In our quick-paced world, occasional tiredness or cloudiness has almost become the norm. But what if your body is communicating a more fundamental nutritional deficiency, such as a Vitamin B12 deficiency? Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is necessary for good nerve health, the formation of Red Blood Cells (RBCs), and proper brain function. The signs of B12 deficiency are not usually overt and are frequently misattributed to other medical conditions or stress of everyday life. When left unabated, this deficiency can result in drastic and even irreversible harm.
In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Bhumesh Tyagi, Consultant, General Medicine and Physician, Shardacare, Health City, Noida, listed a few signs that your body is craving for vitamin B12. Read ahead to know what he shared with us.
Signs That Your Body Is Craving Vitamin B12
Here are the most prominent signs your body could be lacking in more Vitamin B12, and what you can do about it.
1. Chronic Fatigue and Weakness
Are you tired regardless of how many hours you sleep? Vitamin B12 helps play a key role in breaking food down into glucose, your body's energy source. Vitamin B12 deficiency can disrupt this process, making you tired, weak, and lethargic.
Expert Tip: If you're battling persistent exhaustion, request a blood test from your physician. B12 can be simply tested and restored through diet or supplements.
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2. Brain Fog and Concentration Difficulty
If you are having trouble with memory loss, confusion, or concentration, these may be neurological indicators of B12 deficiency. This vitamin is essential for supporting myelin production, a nerve sheath that requires fresh myelin for clear thinking. Research indicates that prolonged deficiency can heighten the risk of cognitive impairment or even dementia, particularly in older persons.
3. Pale or Jaundiced Skin
A deficiency of B12 influences the production of red blood cells, which could result in a condition called megaloblastic anaemia. This results in paleness or even mild yellowing of the skin and eyes, due to the deterioration of underdeveloped red blood cells.
4. Numbness or Tingling in Hands and Feet
B12 deficiency can result in nerve damage over time, leading to the sensation of pins and needles in your limbs. This symptom can be alarming and should not be ignored. And, if not addressed early, nerve damage from a B12 deficiency may become permanent.
5. Mood Swings or Depression
B12 facilitates the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are important contributors to the regulation of mood. B12 deficiency has been associated with heightened depression, anxiety, and mood instability risk. In certain situations, mood symptoms respond to B12 supplementation, particularly when deficiency is the underlying cause.
Who's at Risk?
Dr Tyagi highlighted that certain groups are more prone to Vitamin B12 deficiency, including:
- Vegans and vegetarians since B12 is mostly found in animal products.
- Older adults due to reduced absorption with age.
- Individuals who have gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn's, celiac disease, or low stomach acid can also have impaired absorption.
- Individuals on some medications
Bottomline
Vitamin B12 may be a tiny nutrient, but its impact on your well-being is huge. If you're experiencing a mix of these symptoms, don't dismiss them as ‘just stress’ or ‘getting older.’ Your body may be sending you an important message. With the proper care and prompt treatment, you can replenish your B12 levels and your energy, safely and efficiently.
[Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical counsel. Always seek your healthcare provider's advice before alterations in your supplement or health regimen.]