamine.
• Optic nerve damage leads to strange vision problems, so you often get blurry or double vision. Test your vitamin levels every time you notice shadows in your vision fields, because this is a common symptom of low vitamin B12 levels.

Causes of vitamin 12 deficiency

Although it is extremely important, vitamin B12 is one of the most overlooked vitamins. The deficiency of this vitamin may be caused by numerous factors, and we give you some of the most common:

• Antacids affect the assimilation of vitamin B12. Believe it or not, the body needs enough stomach acid to absorb vitamin B12;
• Nitrous oxide, also known as the laughing gas, destroys vitamin B12 in the body. Scary!
• The H. pylori bacteria destroys stomach cells that create the “intrinsic factor.” The body is unable to absorb vitamin B12 without his protein;
• Gastric bypass weight loss surgery alters the digestive mechanisms, and this may affect the absorption of vitamin B12;
• If you drink more than 4 cups of coffee per day, you have 15% less vitamin B12 than those who do not really fancy coffee. Scientists still have not found why is this so;

 

Dietary sources of vitamin B12

Plants do not need vitamin B12 for their metabolic processes, and they do not produce this vitamin. This means that you can get your vitamin B12 from foods of animal origin and fortified foods. Here are some nice examples:

• Seafood – sardines, salmon, tuna, cod, shrimp, scallops
• Meat – beef, pork, chicken, lamb, goat, turkey
• Dairy – cow’s milk, hard and soft cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, yoghurt
• Eggs – yolks are packed with all the vitamins and minerals
• Vegan sources – nutritional yeas, fortified coconut milk, or tempeh

 

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin found in products of animal origin. Although it is easily available, some people cannot absorb it properly.

Do your vitamin tests regularly, and consult your doctor if you feel dizzy, weak, or numb. Carefully observe your condition for any changes and signs.

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Sources and References:
healtheternally.com
articles.mercola.com
www.curejoy.com

Give Me 10 Minutes, I’ll Give You The Truth About Vitamin B12 Deficiency

One of the most important but underappreciated vitamins in the world is vitamin B12. Each of our body cells depends heavily on it for metabolism, and if we have insufficient levels of it for an extended period of time, it can result in long-term illnesses and neurological disorders.

You must therefore be aware of the early indicators of vitamin B12 insufficiency in order to treat it promptly and avoid serious health issues.

After learning the early warning signs of vitamin B12 insufficiency, you can read about why the vitamin is so vital to your overall health and what foods have the highest concentrations.

7 Warning Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

 1. Dizziness

One of the first warning signs of vitamin B12 deficiency is frequent bouts of vertigo and lightheadedness (dizziness). You might get dizzy when walking upstairs or downstairs, or wobble when standing up too fast from a chair. These situations can sometimes be dangerous. If you experience symptoms of chronic vertigo, it’s best to consult your doctor to receive the proper treatment for the vitamin deficiency.

 

2. Forgetfulness

Do you often have a hard time remembering ordinary things like where have you put your keys, or what’s the name of your friend? Well, this type of uncharacteristic forgetfulness doesn’t necessarily indicate early dementia, but it can mean lack of vitamin B12, especially if it’s chronic. Many older people think they have Alzheimer’s or dementia when they actually have vitamin B12 deficiency. You can check this by doing a simple blood test, and improve your memory with a supplemental regimen.

 

3. Muscle Weakness

If your muscles are weak so your grocery bags feel like thousand pounds, they are probably deprived of the proper amount of oxygen from erythrocytes. Improper oxygenation to muscle cells and vitamin B12 deficiency can cause uncharacteristic muscle weakness and sluggishness. This might be the reason why you’re no longer able to carry your gym bag or heavy purse.

 

4. Pale Skin

You used to have those rosy cheeks that revealed your perfect health, but now you’re pale with a yellow cast. This might be caused by lack of vitamin B12 which means lack of erythrocytes. As a result, your body produces more bilirubin which replaces that rosy complexion with a pale visage.

 

5. Pins and Needles

Insufficient amounts of this vitamin can cause paraesthesia – more known as pins and needles. You experience tingling, prickling, or numbing sensation throughout the body, especially in the hands and feet, and a feeling of electric shock waves because of the nerve damage caused by lack of vitamin B12. Being deficient in this vitamin means reduced production of erythrocytes which in turn results in low oxygen levels in the nerve tissues.

 

6. Unexplained Fatigue

You’re regularly getting a good night’s sleep, but you still have that constant fatigue. Well, this can be another sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. Once again, this unexplained fatigue can occur because of reduced production of erythrocytes in your body which results in insufficient amounts of oxygen been transported to your organs.

 

7. Eye Problems

Long-term vitamin B12 deficiency can damage your vision and cause vision changes. Although rarely, the lack of this vitamin can cause an optic neuropathy by damaging the optic nerve resulting in reduced central vision, blurred or doubled vision, light sensitivity, shadows or tracers. Still, supplements can help restore your vision.

 

Health Benefits of Vitamin B12

To better understand the importance of this vitamin, here are its most significant health benefits:

1. Prevents Heart Disease and Stroke

Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., taking some extra measures to protect your heart is something everyone should consider. New research has discovered that increased levels of homocysteine is a higher risk factor for heart disease than cholesterol. This non-protein α-amino acid can create inflammation if there’s a lack of vitamin B12. In other words, this vitamin reduced the levels of homocysteine, and with that the risk of heart disease and stroke.

 

2. Prevents Nerve Damage

Nerves have a natural covering called myelin sheath whose primary purpose is to protect them from toxins and free radical damage. Without this protective covering, nerves can be easily damaged and killed which can result in nerve-related disorders. This is because dead nerves are interrupting the transmission of signals to and from the brain.

 

3. Supports Energy

Vitamin B12 stimulates the production of energy by keeping your cells happy, healthy, and well-fed. Insufficient amounts of this vitamin starve your cells, making you tired and weak. The metabolism requires vitamin B12 to convert carbs into usable glucose – an essential participant in the production of energy. Therefore, if you’re deficient in this vitamin, you are more likely to suffer from fatigue.

 

4. Helps Digestion

This vitamin aids in the production of digestive enzymes, thus helping the breakdown of foods in the stomach and supporting a healthy metabolism. It helps foster healthy gut bacteria and removes the harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. This, in turn, prevents inflammatory bowel disease, candida, and other digestive disorders.

 

5. Helps Produce Erythrocytes and Prevent Anemia

Since this vitamin helps the production of erythrocytes, it can prevent megaloblastic anemia which is manifested by weakness and chronic fatigue.

 

6. Good for Bones

This vitamin is recommended for osteoporosis patients and anyone who suffers from bone conditions as they have higher levels of homocysteine than those with healthy bones. As we already mentioned, vitamin b12 can reduce the levels of homocysteine, which makes it an ideal supplement for these patients.

 

Natural Sources of Vitamin B12

Here are the foods which contain the highest levels of this vitamin:

• Beef and chicken liver — 81 milligrams in 3 ounces
• Salmon — 19.5 milligrams in 108 grams (1 filet)
• Herring —18.7 milligrams in 143 grams (1 filet)
• Mackerel — 15.3 milligrams in 3 ounces
• Sardines — 13.3 milligrams in 1 cup
• Tuna — 9.3 milligrams in 3 ounces
• Trout — 9.1 milligrams in 1 filet
• Organic yogurt — 1.3 mg in 1 container of plain Greek yogurt
• Turkey — 1.1 milligrams in 3 ounces
• Raw milk — 1 milligram in 1 cup
• Beef tenderloin — 0.9 milligrams in 3 ounces
• Lamb — 0.8 milligrams in 3 ounces

Other non-vegan sources of this vitamin include cereals, cheese, nutritional yeasts, plant-based milk (soymilk, almond milk, and coconut milk).

As you can see, vitamin B12 plays an important role in our overall health and can protect us from various health problems and diseases. That’s why recognizing the early symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is crucial to treat it as soon as possible and prevent further health complications.

Signs Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency You Should Never Ignore

Our bodies require vitamin B12, which is a crucial component. However, vitamin B12 insufficiency is highly widespread and is thought to affect 40% of North Americans, primarily those who have been given fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnoses.

 

Nevertheless, a large number of people suffer from such symptoms despite being unaware of their cause.

 

Here are the signs of the lack of this vitamin in the body that you should never ignore:

• Anemia
• Depression
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• strange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet
• Neuropathy
• difficulty walking (staggering, balance problems)
• yellowed skin (jaundice)
• paranoia or hallucinations
• a swollen, inflamed tongue

Your doctor can make some simple tests to determine if you are B12 deficient. It would be best to ask for an intracellular B12 test, as the effects of this vitamin occur in the cells.

Other indirect measures are Methylmalonic Acid and Homocysteine, but they are less accurate.

 

Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is most bioavailable from dietary meat sources, and its vegetarian sources are rare. Here are the most common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency:

 

Pernicious Anemia

This autoimmune condition occurs when the immune system attacks the stomach cells that produce stomach acid and an important protein known as the Intrinsic Factor (IF).

In this case, they cannot produce Hydrochloric Acid and the body is not able to separate the vitamin B12 molecule from other dietary molecules.

The role of If is to transport vitamin B12 across the intestinal cells into the bloodstream, so its low levels will reduce the ability of the body to absorb B12, causing a cellular deficiency. This is common in vegetarians who are not supplementing with high-quality B12 supplements.

 

Poor Gut Microbiome

The good bacteria present in the intestinal tract break down foods and help the absorption of important nutrients into the bloodstream. In the case of an imbalance, nutrients cannot be properly absorbed.

To fight bad bacterial growth, you should lower the intake of sugar and consume more vegetables.

 

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Intestinal Hyperpermeability, or Leaky Gut Syndrome, can be of several types, like parasitic infection, gluten sensitivity, dairy protein sensitivity, H. pylori and other small intestinal bacterial infections.

These form proteins that break down the walls of our gut lining, and let toxins and other molecules to enter our bloodstream, overactivating the immune system, and reducing its ability to properly absorb vitamin B12 from the gut.

In this case, avoid high-sugar foods, dairy, processed foods, and grains.

 

Chemotherapy Treatment

Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most common side-effects of chemotherapy, as the medications used for this treatment irritate the gut and stomach cells.  Therefore, patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment should supplement with higher doses of B12 and Folic Acid.

 

Heartburn Medication

Very often, medications prescribed for the treatment of heartburn reduce the Parietal Cell activity, which causes reduced stomach acid and intrinsic factor levels.

 

Here are 5 effective ways to treat 5 B12 deficiency:

Eat more meat
You should increase the intake of lam, sheep meat, wild caught fish, free-range chicken, as well as beef liver, chicken liver, grass-fed beef and raw dairy products such as Kefir.

High-Quality Probiotics
You will improve the absorption of B12 in the body by boosting the good microbiome population. Therefore, you should eat more high probiotic foods like Kefir, cultured vegetables such as Sauerkraut and Kimchi, pickles, Kombucha, Coconut Kefir, and dark chocolate.

Limit Inflammatory Foods
You should reduce the intake of foods that support gut and cellular inflammation, including packaged,  processed, fried foods, margarine, sugars, dairy, low-quality meats, wheat and other grains, food additives, synthetic sweeteners, and iodized salt.

Desiccated Liver Supplement
If you do not fancy the taste of liver, try desiccated liver supplements.

Supplements
The best choices for supplementation include Methylcobalamin and Cyanocobalamin.