Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency : Vitamin B12 plays a key role in DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation, and is one of the eight B-complex vitamins which play this function – such as Thiamine (thiamine), Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxyine, Folic Acid and Folate (folic acid).
Coalmine (Vitamin B12) is a water-soluble vitamin found in animal foods like fish, eggs and dairy products; since humans cannot synthesize its equivalent internally it must come through their diet.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur if there is not enough of this essential nutrient in your diet or your body is not able to utilize it effectively. Both conditions can be resolved by regularly eating foods rich in Vitamin B12.
1) Early Signs And Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Early symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency may include weakness, feeling anxious and difficulty sleeping as well as irregular bowel movements. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to anemia – when there are insufficient red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body – shortness of breath, tingling/numbness in hands/feet, confusion poor balance muscle weakness pain depression as well as increased sensitivity to noise or light are among many of its other signs and symptoms.
2) Lack Of Energy Weakness
Vitamin B12 deficiency can make you weak and fatigue more quickly, with accompanying feelings of illness and lack of energy. Without enough B12 in your system, red blood cells won’t form enough, leaving your body struggling to make enough. Vitamin B12 also plays a key role in breaking down carbohydrates in food; when this chemical process doesn’t function as intended, metabolic issues arise which make metabolizing carbohydrates even harder and increase fatigue and tiredness levels further.
3) Constipation
Vitamin B12 is essential to the health of your digestive tract, and an inadequate supply can lead to constipation. A reduction in serotonin production from your gut, coupled with less contractions of the intestinal tract may cause constipation. Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in producing an enzyme required for healthy bowel movements – without enough Vitamin B12 you may not break down proteins properly, leading to constipation.
4) Shortness Of Breath
When suffering from a Vitamin B12 deficiency, you may experience shortness of breath while performing even light physical activities. This could be an indicator of more serious condition such as pulmonary hypertension where there is higher than normal blood pressure in their lungs; this leads to shortness of breath, rapid heartbeats and swelling legs. A lack of Vitamin B12 may also result in anaemia where there aren’t enough red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout your body and shortness of breath is likely.
5) Depression, Irritability And Anxiety
Vitamin B12 deficiencies can result in feelings of depression, irritability and anxiety due to lower-than-normal serotonin levels in your brain and spinal fluid. When serotonin levels drop too low for comfort, symptoms like anxiety, insomnia and depression arise as serotonin production decreases resulting in low serotonin levels, leading to symptoms like anxiety, insomnia and depression as well as issues with appetite and weight gain that could potentially lead to obesity.
6) Loss Of Balance And Coordination
Vitamin B12 deficiency combined with declining health of the nervous system can result in loss of balance and coordination, potentially leading to falls and increased risks of injury. A lack of Vitamin B12 can also cause nerves across your body to be negatively impacted, potentially leading to tingling/numbness sensations in hands and feet as well.
7) Muscle Weakness And Pain
The relationship between the nervous system and muscles is intimate, and when its health declines it can result in muscle weakness. Vitamin B12 deficiency results in nerves not working effectively which then contributes to muscle weakness as blood flow drops significantly and cramped or painsome muscles form as a result of poor circulation; also this decline can lead to numbness in hands and feet with painful cramping sensation and loss of sensation if nerve health declines further.
8) Nerve Damage And Loss Of Sensation In Hands And Feet
Loss of sensation in hands and feet may indicate nerve damage caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. A decrease in nerve health can lead to loss of sensation in hands and feet; when there is less Vitamin B12 available to break down certain chemicals found within nerves, their accumulation causes damage that leads to loss of sensation in hands and feet.
9) Dark Discoloration Of The Skin Called Hyperpigmentation
A malfunction in the nervous system can result in hyperpigmentation, or dark discoloration of skin, often seen on arms, legs, hands and feet. Most common among people with darker skin tones; often linked with vitamin B12 deficiency; this condition leads to darkened skin by producing more melanin (pigment produced by melanocytes in skin cells). Treat this by increasing vitamin B intake through diet or supplements; taking stress management steps or simply by restoring proper nerve functioning – it may go away completely over time!
Also refer to : 6 Impressive Ways Vitamin C Benefits Your Body
Bottom Line
Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in various health problems, including weakness, shortness of breath, depression and nerve damage. Treatment includes taking Vitamin B12 supplements or eating food high in vitamins such as fish eggs or dairy products that contain them. If you suspect your symptoms could be due to vitamin B12 deficiency, consult with a healthcare provider and get tested immediately for this issue.