What your low vitamin B12 level can mean ?

Our body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, genetic material (DNA) and nerves. It is also required for the proper functioning of our nervous system. We cannot synthesize Vitamin B12 and get it through the food we consume. Meat, fish, eggs, poultry and dairy products are its good sources. By the role it plays in DNA synthesis, we can calculate its importance for our health. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can pose serious threats towards our healthy life.

People who are at a higher risk of Vitamin B12 Deficiency!

  • People on strict vegan diet are more prone to become deficient of Vitamin B12. As they do not consume animal food products which are the true sources of this vitamin. Women during pregnancy also needs to monitor their vitamin B12 levels closely.
  • Individuals whose small intestine has been surgically shortened can suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency as they would not be able to absorb vitamin B12 effectively.
  • Chronic alcohol consumption causes reduction in vitamin absorption, thus puts alcoholics at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • Old age also can make you suffer from the deficiency of vitamin B12 as aging reduces the efficiency of vitamin absorption. Selective consumption of food products also increases its chances of occurrence.
  • People who use antacid for long term to treat heartburn can as well become deficient of vitamin B12.
  • Those suffering from pernicious anemia (inability to absorb vitamin B12) may also get affected by this condition.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency

Deficiency of Vitamin B12 occurs gradually over a period of time and is hard to recognize. You may have vitamin B12 deficiency if you experience following signs and symptoms.

  • Paleness or yellowing of skin
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Poor balance and coordination (change in the way of walking)
  • Mouth ulcers and/ swollen tongue
  • Breathlessness and dizziness
  • Disturbed vision
  • Mental problems like depression and memory loss.
  • Sensation of pins and needles in the body

In an individual, deficiency of vitamin B12 can present itself in different ways. Therefore, it becomes necessary to recognize it and take measures to bring the levels of this vitamin back to normal.

If your body’s levels of vitamin B12 is not enough it can make you sick, pretty sick...!
So, be informed of its varied symptoms and try to be miles away from this simple nutrient with immense health risk range.