Vitamin Deficiency | Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Vitamin B12 has been for many years linked to anemia. This vitamin has been the first line of protection against this condition, and other Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms were not mentioned. New studies however have shown researchers that vitamin B12 is involved in more functions than just keeping us protected from anemia.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Lack of appetite, weight loss
• Constipation
• Paleness
• Diarrhea
• Numbness in hands and feet
• Tingling in hands and feet
• Trouble breathing
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Soreness of the mouth or tongue
• A state of confusion that can vary in degree. In some cases, especially when we talk about advanced-age patients. These symptoms can be confused with dementia (senile dementia).
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia Symptoms

Who are at more risk in developing B12 Vitamin deficiency symptoms?

Generally, vitamin deficiencies are rare and only present in individuals within certain “risk groups” in the case of the symptoms of b12 vitamin deficiency, groups include:

• Patients suffering from pernicious anemia, or suffering from certain gastrointestinal disorders that require proper Vitamin B12 supplementation.
• People using certain medications that decrease the absorption of the vitamin. Among these drugs we have Proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists and Metmorfin, a drug used to treat diabetes.
• Older people who have different nutritional needs. It is estimated that around 30% of people 50+ can be suffering from atrophic gastritis, and the growth of bacteria can reduce the absorption of Vitamin B12.
• People undergoing a vegetarian or vegan diet, who don’t get enough B12 from vegetables and may need a B12 supplement. This happens because natural sources of B12 only come from animals. For vegans (or strict vegetarians) an increased intake of fortified cereals with B12 can be an option and a “must” to their diet. Here it is also very important to say that pregnant/breast-feeding mothers following vegetarian diets MUST consult with the doctor about the proper use of supplements during that phase.

What to do if you have one of these Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms?

Some of the symptoms may be produced by a variety of medical conditions, so they are not exclusively related to a Vitamin B12 deficiency.  You need to undergo proper medical exams to determine if the symptoms are indeed linked to a B12 deficiency problem.

Finally, remember that this is an informative article.  If you need to proper address your symptoms and get a correct diagnose, it is imperative to go to a doctor who will be able to evaluate you and give you guidelines on the treatment you must follow.