Vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Unfortunately, not many of us realise it. As much importance as we pay to our heart, lungs, and kidneys, we do not give the same attention to our nutritional needs. In fact, three-quarters (73.1%) of total participants in a BMC Public Health study showed inadequate nutrition knowledge indicating the need to implement educational programs to promote it.
Vitamin B12 is one of the most important nutrients and in this article, we will highlight some of the most overlooked and unusual signs of vitamin B12 and ways to tackle it.
Also Read: How Much Vitamin B12 You Should Consume Daily? Here Are The Best Sources
What Makes Vitamin B12 An Essential Nutrient
What makes vitamin B12 stand out is its role in maintaining our nerve health. It helps make Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), and also reduces the risk of megaloblastic anaemia, which refers to very large red blood cells and a decrease in the number of those cells.
Dr J Harikishan, Senior General Physician, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad, defines vitamin B12 as a vital nutrient that cannot be produced internally and must be acquired from dietary sources or supplements.
He says, "Animal products like meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy are rich in B12 and absorption of this vitamin occurs in the small intestine with the assistance of intrinsic factor, a protein generated in the stomach."
Lack of vitamin B12 sources can lead to deficiency, which is prevalent in approximately 75% of the population that is 65 crore people, majority of which is caused by variation in demography, diet, and religion, says a study published in the Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency And Its Effect On Nerve Health: Warning Signs
Due to several functions of vitamin B12, low levels of this nutrient can have serious health implications. For instance, it can hamper nerve health, and may cause irreversible damage to the nervous system, says Dr Chandana R Gowda, Senior Specialist - Neurology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru.
Common neurological signs include:
- Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
- Vision problems
- Difficulty in remembering things or getting confused easily
Dr Gowda adds saying, “B12 deficiency may lead to weakness in muscles causing varied walking-related issues such as feet numbness, tingling, and burning causing difficulty in walking. Furthermore, it may also cause unsteady walking, inability to walk, or ataxia, which is the loss of physical ability.”
Low Level Of Vitamin B12 Can Lead To Oral Symptoms
Dr Harikishan discusses the impact of vitamin B12 deficiency on oral health. According to him, the nutrient deficiency can lead to a condition called glossitis, which is characterised by inflammation of the tongue, leading to a swollen, red, and painful tongue.
Common symptoms include:
- A pale or smooth tongue
- Recurrent mouth ulcers, known as aphthous stomatitis
- Burning or tingling sensation in the mouth or tongue
- Changes in taste perceptions
Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv, Consultant Neurologist & Epileptologist, Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru, notes that the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can develop slowly and can get worse over time. Some people may have no symptoms despite having a low level of vitamin B12 in their bodies.
Other Common Symptoms To Note
Here are some of the most common signs of vitamin B12 deficiency:
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Having yellowish skin
- Feeling depressed
- Feeling irritable
- Experiencing a change in the way you feel and behave
Conclusion
As listed above, there are several symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Most of the health issues can be easily mistaken for other medical conditions, which is why consulting a healthcare professional and taking necessary tests is crucial. Remember that a vitamin B12-rich diet is the only way to maximise your nutrient levels. Supplements should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor or clinical dietitian.