Vitamin B12 works to build your blood cells and nerves. Vitamin B12 is obtained by eating red meat, chicken, eggs and dairy foods, notes MedlinePlus. If you're a vegetarian, you may need a B12 supplement to ensure that your body has enough of this vitamin. Diseases such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease and ongoing alcoholism are also linked to a scarcity of vitamin B12 in the body. Before changing your diet to include more B12, consult with your doctor.
Anemia
Anemia is a deficiency in your red blood cells due to inadequate vitamin B12 intake. When your B12 levels are low, symptoms related to anemia occur such as diarrhea and a low energy level. Pale skin, bleeding gums or a red tongue are signs of anemia. Anemia related to B12 deficiency is most common in elderly patients, notes MedlinePlus.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath and lightheadedness may occur with a B12 deficiency, notes Lab Tests Online. Nerve damage due to a low level of B12 may also cause you to be irritable and experience dementia. These symptoms are due to macrocytic anemia from a lack of B12.
Depression, Confusion, Numbness
A long-term B12 deficiency may cause you to feel depressed, have problems with balance, be mentally confused and experience numbness in your feet and hands. When B-12 levels are low, your body cannot properly use the protein intrinsic factor. Thus, any B-12 that was consumed will leave your body as a waste product, notes MayoClinic.com. This will result in pernicious anemia.
Digestive Problems
Constipation and a lack of appetite are also symptoms of B12 deficiency. These symptoms arise typically due to inflammation of the stomach. A B12 deficiency will often have a strong impact on your digestive system.
If Taking Metformin
A B12 deficiency sometimes arises due to use of metformin, a drug used to treat diabetes, notes The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. This type of B12 deficiency will cause problems with your balance, your memory and possibly your mood. Ongoing tests of B12 levels are helpful when undergoing treatment for diabetes and taking metformin.
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