Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
1. Unexplained Fatigue
Do you often feel drained and lethargic, even after getting plenty of rest? This is one of the most common signs. Without enough B12, your body struggles to produce red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body.
2. Pale or Jaundiced Skin
This condition involves the yellowing of the skin or white part of the eye. It happens due to Vitamin B12 deficiency because this vitamin is responsible for the synthesis of red blood cells. During insufficiency of Vitamin B12, red blood cells divide less and become large or fragile. This situation makes red blood cells produce excessive bilirubin, responsible for the yellowish pigment, causing jaundice.
3. Pins and Needles Sensation
If you are experiencing tingling in your hands and feet, it might be a sign of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 produces myelin, which insulates and protects the nerves, and a lack of this vitamin can damage them, leading to this uncomfortable sensation.
This sensation is called Paresthesis, in which you may have a sensation of prickling, tingling, burning, or itching in your feet, hands, legs, or arms.
4. Forgetfulness or Cognitive Decline
Finding it harder to remember simple things could be more than just aging. It can occur in people of any age group, experiencing low levels of Vitamin B12. Low Vitamin B12 levels might contribute to memory problems and, in severe cases, even dementia.
Some common signs of cognitive decline associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency include impaired memory or concentration, alterations in verbal fluency, or lack of attention.
5. Mood Swings or Depression
Vitamin B12 plays a role in producing brain สมัครสมาชิก UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีทุกวัน chemicals that regulate mood. People with a deficiency of Vitamin B12 often are at a greater risk of having depression.
The reason behind this is that low Vitamin B12 can lead to increased levels of homocysteine, causing more oxidative stress, DNA damage, or cell death leading to depression or similar conditions.
6. Mouth and Tongue Inflammation
Notice a swollen or red tongue? Or perhaps recurring mouth ulcers? These could be signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Some people also experience a burning sensation in their mouth. The medical term used for this condition is Glossitis.
Along with Glossitis, one may also have stomatitis, bad taste, swollen lips, burning sensation in the mouth, tongue ulcers, etc., making it hard to swallow or eat properly.
7. Digestive Issues
Symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, or loss of appetite might also signal a deficiency of Vitamin B12.
However, gastrointestinal issues can also result from other health issues such as any active infection, or side effects of some medications. So it is recommended to take into consideration other possible signs of vitamin B12 deficiency and then start working towards fulfilling this essential vitamin in your body.