Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms

Learn all about the vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms and what can you do to prevent them.
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are not so common these days, since our bodies require only small amounts of this vitamin for correct functioning. This type of vitamin deficiency is most common on people who have certain special nutritional needs, and it is always a good idea to recognize the sign of a possible problem.

People who are at more risk of suffering from this deficiency are pregnant women and infants, vegan people also run the risk of not having enough levels of this vitamin. A vegan mother will double the risk. In these cases a vitamin B12 supplement is needed to prevent the appearance of vitamin B12 symptoms.

The common symptom of a vitamin B12 deficiency is anemia which causes weakness, fatigue, and lethargy. Other signs are nausea, constipation, flatulence and loss of appetite (with subsequent weight loss).

In acute vitamin B12 deficiency cases, other vitamin deficiency symptoms may arise, such as: memory loss, palpitations, liver enlargement, dizziness, numbness/tingling on hands and feet, insomnia, tinnitus, neurological damage, headaches, eye issues, hallucinations, trouble breathing, inflamed tongue, depression, balance problems and anxiety.

To prevent this deficiency, you must include in your diet food that provides it: eggs, fish, meat and dairy. You will not find good sources of vitamin B12 on vegetables, and that’s why vegan people will have higher risks of developing vitamin B12 symptoms. You should use a supplement to provide enough vitamin B12 to your body. B12 also depends on other vitamins, so it is a good idea to add a multivitamin for daily consumption and integrate also a balanced diet.

As you see, the vitamin B12 symptoms can be easily avoided. The power to prevent any problems is in you, and mothers should also be responsible of the kids by eating a balanced diet while being pregnant and using special multivitamins for this phase of development.

By Paolo Basauri
Published: 12/27/2008
 
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