Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

For a lot of time, a deficiency of vitamin B12 was strongly linked to anemia. And well, it is true, a lack of this vitamin will contribute to a development of anemia, however, as doctors and scientists understand better the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, they have come to understand that this vitamin is involved in a whole lot of other body functions.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, is still though, the primary symptom. Below you’ll find a list of the full set of signs that may tell you are having problems with B12.

I would like to say here, that these symptoms are not exclusive to this condition. After noticing them, your doctor will make you undergo proper evaluation to determine your current levels of B12.

Here is a quick list of all the signs you get when you start suffering from this deficiency, they are not in any specific order:

• Lack of appetite and subsequent weight loss
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Pale skin
• Numbness and Tingling in the hands
• Problems breathing normally
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Irritation in the mouth and tongue
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Confusion.  In elder patients, this can be confused with dementia.

People with a vegetarian diet. B12 is acquired mainly through animal food, it is rarely found in vegetables or it is found in small quantities. Over time vegans will develop deficiency signs if they do not use B12 supplements or fortified cereals.

Elder people. It has been determined that around 30% of people who are older than 50 suffer from atrophic gastritis, a condition that reduces the absorption of vitamin B12 in the body.

There are also certain medications that reduce the absorption of this vitamin, it is important to consult this with your doctor, and don’t stop using medication until you have discussed this well.