What Are Low Vitamin B12 Symptoms?

By Maria Z

Have you been feeling tired, lately? Or out of breath? Do you find meals unappealing, and have lost appetite? Feeling confused or depressed? Well, it's time you got yourself an appointment at the doctors, because you have, unfortunately, displayed most common Low Vitamin B12 symptoms.

Vitamin B12, commonly known as cobalmin, is a Vitamin B Complex that proves highly functional during the production of red blood cells; it also serves the purpose of maintaining the metabolic system as well as the nervous system. It has also proved as a vital intake if you wish to decrease high rates of homocysteine in the bloodstream.

Symptoms start to arise mainly because of the failure of complete absorption of B12 into the blood stream due to the absence of intrinsic factor (a stomach protein vital for digestion). As no absorption is taking place, body fails to acknowledge any intake of Vitamins B12.

Are you the one at risk?

It's a myth to consider that these symptoms are only visible on young children, or adults and mostly vegetarians. Almost everyone can face this deficiency and need to check themselves for low vitamin B12. Pregnant women, thyroid and cancer patients all need to look at themselves, if they notice any of these symptoms on themselves; it's extremely vital for them to have enough before matters become worse.

Alcohol abusers-beware.

Another class of people, associated mostly with Vitamin B12 deficiency, is of Alcohol Abusers; where alcohol has innumerable harmful side-effects, Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of them.

Old and young ones- take extreme care.

It is indeed true that with aging it does become difficult for intrinsic factor to be properly absorbed; hence old people and even young alike, need to watch over their diet if any of these signs start to show.

What should the vegetarians do?

It is indeed utmost true that vegetarian are at a high risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency since their daily intake doesn't involve Vitamin B12 supplements; hence Low Vitamin B12 symptoms start to appear even if they may have taken proper meals.

What you need to know about this deficiency?

It's not easy to deduce from the early signs that one is facing a deficiency. Lethargy, weakness, weight loss etc. are commonly ignored and people tend to find quick household remedies to them. However, this is extremely wrong. One needs to be sure of what the problem is before rushing to find a cure. And as always, a doctor's advice will prove to be more beneficial than your next-door neighbors.

If you are experiencing any of the following on a regular basis, you just might be ignoring the early stage: 

• Abdominal pain
• Numbness/tingling in hands or feet
• Loss of appetite followed by Sudden weight loss
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Constant feeling of weariness
• Sleeplessness

Your need to catch it early before it leads to more serious problems such as the following:

Incontinence

Bladder becomes ill adapt to hold urine long; leakage caused not only is harmful for the patient, but creates a much nuisance that leads to low self-esteem.

Depression, confusion, and hallucinations

This is one of the most severe neurological symptoms as it not only cripples the nervous system of the affected, but becomes a gateway to other chronic psychological illnesses.

Frequent Fatigue and Tremors

Another one of the symptoms is the body's inability to keep energy for long. The long hours of tiredness that one feels can prove to be extremely harmful, unless it's not properly diagnosed. Add to this, one feels sudden shortness of breath even when not committing to any labor. A time comes when body becomes extremely ill-adaptive of any small task performed, resulting in shivers and tremors.

Nausea and recurring headaches

Since the B12 deficiency leads to lower red blood cell production, body is unable to retain absorbed oxygen; hence one feels dizziness and headaches. This is the time when doctors usually detect exceptionally low Vitamin B12.

Why B12?

Because it not only helps you keep a healthy, properly functional nervous system, but help your body in creating red blood cells-an extremely vital part of your blood! Anemia is one documented disease that has been said to occur to those lacking Vitamin B12 nutrients in their body.

So, to enjoy a healthy system, and your life, take extreme caution in detecting it before it is too late.

For queries and considerations, the author can be contacted at wdcollide@gmail.com. She will respond as soon as possible.

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