Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps several organs in your body to work properly.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can trigger a number of health issues (some of which can become critical with time).
Read ahead to learn about the signs and symptoms.
Vitamin B12 - also known as cobalamin - plays a significant role in keeping you fit & healthy. It aids in DNA synthesis, supports the production of red blood cells, improves the overall functioning of your brain, and a lot more.
The human body cannot produce vitamin B12 on its own. Also, being water-soluble, it easily gets expelled out of the body in some cases. Therefore, a deficiency in this vitamin is very common these days, mostly for people above the age of 60.
Without further ado, let's discuss some of the common signs that indicate vitamin B12 deficiency.
You feel a lack of energy
Vitamin B12 deficiency reduces red blood cell production in the body. This, in turn, can restrict the oxygen supply to all your tissues and organs. As a result, you may feel an excessive lack of energy throughout the day.
You have pale skin
Pale or yellow skin is a common symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. This occurs as a result of decreased red blood cell levels in the body (as these cells circulate under the skin, and maintainits normal color).
This can also be a sign of anemia or jaundice.
You notice a change in your tongue's texture
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lower the levels of papillae on the surface of your tongue. This can result in a sore tongue or decreased ability of your taste buds. So, if you suddenly notice a change in your sense of taste, it's time to get your vitamin B12 levels checked.
This can also lead to mouth ulcers as well.
You experience cognitive impairment
As vitamin B12 supports the functioning of the central nervous system, a deficiency can cause a decline in your cognitive skills. The symptoms include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, disorientation, etc.
This could also increase your risk of dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease.
You have irregular heartbeat and breathing difficulties
As previously mentioned, a lack of vitamin B12 causes a lower level of red blood cells in the body. This makes your heart work harder to supply blood throughout the body. The result is an irregular heartbeat, which is also associated with many cardiovascular disorders. This is a trigger of shortness of breath as well.
Some other signs are headache, digestive issues, rapid weight loss, etc.
