Unfortunately, we often neglect the signs our bodies send to indicate some kind of internal imbalance, so nutrient deficiencies are often left untreated, and might be the main cause of our health issues.
One of the most important vitamins for our overall health is B12, as it plays a role in the red blood cell production, nerve health, and the bonding process of nucleic acids to proteins.
Thus, its insufficient amounts in the body often lead to severe adverse effects, like irreversible nerve damage.
Therefore, it is of high importance to know the most common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency:
– Vision loss
– Shortness of breath and heart palpitations
– Weakness, fatigue, vertigo or lightheadedness
– Pale or yellowing skin tone
– Muscle weakness, a pins and needles sensation, numbness, and walking difficulties
– A smooth tongue
– Digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, appetite and taste loss, frequent gas
– Poor mental health such as memory loss, depression, mood swings
Additionally, the following are at the highest risk of vitamin B12 deficiency:
Vegans and vegetarians
This vitamin is found in animal proteins, so if you follow a plant-based diet, you might be at an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, so consider optimizing its levels via supplementation.
Those age 50 or older
Over the year, the body loses its ability to absorb vitamins from food, so people older than 50 should take vitamin B12 supplements.
Perimenopausal, pregnant or lactating women
The symptoms of perimenopause are similar to the ones of a B12 deficiency, and the lack of this vitamin in the case of pregnancy has negative effects on the baby.
Also, lactating women, in particular, vegan breastfeeding mothers, need to optimize the levels of B12 as its deficiency might lead to negative effects on the baby, such as anemia, developmental delays and even failure to thrive.
Patients with disorders such as Graves’ disease or Lupus
The cells in the body in the case of autoimmune disorders attack the tissues of the body instead of foreign bodies, and this reduces the ability of the body to absorb essential vitamins.
People wits compromised absorptive ability of the digestive system
People who take acid-reducing medications, whose with a bacterial growth or parasites, heavy drinkers, the ones who take acid-reducing drugs, and patients with pernicious anemia, atrophic gastritis, a thinned stomach lining, Crohn’s disease, or Celiac disease are at a high risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Natural prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency
This deficiency can be prevented by following a well-balanced diet rich in poultry, eggs, seafood, dairy, and meat. Vegans or vegetarians should focus on vitamin B12-fortified grains, and take natural B12 supplements.
This will boost the vitamin B12 levels in the body and prevent serious health issues and ailments.