Heres How To Identify The Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency And What To Do About It

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If you have ever been pregnant or wanted healthier nails, then you have definitely heard of B12. B vitamins, in general, have received a lot of press in the last few years.

Some people now think B12 might even be the key to curing Alzheimers, treating infertility, or ending countless chronic illnesses. Sadly, there is little evidence to back up those claims.

But that doesnt mean you should skip on your B12.

B12 might not be a cure-all, but its absolutely vital for a healthy body. And because your body doesnt produce its own B12, youll have to get it from outside sources.

So what happens when you dont get enough B12? Surprisingly, a lot!

Your body relies on B12 to build healthy protein for hair, nails, and DNA. And, even more importantly, B12 helps your body make red blood cells.

As important as this nutrient is, its surprisingly hard to spot a deficiency until its had time to cause potentially serious issues. Most B12 deficiency symptoms are easily explained away. Plus, youre unlikely to be routinely screened for it unless youre over 50 years old.

But if you suffer from any of the symptoms below, it is important that you press your doctor for a blood test. As well discuss, a vitamin B12 deficiency is fairly easy to treat but its effects can be devastating. So the sooner you catch it, the better.

What Are The Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

If you develop a B12 deficiency, you probably wont notice at first. Early symptoms include brittle hair and nails, brain fog, fatigue, and a lack of motivation. 

These symptoms can come and go, or they may become chronic. They are also, unfortunately, commonly caused by a wide range of issues. Everything from dietary changes to food allergies to menopause can cause the exact same symptoms as a B12 deficiency.

The longer the deficiency goes on, the worse your symptoms will get. Eventually you will likely experience more serious symptoms.

These symptoms should NOT be ignored. They may include:

1) memory loss
2) a swollen or inflamed tongue
3) balance issues
4) tingling, numbness, or other odd sensations in your hands, legs, and feet
5) incontinence
6) lack of taste and smell

You could even develop anemia! B12 helps your body produce red blood cells. So, without enough B12, your body simply cant produce healthy blood.

In extreme cases, you may also experience paranoia and delusions, as well as deep depression. Physical weakness is also linked to severe cases of B12 deficiency.

How Does Vitamin B12 Deficiency Develop?

Your body cant naturally produce B12, so you have to get it from food or supplements. This is why B12 is among the most common nutrient in multivitamins. You only need 2.4 micrograms a day, but some people find that a surprisingly hard number to hit.

If youre B12 deficient, its most likely because you don’t eat enough foods that contain vitamin B12. Vegetarians and vegans are especially at risk, since plants dont produce B12.  The nutrient is only found in animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy.

Serious deficiencies, on the other hand, probably stem from an inability to absorb the nutrient. This is especially true if you are over the age of 50 or if you take a heartburn medication.

Your stomach acidity drops as you get older. Similarly, heartburn medication reduces the acidity of stomach acid. In both cases, this makes it harder for your body to break down the food you eat and extract the nutrients it needs.

You might also struggle to absorb nutrients if youve recently undergone weight loss surgery. Surgery, in general, impairs the bodys ability to absorb nutrients. Weight loss surgery, however, seems to cause even more trouble than usual.

Certain chronic conditions may limit B12 absorption as well. Conditions such as Celiac Disease and Crohns Disease affect the bodys ability to break down and absorb its contents.

How Do I Treat Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

There are three ways you can treat or avoid a B12 deficiency. The simplest method is, of course, to eat more foods that contain B12, like fish or eggs.

If you dont like either food, or if you do not eat animal products, you can turn to fortified whole grains. These are any grains that have B12 added to them during the packaging process.

You can also go for a standard daily multivitamin. Most contain more than enough B12 to meet your daily needs.

If you are someone with low stomach acidity or a chronic condition, you will need to see a doctor. In these situations, youre going to need a high-dose B12 supplement. In extreme cases, you may even need to go in for a once-a-week shot of pure B12.

The Takeaway

You can easily treat a B12 deficiency if you catch it early enough. Serious cases usually take years to develop, so there is plenty of time… but is absolutely vital that you seek treatment once youve been diagnosed.

B12 is essential to many of your bodys main functions. And, without treatment, a deficiency can lead to permanent damage. The damage can range from severe depression to a reduction in your sense of smell, touch, or taste.

Its best not to take the risk. If you think you might be suffering from a B12 deficiency, ask your doctor for a blood test. B12 screening is not commonly done, so you may have to push.

Until then, make sure youre eating a balanced selection of foods, and dont forget your multivitamin!

Did You Know A Deficiency In These 4 Fat-Fighting Nutrients Can Cause Weight Gain, Unwanted Belly Fat & Bloating?

Research shows that people who are deficient in certain nutrients are often diagnosed with more gut illnesses

Experience more bloating

And have more belly fat, and general digestive discomfort.

For example, a recent study found that bloating and IBS symptoms were linked to a Vitamin D deficiency.

These fat-fighting nutrients, as theyre sometimes called, work to filter toxins and eliminate fat molecules from your gut

Which also explains why some naturally thin people can eat all the carbs they want and not gain a pound

While others of us can follow a strict, regimented diet and STILL gain weight.

Those naturally thin people simply have more of the necessary fat-fighting nutrients than people who tend to pack on the pounds dont have enough of.

Check this out to learn more about these fat-fighting nutrients, and how to use them to avoid unwanted weight gain right away:

Click Here To Discover These Essential Fat-Fighting Nutrients & How To Get Them For Fast Weight Loss