• ENG

Signs and symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency and how it affects your health

Signs and symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency and how it affects your health
इस रोग के कारण आंतों के निचला हिस्सा क्षतिग्रस्त होने से विटामिन बी 12 की कमी हो सकती है। क्योंकि इससे सीधे तौर पर विटामिन बी 12 के अवशोषण में बाधा होती है। विटामिन बी12 की कमी से निपटने के लिए डॉक्टर से परामर्श करें।

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin develops the red blood cells and helps in functioning of your nervous system. And here's how it's deficiency affects you.

Written by Sudhakar Jha |Published : August 13, 2018 11:40 AM IST

The potential overdose of everything that's doing good to your body is in trends these days and vitamin supplements are not untouched with this phenomenon. Gaining popularity these days are vitamin supplements, but one that's been overlooked is Vitamin B12. Yes, the water-soluble vitamin that helps in production of red blood and DNA, also lets your nervous system function properly. That sounds important, right? It definitely is and still it is among the highest nutritional deficiencies in developing countries. Without the proper amount of B12, development of a certain condition, referred to as pernicious anemia, is possible and highly likely. Once developed, it does not allow an individual to produce the protein substance needed for absorption of vitamin B12. An additional problem associated with B12 deficiency is the inability to absorb folic acid, another component the body needs to function properly. Vitamin B12 is generally found in meats, fishes, poultry and dairy products.

How does B12 deficiency affect your health?

Deficiencies in vitamins generally take place with time and may take a number of years to develop. To begin with, symptoms of a deficiency in B12 are small and are barely noticed which includes neurological or cognitive changes that increase with time. As the deficiency becomes more serious, there are chances of developing anemia and dementia. As the deficiency increases, the red blood cells count also drops. As you develop less red blood cells, your body's oxygen count too diminish and you feel fatigued and palpitated all the time. Nerve damage is another way it wrecks your health as Vitamin B12 helps in formation of fatty substance called myelin, protector of your nerves, and the deficiency means that you feel prickling sensation in your hands and feet.

Also Read

More News

what are the B12 deficiency symptoms?

In addition to fatigue and palpitations, symptoms include:

  • Weight loss
  • Pale skin
  • Sore mouth or tongue
  • Higher incidence of contracting infections

Who are at risk?

  • Elderly people
  • Those who've had surgery that removes the part of the bowel that absorbs B12
  • Diabetic who are on metformin
  • strict vegan dieters
  • Those taking long-term antacid drugs for heartburn

Image source: Shutterstock