Hey there, everyone!
Vitamin B12 is essential to your body.
It helps create DNA and red blood cells.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t stay in your system for long, nor does your body produce it naturally.
This can cause you to have a Vitamin B12 deficiency.
But how do you know you have it?
Your body will show many signs including pale skin, fatigue and glossitis.
We’re talking all that AND more...
#1 Blurred Vision
When not treated, B12 deficiency can affect your optic nerves.
You will have disrupted or blurred vision due to this damage.
The next time you feel like you can't see that well, don’t run to grab new glasses
just yet.
Get your B12 level checked.
The good thing about this symptom is that it is reversible.
Of course, you would have to fill the void by taking Vitamin B12 supplements.
Another option would be to eat food that is rich in this nutrient.
These include clams, sardines and eggs.
#2 Mood swings
Mood swings happen for a lot of reasons.
You can add Vitamin B12 deficiency to the list.
Studies suggest it.
Once again, a rise in the Vitamin B12 levels in your body can help bring things back to
normal.
This is unless you have a serious case of depression.
If that’s the case, it would be better to visit a psychiatrist or counselor.
#3 High Temperature
We did a video on what causes a fever.
Check it out!
We explain how the hypothalamus raises the temperature to get rid of infection.
It does the same when your body lacks Vitamin B12.
Only this time you don’t see other fever symptoms.
Although studies are yet to be conducted on why hypothalamus does it in this case.
#4 Messed Up Hand-Eye Coordination and Balance
It is not just the optic nerves that can get affected because of Vitamin B12 deficiency.
It can also affect your nervous system.
Thereby ruining your center of balance and hand-eye coordination.
While this is a rare symptom, it has been observed in many cases.
Unfortunately, most experts don't have enough conclusive evidence to know if this symptom
is reversible.
#5 Fatigue
Imagine not having one of the most necessary components to make red blood cells.
Now you might be wondering, "How are Red Blood Cells related to this?"
Well the answer is very simple, red blood cells transport oxygen throughout your body.
When there isn’t enough red blood cells, there isn’t enough supply of oxygen.
As a result, you will feel fatigue.
#6 Pale Skin
Having pale skin is often associated with jaundice.
But Vitamin B12 deficiency is also to blame.
As we stated earlier, lack of Vitamin B12 means less supply of red blood cells in your
body.
This slows down the process of cell building and prevents them from dividing.
Without sufficient red blood cells in your body, there isn't enough circulation of oxygen.
This is why you get pale skin.
Before we continue, you can also check our other video on signs you have a nutrient deficiency.
Let’s move on...
#7 Breathlessness
It is possible to feel breathless because of Vitamin B12 deficiency.
This mostly occurs in people who have become anemic.
Fortunately, it isn’t that common.
There are many causes for breathlessness.
You can’t really pinpoint just one.
We would suggest visiting a doctor anytime you face this problem.
In case it is Vitamin B12 deficiency, it will be reversible.
You would have to take Vitamin B12 supplements and do a few breathing exercises.
Check out our video, "10 Ways to Reverse Lung Damage."
It will help you learn more about lung damage, and the ways to reverse it.
#8 Glossitis
Glossitis is a condition in which you will feel a burning sensation in your mouth.
Apart from that your tongue will become smooth and taste buds will disappear.
Your tongue will become red, swollen and painful.
Some studies have concluded that glossitis can often be linked with Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Some people faced other issues like an inflamed tongue, or one of the other forms of a mouth
ulcer.
#9 Tingling Sensation
When Spider-Man’s spidey senses tingle, he knows danger is near.
Our human senses allow us to do the same thing.
Well sort of…
In this case, Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of these dangers we sense through a strange
tingling feeling.
Vitamin B12 plays a major role in your nervous system.
Its absence can cause several nerve related problems.
One of them is a tingling sensation, which is followed by shaky hands and feet.
Even if you are a vegan, you should add at least one B12 source to your body.
As we stated earlier, even almond based milk is a good option.
#10 Irritation
We have already explained how Vitamin B12 deficiency affects a person's mood.
Well, irritation is something that comes along with that problem.
Vitamin B12 helps to break down a chemical known as homocysteine.
It is found in your brain and when there is not enough Vitamin B12, your brain has too
much of this chemical.
It could lead to mental health problems.
Keep in mind, this is only a hypothesis.
Further evidence is required.
#11 Stomach Problems
Vitamin B12 deficiency in your system isn't good news for your gut.
This is because when there is a lack of red blood cells in your body, your stomach doesn't
receive enough oxygen.
Without oxygen many biochemical functions are not performed properly.
One of these functions is digestion.
If not treated, it could lead to diarrhea.
You will also feel nauseous during this time.
#12 Weight Loss
The weight loss that you get because of Vitamin B12 deficiency isn't something to be happy
about.
Lack of red blood cells and stomach problems lead to a loss of appetite, this causes a
dramatic shrinking of the waistline.
You can check out our video on ways to increase appetite.
It will help you understand your problem better and look for a resolution.
If the situation gets way too out of control, visiting a doctor would be a better option.
#13 Decreased Reasoning Ability
This is more of an obvious problem.
There is not enough Vitamin B12 to make red blood cells.
So how will your brain receive the sufficient amount of oxygen that it needs to sustain
itself?
This decreases your brain's ability to think and reason.
Some people may even get memory loss because of this problem.
One study has even suggested a link between cognitive impairment and Vitamin B12.
#14 Increased Heart Rate
An increased heart rate is one of the first things that happens when you have B12 deficiency.
The heart does so to compensate for the lack of red blood cells in your body.
After all, your heart has to make sure that each part is getting enough oxygen.
Especially vital organs like the brain and liver.
They need a regular supply of oxygen.
This is why the heart makes sure it beats faster to provide oxygen to these organs.
#15 Easy Bruising
One of the other common symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency is easy bruising.
Your body won't be able to hold up without red blood cells.
You can also bruise easily if you have calcium or Vitamin C deficiency.
A blood test is an simple way to find out whether or not you have this deficiency to
begin with.
Are you getting the proper amount of B12?
Are you suffering from any of these symptoms?
Let us know in the comments below.
We would love to hear from you!