Considered an important source of energy that supports many functions within the body, a deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to warning symptoms. Decreased levels of vitamin B12 in the body can cause serious health effects. So what are the specific signs of vitamin B12 deficiency and how to supplement it properly?
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the production of red blood cells, maintaining nerve function and supporting DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when the body does not receive enough of this essential nutrient. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products such as meat, fish, milk and eggs…
When there is a vitamin B12 deficiency, the body will have difficulty creating healthy red blood cells, leading to megaloblastic anemia. In addition, this deficiency also affects the nervous system, causing neurological symptoms. Here are some warning signs of vitamin B12 deficiency you need to know.
Fatigue, weakness, dizziness
People with vitamin B12 deficiency often experience symptoms such as: Fatigue, dizziness and weakness. The cause is that a lack of vitamin B12 leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, affecting the transport of oxygen. As a result, you will feel lethargic, tired and even exhausted. These symptoms are often confused with symptoms of stress, overwork or lack of sleep.
Shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can make you feel short of breath when you exert yourself. The reason is that this nutrient plays an important role in the production of hemoglobin – a protein that helps transport oxygen throughout the body. When there is a lack of vitamin B12, the amount of hemoglobin decreases, leading to a decrease in the flow of oxygen to the tissues, causing anemia, which in turn leads to shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat.
Nerve damage, numbness in limbs
Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in the formation of myelin – the white sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, helping to speed up the transmission of nerve impulses. Therefore, when the body lacks vitamin B12, nerve cells can be weakened, leading to symptoms of numbness in the legs and arms. More seriously, this can lead to degeneration of the spinal cord, brain tissue, optic nerves and peripheral nerves.
Numbness in the limbs is one of the common signs when the body lacks vitamin B12.
Pale Skin
In people with vitamin B12 deficiency, the skin may become pale or the whites of the eyes may become yellow. This occurs due to improper production of red blood cells, causing megaloblastic anemia, in which the hemoglobin grows larger than normal, cannot divide, and is fragile. As a result, the number of red blood cells circulating in the blood decreases, causing the skin to become pale.
Swollen and inflamed tongue
One of the most noticeable symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is glossitis, in which the tongue becomes red, soft, and painfully swollen. Vitamin B12 deficiency not only causes glossitis but also affects DNA synthesis, leading to other problems such as: Oral thrush, mouth ulcers, and recurrent exfoliative cheilitis due to rapid division of epithelial cells in the mouth.
Decreased vision
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to impaired vision and, more seriously, optic neuropathy. This is because vitamin B12 is a key factor in nerve function, so when it is deficient, it can affect the optic nerve, causing vision loss.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause vision loss
Anorexia, digestive disorders
Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the causes of digestive problems such as: Diarrhea, constipation, bloating and loss of appetite. When vitamin B12 levels are low, the normal functioning of the digestive system will be affected. In particular, this digestive disorder can become chronic if not treated.
Memory loss, depression
A deficiency in vitamin B12 as well as other important B vitamins can increase the risk of mood swings or depression. The reason is that this deficiency strongly affects the production of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate and balance mood.
Weak bones
Like calcium and vitamin D, vitamin B12 plays an important role in the formation of osteoblasts and osteoblasts. Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect bone function and health, even leading to osteoporosis. Rapid progression of osteoporosis can lead to fractures or breaks.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be improved by supplementing with foods rich in vitamin B12 or by taking medication. However, priority should be given to providing through food and taking medication only in special cases or as prescribed by a doctor.
You can supplement vitamin B12 through daily foods.
Above is the information about the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency and how to supplement properly that we want to share with you. Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest in many different ways and is often overlooked or confused with other causes. Recognizing the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency early and understanding the causes makes it easier to prevent and treat symptoms.
