From making red blood cells to DNA, vitamin B12 has several important roles in the body
Vitamin B12 is one of the vitamins which our body requires to perform several functions like making red blood cells and DNA.
It also has a major role in the development of brain and nerve cells and hence are extremely essential for the generation of neurotransmitters.
Apart from having a key role in the central nervous system, vitamin B12 supports bone health, prevents osteoporosis and fracture risk.
Vitamin B12 also reduces the risk of macular degeneration, an eye disease that affects the central vision.
This vitamin also helps improve mood and signs of depression.
With so many functions, it is important to maintain the level of vitamin B12 in the body. Hence it is important to know the signs when the body lacks this vitamin so that you can replenish it.
Here are few warning signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in the body:
Having balance problems while walking
Your walking pattern can reveal whether you are deficient of the vitamin that plays a pivotal role in the central nervous system.
Difficulty in walking, having staggering problems, unable to balance during walking are the signs you need to have vitamin B12.
Anemia
Lack of vitamin B12 causes anemia. Also known as cobalamin deficiency, this condition develops when the body does not make sufficient red blood cells due to lack of vitamin B12, the vitamin which helps in the formation of the RBCs.
Vitamin B12 anemia is characterized by shortness of breath, loss of appetite, vision issues, indigestion and headaches.
Swollen tongue
Lack of vitamin B12 leads to a condition called glossitis, a medical term that causes an inflammatory and painful tongue.
Also known as beefy tongue, it is seen along with other symptoms like sores and lesions in the mouth, discoloration of the tongue and unexplainable burning sensations.
Cognitive difficulties
An essential element which has a major role in the brain functioning is ought to impact the cognitive abilities of an individual when it is not present sufficiently in the body.
In this, the person experiences memory loss, has difficulty in thinking and reasoning.
Numbness in hands and legs
Numbness in limbs is always one of the key signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Many people also experience tingling sensation.
Unexplainable symptoms in the hands, legs or feet which affect the daily work of an individual can be linked to vitamin B12 deficiency.
If this sign persists for a longer duration visit a doctor.
Other signs to watch out for
Apart from the warning signs, there are several other signs of vitamin B12 deficiency which one should be careful of.
Due to lack of vitamin B12 one may experience fast heart rate, pale skin, fatigue, extreme weakness, mouth ulcers, increased irritability, low mood and decrease in appetite.
Where can you get vitamin B12 from?
You can get vitamin B12 from poultry, eggs, dairy and fish. It is mostly found in animal based foods.
Older people, people who have gastrointestinal disorders, who are vegan, and have blood sugar problems are more at risk of being deficient in vitamin B12.
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