Nutritional Health Supplements Guide

6 symptoms of a B12 Deficiency

B12 deficiency is caused by a reduction of cyanocobalamin in the body. In most cases, this is caused by impaired body absorption or inadequate dietary intake of the supplement. It can also be caused by Alcoholism and parasites such as the tape worm. This can present a number of disturbing and debilitating manifestations. In rare cases, this deficiency can lead to irreversible damage to the CNS (central nervous system).

What to look out for

A B12 deficiency does not always produce specific or distinct symptoms. The more common symptoms that come from a b12 deficiency are diminished mental work capacity and fatigue. Earlier during the deficiency, the person may not feel any symptoms at all. But as the condition progresses, it can result to grave complications that can very possibly debilitate the person.

The symptoms

Here are 6 symptoms that are commonly seen in patients suffering from b12 deficiency.

1. Tingly sensations on the tongue. Typically, the Person will sense this on the tip of the tongue. Some patients may even feel pain or stinging instead of itching. Mouth sores may also appear. They are sometimes relieved by certain medications but tend to reappear again as the deficiency worsens
2. Tingling or sharp stabbing pain on the palms of their hands. If the tingly sensation is not treated, the symptom may progress to pain. It also often occurs when the wrist is extended.
3. Melanin which is the primary determinant of human skin color is decreased in some parts of the body. And as it is decreases, white spots begin to appear as a result. This often  occurs in the forearm. If the spots are not treated, it can become very dry and flaky.
4. Eye twitching – Since vitamin b12 is essential for proper functioning of the muscles, patient lacking it could experience such problem.
5. Memory loss – Keep in mind this is a long term effect. Since the B12 vitamin can help boost Memory, it is necessary to have it in our body. Physiological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease is said to be related to a b12 deficiency.
6. Depression and fatigue is also very common as discussed in the above paragraph

To Avoid B12 deficiency, make sure you an ample amount of vitamin b12 using sublingual b12 supplements or a simple b12 shot

References

Sethi NK, Robilotti E, Sadan Y (2005). “Neurological Manifestations Of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency”. The Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness 2 (1).

Siuda J, Gorzkowska A, Patalong-Ogiewa M, et al. (2009). “From mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease – influence of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate on cognition over time: results from one-year follow-up”. Neurologia I Neurochirurgia Polska