Signs of B12 Deficiency

All vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause health issues if left untreated, but B12 deficiency is particularly of concern for a number of reasons.

Feel sluggish in the afternoon? Still weary after a long night’s sleep? You may be experiencing the first warning signs of B12 deficiency. (1)

With at least 40% of the population being severely deficient, this may be a very important message for you. (2)

Your chances of being deficient in this essential vitamin are high if you drink alcohol, take antacids or diabetes medications, or if you have Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other issues that make nutrient absorption difficult.

Research has even demonstrated that a high-stress, fast-paced lifestyle can also deplete the body’s B12 stores.

And then there’s risk factors that are unavoidable, like growing older. As we age, our bodies become less able to absorb vitamin B12, and thus B12 deficiency tends to increase…

So how do you know if you’re deficient?

Here’s the symptoms to look out for…

Unexplained Fatigue. Fatigue is perfectly natural if you have a very busy life or aren’t sleeping enough, but you should be concerned about your B12 levels if you feel exhausted or sluggish in the middle of the day even after getting plenty of rest. (3)

Tingling & Numb Limbs. If you ever experience weird feelings of “pins and needles” or electricity in your body (especially in your hands and feet), it may be time to start supplementing with vitamin B12. (4)

Low Mood. Research has shown that B12 is involved in the synthesis of many important brain chemicals, and thus returning your B12 levels to normal can be all it takes to fix the imbalances that are knocking you out of emotional balance. (5,6)

Memory loss or brain fog. Cognitive decline is seen as just another part of growing old, but research is revealing that, in many cases, it may be B12 deficiency that’s to blame. (7)

Eye problems. As B12 deficiency worsens, it can lead to serious eye problems stemming from blocked blood vessels and damage to the retina and optic nerve.

If you notice blurry vision, double vision, or sensitivity to light, get your B12 levels tested immediately, before the problem progresses into vision loss.

Where do we get B12 from?

We get B12 from animal products such as meat, fish, milk and eggs.

However, you may be struggling to get enough through a healthy diet as it is notoriously hard to absorb through the gut. It is one of the water soluble B vitamins which is bound to protein within food.

What does vitamin B12 do?

Vitamin B12 is essential for the formation of red blood cells and the development and normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, particularly those aspects which determine concentration, learning, memory and reasoning.

It has also been proven to help reduce tiredness and fatigue.

References:
1. Judy McBride, https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2000/b12-deficiency-may-be-more-widespread-than-thought/
2. Katherine L Tucker et al, “Plasma vitamin B-12 concentrations relate to intake source in the Framingham Offspring Study” (The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: 2000), http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/71/2/514.long.
3. Natasha Turner, ND, “Can’t Beat Fatigue? You May Be Low in B12” (Huffington Post: 09/07/2012), http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/natasha-turner-nd/vitamin-b12-deficiency_b_1858683.html.
4. National Institute of Health, “Vitamin B12Fact Sheet for Consumers” (National Institute of Health), https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb12-consumer/.
5. Diagnosing and Treating a Vitamin B12 Deficiency”, http://www.usb12shots.com/diagnosing-and-treating-a-vitamin-b12-deficiency/.
6. Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center: Vitamin B12, http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B12.
7. Linda Antinoro, R.D., L.D.N., J.D., C.D.E., “Getting Enough Vitamin B12” (Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School), http://www.health.harvard.edu/vitamins-and-supplements/getting-enough-vitamin-b12.
8. Karen Appold, “Dangers of Vitamin B12 Deficiency” (Aging Well: Vol. 5 No. 1), http://www.todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/archive/012312p30.shtml.