Signs You’re Low on Vitamin B12

January 22 2019

The nutrients used to grow, maintain and repair our body come from the food we eat. But without enough of the right nutrients, such as in vitamin B12 deficiency, our health can be affected. Here are some signs to look out for:

Numbness

Do your hands, feet, or legs feel like they’re on “pins and needles”? Shortage of B12 can damage the protective sheath that covers your nerves. Diseases like celiac, Crohn’s, or other gut illnesses may make it harder for your body to absorb the vitamin. So can taking some heartburn drugs.

You’re Colder Than Usual

Without enough B12, you might not have enough healthy red blood cells to move oxygen around your body (anaemia). That can leave you shivering and cold, especially in your hands and feet.

 

Brain Fog

A lack of B12 may lead to depression, confusion, memory problems, and dementia. It also can affect your balance. B12 supplements are usually safe. For adults, doctors recommend 2.4 micrograms a day. If you take more than what you need, your body passes the rest out through your pee. Still, high doses could have some side effects, like dizziness, headache, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.

Weakness

Your muscles may lack strength. You also might feel tired or lightheaded. Your doctor can check how much B12 is in your body, but not all of it may be useable. So it’s important to pay attention to any symptoms — which can grow slowly or pop up more quickly — and to alert your doctor.

Smooth Tongue

Your doctor might call it atrophic glossitis. Tiny bumps on your tongue called papillae start to waste away. That makes it look and feel kind of smooth and glossy. Infections, medication, and other conditions can cause it, too. But if not enough B12 or other nutrients is to blame, your tongue also may be sore.

 

Herbivores Beware

B12 deficiency is rare because your body can store several years’ supply of the stuff. But plants don’t have any B12. So vegans and vegetarians who don’t eat any animal products should add some processed grains like fortified breads, crackers, and cereals.

Heart Palpitations

This is when your heart suddenly races or skips a beat. You might feel it in your throat or neck. You can get more vitamin B12 from chicken, eggs, and fish. But one of best sources by far is something that may not be a regular on your menu: beef liver.

 

Sourced from MedicineNet.