9 Signs that your body is deficient in vitamin b12 & bull; hello healthy

Vitamin B12, known as cobalamin, is a vitamin which is essential for producing red blood cells and improving nervous system function. This vitamin can be found naturally in meat, fish, poultry, eggs and milk. Unfortunately, vitamin B12 deficiency is common, especially in the elderly. So, what are the signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency? The following is the full explanation.

Who is at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in the elderly (elderly). This is because the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food slows down with age. In addition, the risk of B12 deficiency is also susceptible to people with the following conditions:

Have surgery that removes the B12-absorbing intestinal part
Severe anemia that makes it difficult for the body to absorb vitamin B12
Diabetics taking the drug metformin
Follow a strict vegan diet
Taking antacids (stomach acid drugs) in the long term
Have diseases that affect intestinal absorption, such as Crohn's disease, Celiac disease, and bacterial or parasitic infections
Immune system disorders, such as Graves' disease or lupus

This can be overcome by consuming food sources of vitamin B12 or with additional supplements. However, you should consult your doctor first to get the best advice for your condition.

Signs and symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency in the body

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are usually not immediately obvious and can take years to appear. Signs and symptoms to watch out for when the body is deficient in vitamin B12 are as follows:

1. Pale skin

People who are deficient in vitamin B12 often look pale on the skin and in the eyes. This is due to a deficiency in vitamin B12 which reduces the production of red blood cells in the body.

Because the body is deficient in vitamin B12, DNA production is inhibited so that the body's cells do not form or divide completely as a result of megaloblastic anemia, which is when the red blood cells produced by your bone marrow tend to be large and fragile. This results in blood cells unable to get out of the spinal cord and unable to enter the blood circulation. Because of this, the body does not have red blood cells and makes the skin look pale.

2. Tired and tired

The most common symptom of a vitamin B12 deficiency is that you tire easily even though you have had enough sleep all night. This is because the body does not have enough raw materials to make red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. As a result, oxygen cannot be circulated throughout the body optimally and makes your body feel tired.

3. The body is like being pricked by a needle

One of the more serious side effects of long-term vitamin B12 deficiency is nerve damage. This happens over time, because vitamin B12 plays an important role in maintaining the body's metabolism by producing myelin fatty substances. Myelin is what surrounds and protects nerves.

Without vitamin B12, myelin is produced differently and your nervous system can't function properly. The most common symptom is paresthesia or a feeling of pins and needles, especially in the hands and feet.

4. The balance decreases

This symptom is still related to the previous symptoms. If vitamin B12 deficiency is not treated promptly, damage to the nervous system can cause disruption in your walking and movement.

When the nervous system starts to become disturbed, this condition can affect the balance and coordination of the limbs so that it can make it easier for you to fall. This symptom is most often seen in the elderly who are prone to vitamin B12 deficiency. But make no mistake, this is also possible in young people who have a severe and untreated vitamin B12 deficiency.

5. Glossitis and thrush

One study showed that a swollen and inflamed tongue with a long lesion on it could be an early sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. This condition is called glossitis. If you have glossitis, your tongue changes color and shape, making it painful, red, and swollen. This condition can even make it difficult for you to eat and talk.

In addition, some people with B12 deficiency may experience symptoms of other oral diseases such as mouth sores, a feeling of pins and needles on the tongue, or burning and itching in the mouth.

6. Shortness of breath and dizziness

Symptoms of anemia caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause some people to feel short of breath and dizzy. This occurs when the body is unable to carry enough oxygen to all body cells. However, this symptom can also be caused by many other causes. To be sure, immediately consult a doctor for a more precise diagnosis.

7. Blurred vision

One of the other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is blurred vision. This occurs due to damage to the optic nervous system due to insufficient intake of vitamin B12. This condition is rare, but signs and symptoms need to be watched out for.

8. Mood unstable

In fact, a number of studies have found that low vitamin B12 levels can be associated with mood disorders (mood) and the brain, for example depression and dementia. Theory suggests that high homocysteine levels due to low vitamin B12 can cause damage to brain tissue and interfere with signals to and from the brain. As a result, sufferers experience changes mood which is not stable.

This can be overcome by taking supplements to help improve mood You. However, this does not mean that it can replace the role of a doctor's medication that has been proven to be effective in treating depression or dementia.

9. Body heat

Increased body temperature due to vitamin B12 deficiency is very rare. The process is not certain. However, some doctors have reported reduced cases of fever after patients were given drugs with low levels of vitamin B12.

It is important to remember that high body temperature is more often caused by certain diseases than vitamin B12 deficiency. Therefore, immediately consult a doctor for a more precise diagnosis.