It is very easy in the midst of the everyday hustle and bustle to neglect the signals your body is giving you to let you know it is not well taken care of.
Considering how often people take some pills to overshadow symptoms or take caffeine for energy, it is not a surprise that people often miss vitamin deficiencies for a longer time than they should.
Most people especially women often fail to pay attention to their bodies and lead a life of poor health.
Vitamin B12 is very important for the process of bonding nucleic acids and protein, production of red blood cells, and the health of nerves. In acute deficiencies, there could be irreversible damage to the nerves. Your overall well-being and long-term health cannot ignore a deficiency in Vitamin B12. Continue reading to know if you manifest any symptom of a deficiency in vitamin B12.

You may be deficient in Vitamin B12 if you usually have or experience:

  • A smooth tongue
  • Fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness or vertigo
  • Yellow or pale skin tone
  • Shortness of breath and heart palpitation
  • Loss of vision
  • Digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, loss of taste and appetite, and frequent gas.
  • Poor mental health like mood swings, depression, memory loss.
  • A needle and pin-like sensation, muscle weakness, difficulty in walking, and numbness.
  • If you think you are B12 deficient, kindly consult your doctor to run a blood test to check your levels.

People who are at higher risk include:

Individuals with immune disorders such as Lupus or Graves

In the event of autoimmune ailments, the cells which should be combating foreign bodies are attacking the tissues of the body. This prevents the ability of the body to absorb useful vitamins.

Vegetarians and vegans:

Vitamin B12 is found only in animal protein; hence, individuals who opt for plant-based diets should think about taking a supplement to prevent a shortage of this vitamin. People who the ability of their digestive system to absorb substances has been affected, this include persons with atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia, Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or a thinned stomach lining are at risk.
People who have been exposed to a long-term usage of medication for reducing acid or those with parasites or bacterial growth or heavy drinkers are also included. Individuals who have had part of their small intestine removed, particularly for weight loss reasons are also affected.

Lactating, pregnant, or perimenopausal women:

Most of the signs perimenopausal women manifest (e.g fatigue, mood swings, dizziness) resemble those of deficiency in B12. It is expedient that women get their levels checked at this stage and if a possible supplement to prevent aggravating the situation.
A deficiency in B12 for pregnant women can lead to the adverse results and possible death of the fetus. Lactating women, especially vegan lactating mothers need to carefully keep an eye on their vitamin b12 levels to prevent putting their young ones at risk of developed delay, anemia, and failure to survive.