The Signs & Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
Written by Leslie K. Hughes
Chances are good that you’ve heard you need to make sure you’re getting enough B12, but do you know why this vitamin is so important?
We’ve chatted on the blog previously about the importance of B12, so let’s do a quick recap.
B12 is an essential vitamin that your body needs in order to keep your brain, nerves, blood cells, and other parts of your body functioning. It also aids in the development of these parts of your body, so you can see why B12 is not optional but rather a necessary thing.
Similar to most vitamins, B12 isn’t made by the body. So, if you aren’t taking B12 supplements regularly or you aren’t getting B12 injections, you’re likely deficient in this essential vitamin. But how do you know for sure?
Today we are chatting about the signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency, why deficiency happens, and what you can do to fix it.
The common causes of B12 deficiency
Pernicious anaemia
There are a few different things that can lead to a B12 deficiency, the most common of with is pernicious anaemia. This is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to fight against healthy blood cells in your stomach – the ones that produce the protein intrinsic factor.
In a healthy body, this protein combines with B12 and is absorbed into your body. However, in a body with pernicious anaemia, your body attacks the stomach cells that produce the intrinsic factor, thus rendering your body unable to absorb B12.
Diet
B12 deficiency is also possible for those who do not get enough B12 in their diet. B12 is naturally found in animal foods, so if you are a vegan or vegetarian, you may be deficient in this essential vitamin.
If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you must supplement either with oral vitamins or with B12 injections.
Other stomach and intestinal conditions
Some conditions such as Crohn’s can cause your body to be deficient in B12. You can also struggle with getting enough of this vitamin if you have undergone a surgical procedure like a gastrectomy.
Medication
Some medications may cause your body to become B12 deficient, so be aware of how your current medications may affect the levels of this vitamin in your body.
How to know if you’re B12 deficient: the signs and symptoms
B12 deficiency can cause a range of symptoms. It is typical for them to develop slowly but can get worse if your deficiency continues, untreated.
Here are some of the symptoms you may experience if you are B12 deficient:
Anaemia
Weakness
Fatigue
Struggles with balance
Mobility issues
Numbness
Tingling in the hands, legs, or feet
Swollen tongue
Memory loss
Cognitive struggles
Pale skin
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Mood changes
High temperature
However, the only sure way to know whether you are truly deficient in B12 is via a blood test. So, if you are struggling with any of the above symptoms, ask your doctor to check your B12 levels.
The quickest way to increase your B12 levels
While B12 oral supplements are a great option for increasing your B12 levels, nothing will get your body back to normal quicker than a B12 injection.
A B12 shot ensures better absorption by your body than an oral supplement. And trust us when we say that if you are deficient in this vitamin, you will notice an almost immediate difference following your B12 shot. Your energy levels will quickly rise, along with your ability to concentrate and move.
