_Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms
The human body requires very little
vitamin b12
or cobalamin each day and most of us get enough of this vitamin in our daily meals. Although vitamin b12 deficiency is not common, it does happen, especially among the elderly and vegans as well as those who may have suffered a long term illness. Because of the importance of this vitamin, it is essential that the effects of b12 deficiency be understood.
Thesse days, there is little reason to be lacking in Vitamin b12 . Supplements are cheap and readily available. If you are a vegan and a breast feeding mom, your child may be deficient in vitamin b12. Tis vitamin is critical to young infants and you must consult with your doctor. Relatively large doses of vitamin b12 are generally considered safe and have few, if any, negative consequences.
A vitamin b12 deficiency is often first diagnosed because of anemia which is one of the first symptoms of a b12 deficiency. Other symptoms may include nausea, constipation and flatulence. Another indication of a b12 deficiency may be weight loss.
There are serious consequences if the deficiency is allowed to progress. These symptoms may include: insomnia, numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, memory problems, dizziness, depression, headaches, hallucinations, neurological damage, tinnitus and more.
All animal products are excellent sources of vitamin b12. Other sources include fortifed breads and cereals. B12 is rarely found in vegetables, but may be found in seaweed and algae. Vegetarians and especially vegans who don't eat any animal products are especially at risk for vitamin b12 deficiency. If you are in one of these risk groups it is important that you get your b12 from fortified foods or supplements.
Because b12 requires other vitamins to operate effectively, your best strategy may be to eat a well balanced diet and then supplement your diet with a multi-vitamin.
Summary:
For most of us, we get enough vitamin b12 in a reasonably good diet without supplementation. Supplements are inexpensive and can provide extra insurance for those times when you diet is less than perfect. While a deficiency in b12 is rare, it is important know the symptoms, especially if you or a loved one falls into one of the risk groups
Thesse days, there is little reason to be lacking in Vitamin b12 . Supplements are cheap and readily available. If you are a vegan and a breast feeding mom, your child may be deficient in vitamin b12. Tis vitamin is critical to young infants and you must consult with your doctor. Relatively large doses of vitamin b12 are generally considered safe and have few, if any, negative consequences.
A vitamin b12 deficiency is often first diagnosed because of anemia which is one of the first symptoms of a b12 deficiency. Other symptoms may include nausea, constipation and flatulence. Another indication of a b12 deficiency may be weight loss.
There are serious consequences if the deficiency is allowed to progress. These symptoms may include: insomnia, numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, memory problems, dizziness, depression, headaches, hallucinations, neurological damage, tinnitus and more.
All animal products are excellent sources of vitamin b12. Other sources include fortifed breads and cereals. B12 is rarely found in vegetables, but may be found in seaweed and algae. Vegetarians and especially vegans who don't eat any animal products are especially at risk for vitamin b12 deficiency. If you are in one of these risk groups it is important that you get your b12 from fortified foods or supplements.
Because b12 requires other vitamins to operate effectively, your best strategy may be to eat a well balanced diet and then supplement your diet with a multi-vitamin.
Summary:
For most of us, we get enough vitamin b12 in a reasonably good diet without supplementation. Supplements are inexpensive and can provide extra insurance for those times when you diet is less than perfect. While a deficiency in b12 is rare, it is important know the symptoms, especially if you or a loved one falls into one of the risk groups